The Nike Air Max 1, designed by Tinker Hatfield and released in 1987, revolutionized sneaker design by making Nike’s Air cushioning visible for the first time. Inspired by the Centre Pompidou in Paris, its exposed Air bubble turned functional technology into a bold design statement. The sneaker’s blend of mesh, suede, and vibrant color blocking helped define Nike’s aesthetic throughout the late ’80s.
The Air Max 1 balanced innovation with simplicity—introducing a performance-driven runner that doubled as a lifestyle staple. Over time, collaborations and limited editions have transformed it into a collectible piece of sneaker history.
As the foundation of the Air Max legacy, the Air Max 1 remains an icon of creativity and engineering—symbolizing the moment when sneaker technology became art.
