On Air Max Day, which is celebrated annually on 26 March, Nike will be paying homage to the original Air Max 1. The first pair of the famed shoes was released 35 years ago and on this special occasion, new colourways are created to mark this momentous day. Each region in the world will get its unique shades and design.
The first Air Max Day was held in 2014 and Nike has made the event more extensive than the previous one each year. For sneaker fans, 26 March is a day where they share their favourite pair of Air Max shoes. Nike also takes this opportunity to announce headline-grabbing drops and other blockbuster releases.
This year’s Air Max Day will feature three exclusive designs. In North America, it will be the Air Max 1 ‘Blueprint’; Europe gets the Air Max 1 ‘La Ville-Lumière’; and Latin America-Asia features the Air Max 1 ‘Wabi-Sabi’.
Air Max 1 ‘Blueprint’
The Air Max 1 ‘Blueprint’ is a nod to the original designs of the Air Max by Tinker Hatfield. Initially hired by Nike to be its cooperate architect, Hatfield’s blueprints soon found its way into the first pair of Air Max. He was inspired by the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. Its piping, ducts and structural components were all prominently shown. On the Air Max, the sneakers’ Air cushioning bubble shown on the sole became Nike’s signature ever since.
The 2022 iteration features tonal blue hues combined with several shades of white and a series of grid patterns referencing Hatfield’s architectural roots: the drafting grid. These lines run through the tongue of the shoes while on the medial side, the Swoosh logo repeats asymmetrically. The lateral side features blue satin and a globe logo sits on the heel of each shoe.
Air Max 1 ‘La Ville-Lumière’
For fans in Europe, the Air Max 1 ‘La Ville-Lumière’ pays homage to Paris. The name even translates to the “City of Light”, which is the moniker given the French capital. The shoe is the most muted of the three designs. Reflecting the concept of lights, iridescent materials are used to craft the shoes. As light hits the sneakers, it will flicker with white, grey, and navy shades. Rounding up the Europe-exclusive release, a “3.26” keychain comes along with the ‘La Ville-Lumière, representing Air Max Day.
Air Max 1 ‘Wabi-Sabi’
The concept of wabi-sabi seeks to guide us into appreciating beauty in all its forms, including imperfections. In this Latin America exclusive, the idea is exemplified through the contrast stitching across mismatch panels in the uppers. Asymmetrical tags are featured on the tongue, with a cracking effect on the midsole and a smirking smiley face located on the heel of each shoe.
Air Max Day is happening on 26 March. Discover more Air Max Day sneakers at GOAT and Flight Club. You can also shop for your favourite pair at GOAT and Flight Club. Click on the Air Max Day 2022 guide to learn more about this year’s edition of the most coveted sneakers event.
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