For the Air Max Day edition of Straat Your Stuff, we got the members of the Singapore sneaker community, SG Dopekicks, to show us their prized sneakers from the range.
Photos by Leo Adysaputra
It’s been 28 years since the debut of the Nike Air Max, and countless models, collaborations and colorways have been released since. Sneakerheads themselves can attest to a select few iconic silhouettes, among them the Air Max 1, 90, 95 and 97. We met up with members of sneaker community, SG Dopekicks, to unravel their unique Air Max story.
Tell us more about the pair you’re wearing today.
On my feet are the atmos x Nike Air Max 1 “Elephant Print”. They wanted to do something like the Supreme x Nike SB Dunk, hence the cement or “elephant” print.
What was the first pair of Air Max that you set your sights on and why did it catch your attention?
The Air Max 95. I remember it was 1998 when I started collecting sneakers, and the craze stemming from the 95 was still strong. Besides the Jordan 11, that model was one of the reasons why I went into sneakers. I actually went to buy all the OG colorways of the 95, which cost me about $3,000 for seven colorways.
Which is your favorite model to date?
It will still be the Air Max 1. It was only later on when I started wearing my shoes that I realized that the shape of the Air Max 1 is nicer. The Air Max 95 is a little bulky.
Which is the most expensive pair in your collection?
The atmos x Nike Air Max 1 “Safari”. Atmos had the “Safari” followed by the “Viotech”. I had three pairs of the former and two pairs of the latter at first, but sold some away when the midsole started to crack.
Any specific release you’re looking for?
I’m hunting down old releases such as these to wear. I can either buy from Europe or do a sole swap. The problem is that the midsole is not pure white or black. Someone has to paint it to the exact color.
The Air Max has been updated constantly through the years. Is there a particular innovation that appeals to you?
I really like the Hyperfuse technology. A lot of sneakerheads are disappointed with the bulky toe box of recent Air Maxes. The only way to get a very nice, sleek toe box is to either go for old models, Hyperfuse or iDs.
What makes the Air Max so special that it remains relevant to sneakerheads after so many years?
The Air Max 1 has a clean and simple design and it rides on the retro wave. People who saw it when they were kids now remember it. Not forgetting that the Air Max 90 and 95 are very nostalgic and have good designs too. Some of the not-so-popular models came about because the Air Max range has been over-saturated. Maybe they should have stopped at one point. After Air Max 97, it started becoming less relevant. People will start to go back to the more significant lines.
What do you think of the new Air Max Zero?
I have mixed thoughts on that. It’s not a new shoe; it was one of the prototypes for the Air Max 1 that Tinker Hatfield came up with. Later on, he scrapped the idea and they came up with the 1. It predates the Air Max 1 so you can’t say it isn’t important. Having said that, I don’t really like the shape, and the first colorway chosen isn’t very good.
Tell us more about the pair you’re wearing today.
This is the Air Max 90 Tape “Splatter”. The tongue of the shoe is pretty cool, along with the polka-dot lace, 3M reflective upper and speckled midsole.
What was the first pair of Air Max that you set your sights on and why did it catch your attention?
The OG Air Max 95 for me. I managed to get my first pair at Peninsula. It was the definitive shoe of that era, where you could see a hint of the Air Max unit on the forefoot.
Which is your favorite model to date?
Till date, the Air Max 95 remains my favorite. I still make it a point to buy every re-issue of the OG colorway. I’m stoked about the upcoming release of the Air Max 95 “Patch”!
Which is the most expensive pair in your collection?
The atmos x Nike Air Max 1 “Safari”. It cost me about $400.
Any specific release you’re looking for?
I like the Air Max 1 “Patch” in full black. Apparently everyone loves it, so I don’t know if I can find it.
The Air Max has been updated constantly through the years. Is there a particular innovation that appeals to you?
I prefer the OG look and feel, especially when the visible air unit has a neon color to it.
What makes the Air Max so special that it remains relevant to sneakerheads after so many years?
The silhouette and comfort level, especially the latter. The sole is rather thick and it increases your height.
What do you think of the new Air Max Zero?
I don’t really like it. It looks a little like a tennis shoe. Then again, pictures and real life are different. Case-in-point: The Nike Sock Dart. It looks normal in pictures but is simply breathtaking in real life.
