When Nike launched its Air Max 1 trainer in the late eighties it was
something of a footwear phenomenon. The technology was novel, the soles had
visible air, the colour ways were modern and cool, it was an innovation
that prompted the footwear giant to even greater star status.
The Air Max 1 has since become a footwear staple, worn by many an athlete
and fashionista ever since it debuted. But while widely acknowledged as one
of the greatest icon sneakers of all time, it’s not unfair to say
technology has moved on. Even Nike’s most lightweight sneaker, the Flyknit
that was introduced in 2012, is far more technologically advanced.
As the Air Max 1 comes up to its 30th anniversary, Nike have given the shoe
a makeover, utilising its Flyknit technology to create the Air Max 1 Ultra
Flyknit. It is the first time Nike has constructed the Air Max sneaker with
Flyknit, a technique that utilizes yarns to create a formfitting and
featherweight knitted silhouette.
Nike’s senior footwear designer, Ben Yun stated: “The main goal was to
capture the original Max 1 design lines using Flyknit technology, to make
it conform to your foot like a glove. It was a difficult process. We had to
go through numerous rounds of sketches and designs in the beginning to get
to a silhouette that could work well with both the Flyknit material and the
structure of the Air Max 1.”
The Flyknit technology is used along the uppers of the shoes to give
ventilation, while the soles showcase the visible air bubbles that give the
Air Max its branding. The comfort factor is Nike’s legendary visible-air
cushioning, courtesy of a Max Air heel unit.
Available colors range from a classic pair in black, white, and gray, to a
vibrant, almost neon orange with white Nike swoosh. At the time of release
they were not yet available for personalisation on NIKEID, however on its
website they should soon be available.
Photo: courtesy of Nike