The Nike Air Max, crafted by Tinker Hatfield, made its debut in 1987, introducing a revolutionary cushioning system that forever altered the trajectory of athletic footwear. Inspired by the inside-out architecture of the Pompidou Centre in Paris, Hatfield created the first-ever visible Air unit, delivering not just exceptional comfort but a design element that was unlike anything seen before. The line expanded to include models like the Air Max 90, 95, and 97, each iteration pushing boundaries of design and technology. Numerous collaborations with high-profile brands and artists, including OFF-WHITE, Supreme, and Travis Scott, have cemented the Air Max's status as a timeless icon in sneaker culture.
About the Brand
Nike was founded in 1964 by University of Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman and his former student Phil Knight, initially operating under the name Blue Ribbon Sports as a distributor of Japanese running shoes. In 1971, the company rebranded as Nike, inspired by the Greek goddess of victory, and introduced the Swoosh logo, symbolizing speed and movement. Nike revolutionized athletic footwear with the development of Air cushioning technology in 1979, which provided superior shock absorption and energy return and became a defining feature in iconic products like the Air Force 1 and Air Max series. The Air Jordan line, launched in 1984 through a partnership with basketball legend Michael Jordan, bridged the gap between sports performance and lifestyle, becoming a cultural phenomenon and increasing Nike's popularity. Through continued innovation and collaborations with designers and brands such as Virgil Abloh's Off-White and Supreme, Nike has solidified its position as a leader in both athletic and fashion markets.