Tell us more about the pair you’re wearing today.
I’m wearing the Kidrobot x Nike Air Max 1 which was released at Barneys New York. It is a nice pair to look at and it catches people’s attention, but it isn’t my favorite pair. I’d much rather prefer an OG white and red Air Max 1.
What was the first pair of Air Max that you set your sights on and why did it catch your attention?
Some all-white Air Max 1 that I saw a guy wearing in school. I bought those as a reward for getting my driver’s license.
Which is your favorite model to date:
I love the Air Max 1 OG Grey Mesh with the mini swoosh in front. That came out in 1999.
Any specific release you’re looking for?
Not at the moment. Most good pairs are released years back and it would be risky wearing them. I’m just enjoying what I have right now.
The Air Max has been updated constantly through the years. Is there a particular innovation that appeals to you?
I think the engineered mesh worked pretty well on the Air Max.
What makes the Air Max so special that it remains relevant to sneakerheads after so many years?
Tinker Hatfield drew inspiration from the Pompidou Center in Paris when designing the Air Max 1. I grew up in Paris and that makes it sentimental to me. But other than its history, the design and the lines of the Air Max 1 just attracted me.
Will you be copping the new Air Max Zero?
No. Even though it is said that the Air Max Zero was sketched in the process of designing the Air Max 1, I don’t like the lack of structure on the toe box of the Air Max Zero. It feels like it is a fusion of the Air Max 1 and the Nike Air Flow. Even on sketch, the sneaker looks like it has more details and structure than the actual product. I’m quite meticulous about details and the Air Max Zero just doesn’t appeal to me that much.
Tell us more about the pair you’re wearing today.
I’m donning the “Air Max Day” from last year. It’s a reinterpretation of the Air Max 1 OG with a volt midsole. The tongue also has the Air Max Day commemorative date on it.
Which is your favorite model to date?
I prefer the Air Max 90, especially its shape. I even customized a pair from Nike iD.
Any specific release you’re looking for?
The “holy grail” would be the one that Daniel Tan is wearing. Its Tiffany swoosh and elephant print are amazing. I’ll readily sell half my collection to fund it. But I’ll probably have to do a sole swap even if I find a pair.
The Air Max has been updated constantly through the years. Is there a particular innovation that appeals to you?
The Lunarlon sole is pretty comfortable. Some shoes provide more comfort and the Air Max is one of them.
What do you think of the new Air Max Zero?
It looks pretty good but I might give it a pass. I’m planning to cut down on shoes and spend more on travel.
Tell us more about the pair you’re wearing today.
I’m wearing an Air Max 1 iD inspired by the Solebox x New Balance 1500 Finals. It’s also my favorite pair.
What was the first pair of Air Max that you set your sights on and why did it catch your attention?
It was the Nike Air Max 1 “Hufquake” from 2007. It was the shoe with the most hype during that period.
Any specific release you’re looking for?
Patta x Nike Air Max 1 “Corduroy”.
What makes the Air Max so special that it remains relevant to sneakerheads after so many years?
They are comfortable and look good on feet. You can wear them with anything.
Tell us more about the pair you’re wearing today.
Air Max 1 “Mid Autumn”. I got them in Japan. They were only released there and in China if I’m not mistaken. Mine’s already starting to fall apart but a brand new pair goes for around US$900 right now.
Which is your favorite model to date?
atmos x Nike Air Max 1 “Safari”. I had a pair before but they fell apart. I was lucky enough to get another pair from my friend for a very good price.
Tell us more about the pair you’re wearing today.
The Nike Air Max 1 x Roundel by London Underground Air Max Collection. This design was inspired by the London Tube.
Which is the most expensive pair in your collection?
That would be either the atmos x Nike Air Max 1 “Safari” or the Patta x Nike Air Max 1 “Chlorophyll”.
Tell us more about the pair you’re wearing today.
It is the atmos x Nike Air Max 1 “Tiger Camo”.
Which is the most expensive pair in your collection?
Air Max 1 “Shima Shima 1”. I think I paid around $420 for it.
Special thanks to SG Dopekicks for talking to us about the Air Max. SG Dopekicks is a Singapore-based sneaker community on Facebook with about 700 members. Membership is by invite only.