About

The first visible Air

The Nike Air Max 1 was released in 1987 and was the first sneaker with an Air unit you could see. Designer Tinker Hatfield got the idea from the Centre Pompidou in Paris, a building that carries its pipes and escalators on the outside. He applied the same idea to the sole: don’t hide the cushioning, show it. The Nike Air Max 1 Premium is the same low classic, but executed in richer materials.

What “Premium” adds

Where the standard Air Max 1 mainly relies on mesh with a few suede parts, the Premium line goes a step further in the finishing. Think full-grain leather or nubuck overlays, deeper suede, subtle textures and tonal stitching. The silhouette and construction remain the same, but the hand-feel and appearance become fuller. As a result, the same model looks a bit more refined and less overtly sporty.

The construction

Underfoot sits the visible Air-Sole in the heel, still the heart of the shoe. Beneath it runs a rubber outsole with the recognizable waffle tread for grip. The mudguard around the toe, the Swoosh on the side and the low, wide shape make the silhouette recognizable at a glance. The whole remains close to the ground, just like the original from the eighties.

Wearing and pairing

The Air Max 1 Premium sits low and fits neatly around the foot. The full materials make it easy to wear, from jeans to smarter clothing, while the visible Air continues to show the sporty origins. It’s a model that looks understated and still reads immediately as an Air Max.

A monster with the first visible Air.

On this page you can see which versions of the Nike Air Max 1 Premium are currently the hottest according to the Hypescore, from what price they can be found and how many shops have them in stock.