Nike's Air Max 1 'Wabi-Sabi' Is Perfectly Imperfect

Wabi-sabi is an ancient Japanese philosophy centred around the acceptance of transience and imperfection. It's gained popularity in street culture recently thanks to a deluge of custom distressed sneakers, and Nike have now worked some wabi-sabi vibes into their lineup with a new Air Max 1 'Wabi-Sabi'. Revealed by professional dancer and self-proclaimed 'queen of swag' @riehata, the 'Wabi-Sabi' adds perfectly imperfect details to show that a sneaker doesn't have to be uniform to look good.

The shoe's white canvas base is bolstered with an earthy colour scheme that includes brown, green and tan pieces, all with thick white contrast stitching for a handmade look. The key 'wabi-sabi' details are 'XXXV' stitched in red on the lateral heel for a nod to the Air Max 1's 35th anniversary and a trompe l'oeil graphic print on the midsole that make it look as if it's cracking. There's also a '3.26' embellishment on the tongue that nods to Air Max Day, and classic gum outsoles down below to round off the look.

Expect the Nike Air Max 1 'Wabi-Sabi' to release on Air Max Day, March 26. Its MSRP has yet to be announced.

Lookin' for more Max? Check out our list of Air Max 1 colourways that need to return in 2022 right here.