Air Max Day: we selected the 5 best models of all time

Initially designed to be a running shoe, the Air Max 1 was the first Nike footwear to showcase the air unit in the midsole. A few years later, the shoe designed by Tinker Hatfield became one of the greatest icons of sneakerhead culture, with various collaborations launched since 2002 and a dedicated anniversary date full of events and releases.

Also read: 10 facts you need to know about the Nike Air Max

With the arrival of Air Max Day 2019, our editorial team curated 5 of the best Air Max models ever released by Nike. From classics to holy grails and more recent releases. Check out our list below:

Nike Air Max 1 x Atmos - 'Viotech'

Atmos was responsible for the first collaboration ever made using the Air Max 1 as a base, with the Safari model. Released in 2003, the Viotech features a color combination that made it one of our favorites.

Nike Air Max 1 x Parra x Patta - 'Cherrywood'

Inspired by the red-light district in Amsterdam, where Patta is located, the Cherrywood is undoubtedly one of the greatest holy grails in terms of Air Max. The collaboration launched in 2010 showcased the aesthetic of Dutch artist Piet Parra, who added his iconic color palette and an illustration on the insole of the shoe.

Nike Air Max 1 - 'Urawa'

Released in 2004 exclusively in Japan, the Urawa is a tribute to the Japanese football team Urawa Red Diamonds (or Urawa Dragons). The colors of the shoe refer to the club's main uniform, while the Nike Air logo on the heel panel was replaced with an embroidered dragon, one of the rare times this has occurred.

Nike Air Max 90 x Atmos - 'Duck Hunter Camo'

Our list would be almost entirely composed of the emblematic collaborations of the Japanese store, but that wouldn’t be fair. However, the Air Max 90 Duck Hunter Camo, released in 2013, is one that we could not leave out. The model combines the classic infrared from Nike with camouflage in a unique and unmistakable way, as well as experimenting with textures and different materials.

Nike Air Max 1/97 x Sean Wotherspoon

The most recent release on our list does not disappoint. Made in collaboration with the name behind Round Two, Sean Wotherspoon, the shoe is actually a hybrid of Air Max 97 and Air Max 1. Its corduroy upper pairs with the colorful sole and forms one of the most coveted sneakers of recent times among enthusiasts.