Finding the One: Championing Air Max 1s with @misskata87

As one of the most iconic franchises going, the Sneaker Freaker community isn’t short of Air Max memories. Air Max Day is just around the corner, so we connected with some of the biggest collectors in the game to chat about their most treasured pairs, the line’s cultural impact and the grails that got away. For the second instalment in the series, we caught up with @misskata87, or Kata – a Madrid-based collector with an enviable selection of Air Max 1s.

So, give us the rundown. What’s your name/alias/social handle, where are you from, and which Air Max model got you hooked?

My name is Kata (@misskata87), and I was born and raised in Madrid. I’ve been a collector for 25 years, so it’s fair to say I’m a lover of Air Max. I can't remember the first model that got me hooked, but my earliest memories are from '98 when they started bringing Air Max to the graffiti store where I bought paint cans. Back then, there were only a few of us wearing them, mostly graffiti artists. A few years later, I had a sneaker store, so I had access to many models. Although my collection was more diverse back then (I also collected Jordans, New Balances and Air Forces), the Air Max always caught my attention, with the Air Max 1 being the model I identify with the most.

What’s on foot right now?

I'm wearing the DENHAM x Nike Air Max 1 ‘Blue Void’ – a pair that a good friend managed to get for me. For me, it’s one of Nike's most special collaborations due to the exquisite design.

What specific memories or emotions does your Air Max collection evoke? Is there a particular pair that holds the most sentimental value for you, and what’s the story behind it?

I have millions of memories with sneakers because I've been collecting them for quite a while. Each pair brings me unique memories, from special moments when I wore them, to the people who gave them to me or helped me get them. There's a story behind each pair of sneakers.

Is there a grail you’re still hunting?

Of course! I like to look for rare and vintage pairs, so I’m always on the lookout for something interesting in my size. I wear a 4.5 so it's a little more challenging, but I never stop searching.

Tell us a funny or horrifying Air Max story that happened to you.

Something very traumatic was discovering that my mother had thrown away my Air Max 1 ‘Pink Flamingos’ when I moved to my house. According to her, they were ‘very old’. It was too much – they were my favourite pair! They were indeed old and the mesh was torn, but it was nothing a good cobbler couldn't fix. A few stitches, a sole swap, and they would have been as good as new! Unfortunately, I haven't seen them again in my size.

In your view, what Air Max release had the biggest cultural impact and why?

I think Nike gave more strength to the Air Max models in 2016 and 2017. In my opinion, the release of the Sean Wotherspoon x AM1/97 had a great cultural impact, but I believe that both the Air Max 90, 95, and 97 were releases that revolutionised both technology and fashion.

What would you like to see for the future of Air Max?

I feel that fashion is moving more towards customisation and personalisation, and I believe that Nike is embracing this with ‘Nike By You’ releases, which allow us to participate in the design process. It would also be great to continue seeing collaborations with different artists and designers who bring new ideas.

What’s an Air Max myth you can bust for us?

They might fetch crazy prices now, but the first atmos Animal Pack that came out in 2006 was unwanted by anyone. I remember having them in the store, gathering dust, and I even saw them being sold at clearance prices!

What does being a part of the Air Max community mean to you?

I love being part of such a broad community. It's wonderful to be able to share experiences, knowledge and stories with people from all over the world who share the same enthusiasm for Air Max. Before the pandemic, I wasn't on social media and felt quite disconnected from everything. Thanks to social networks, I've met some great people from this community who make being a part of it worthwhile.

Show us three of your rarest Airs.

The rarest Air Max I have is a pair of 1989 Air Max II GS with the sole from the 1987 Air Max. Another somewhat rare pair is the Air Max Light ‘World Cup 2010 USA’, and the final one, just because I haven't seen many, could be the Air Max 1 ‘Alabaster Dragon’ from 2008.

For more Air Max memories, check out our interview with Bree Got Kicks.