The Nike Air Max 1 Colourways That Need to Return in 2022
It’s the 35th anniversary of the Nike Air Max 1 this year, so the brand is bound to bring back some old favourites. Whether or not they really should do that is an entirely different discussion, but it’s also a fun intellectual exercise to jog the memory and recall some colourways that could kill it in 2022. Here’s a disclaimer: all of these entries are from before 2012, as any release since then is arguably still wearable and also too soon to reissue.
'Viotech''Viotech'
Nike have already reissued atmos’ golden era AM1 colabs in the ‘Safari’ and ‘Elephant’, but the ‘Viotech’ remains the glaring exception. It’s been almost 20 years – they’re bound to return.
'Storm''Storm'
The AM1’s early-2000s run set the foundation for the model’s ongoing experimental streak. Rubberised mudguards, a dark ACG-ish colourway and speckled midsoles remain relevant in 2022.
'Forest Green''Forest Green'
White and black AM1s with a green Swoosh may sound unremarkable on paper, but given the verdant shade’s current clout, Instagram moodboards would go crazy if these basic beaters returned.
'Varsity Red''Varsity Red'
How about retroing an obscure version of the OG-ish colourway? There’s a 2005 ‘OG Mesh’ release with black outsoles and non-piped tongues that predates the History of Air retro.
'Cave''Cave'
Suede AM1s may be fairly commonplace these days but, 20 years ago, it was almost unheard of. The ‘Cave’ was a co.jp drop that would be nice in wearable form.
‘Dave White’ aka ‘Neon Pack’ aka ‘Wet Paint’‘Dave White’ aka ‘Neon Pack’ aka ‘Wet Paint’
OG Air Max colourways tend to be a hit, no matter what model they’re on. ‘Neon’ is an all-time colour, and this old Dave White x size? colab is the perfect expression.
‘Mint Safari’‘Mint Safari’
The Nike Sportswear era had plenty of great AM1 colourways with terrible shape. This release deserves a 2022 remaster with the updated silhouette and materials – just don’t mess with the colours.
‘Microstripe’ aka ‘Seersucker’‘Microstripe’ aka ‘Seersucker’
Another NSW release that was pretty unique thanks to its material choice. Again, all it needs to make a return in 2022 is a sharper toe rake and continued sleeper status.
‘OG Mesh Grey’ aka ‘Mini Swoosh’‘OG Mesh Grey’ aka ‘Mini Swoosh’
This 1999 release would be right at home if it re-released. The grey and white palette evokes that other running shoe brand, plus the ‘mini Swoosh’ detail is still all the rage.
‘Kidrobot’‘Kidrobot’
Kidrobot aren’t as hyped these days, but their AM1 from back in the day is legendary. Bringing them back now would be contextually misplaced, but that leather was so, so good.,
Can't get enough of Nike Air Max 1s? Be sure to check out the All-Time Greatest colourways.
