25 colorways of the Nike Air Max 1 on SoleBook.
The Nike Air Max 1 dropped in 1987, designed by Tinker Hatfield, and changed sneaker design by putting Nike's Air cushioning technology on full display through a visible window in the midsole. Before this, Air units were hidden inside the sole; Hatfield's decision to expose the bubble, reportedly inspired by the Pompidou Centre's exposed pipework, turned an engineering feature into a design statement. The original colorway, a grey mesh upper with red accents, became an instant reference point for the silhouette. Originally built as a running shoe, the Air Max 1 quickly transcended performance categories, finding a home in streetwear and sneaker culture well beyond the track. Through the 90s and 2000s it became a canvas for collaborations and regional scenes, particularly embraced in Europe, where cities like Berlin and London developed strong followings around the model. Nike has leaned into that history with frequent retros, "Anniversary" editions, and partnerships with designers and boutiques such as Patta, atmos, and CLOT. Decades on, the Air Max 1 remains one of the most referenced silhouettes in Nike's catalog, credited with helping establish visible Air as a lasting design language across the brand's running and lifestyle lines.