Nike gives iconic Air Max sneakers a tech makeover

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.

"It was a difficult process" making the Air Max lighter

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