Air Max is the embodiment of Nike’s design philosophy. Since 1987, numerous expressions of “air” have captured the imagination of consumers. On Air Max Day 2021, the newest expression will debut with the introduction of Air Max Pre-Day. The silhouette’s reductive and circular design principles preview the future of Air Max.
About Air Max Pre-Day
The name, Pre-Day, hints at the dawn of a new Air Max era. New upcoming Air Max styles will utilize reductive and circular design principles.
The Air Max Pre-Day blends the aesthetic of the late-1970s and the 2020s. The classic look of the Waffle era veil modern innovations, new methods of make and recycled materials.
Upcoming colors of Air Max Pre-Day are washed-out versions of ’70s running styles.
Air Max Pre-Day releases on Air Max Day – March 26, 2021 on SNKRS and select retailers for $130.
Reductive Design
Reductive design removes elements to highlight a work’s most vital components. Air Max Pre-Day’s cored-out midsole and outsole showcase the entire air unit.
Air Max Pre-Day’s midsole design (foam, TPU clip, air unit and outsole) allows consumers to engage with the air unit unlike ever before.
Foam and rubber are removed from the Air Max Pre-Day’s midsole and outsole to decrease the shoe’s weight.
Circular Design
Circular design utilizes waste to help protect the planet. Air Max Pre-Day is made with at least 20% recycled content by weight.
Upper:
• 100% recycled polyester vamp/quarter
• 100% recycled synthetic suede tip, back tab, tongue overlay (85% r poly, 15% r polyurethane)
• 100% recycled polyester collar lining/laces
Midsole:
• About 75% recycled TPU Air unit
• About 20% recycled TPU clip
Outsole:
• About 13% Nike Grind rubber
Nike Sustainability Facts
All Nike air soles designed since 2008 contain at least 50% recycled materials and U.S. made Air soles are made with 100% renewable energy.
For the past two years more than 99.9% of Nike’s footwear manufacturing waste has been diverted from landfill.
76% of all Nike shoes and apparel include some recycled material.
History of Air Max
1987: Air Max 1
Inspired by the open architecture of Paris’ Centre Pompidou, Nike designer Tinker Hatfield cut a small window into the Air Max 1’s midsole, making Nike Air visible for the first time.
1990: Air Max 90
With its stand-out side panel, the AM90 was a revolution of its own. Its original “infrared” colorway still creates a sensation with every reissue.
1995: Air Max 95
Designers took inspiration from the earth’s layers for the 95’s sculptured look. This Air Max shoe was also the first to add a second visible Nike Air unit at the front foot.
1997: Air Max 97
The first Air Max shoe with a full-length Nike Air cushioning, the 97 looks incredibly futuristic. But designers actually took their inspiration from the natural beauty of ripples in water.
2015: Nike Air VaporMax
With only a thin film separating your foot from the cushion, this shoe is the closest you can get to walking on air. Nike Air VaporMax is fast, flexible and impossible to miss.
2018: Air Max 270
Boasting the first-ever Mar Air unit created specifically for Nike Sportswear, the Nike Air Max 270 delivers an Air unit that absorbs and gives back energy with every springy step.
2019: Air Max 2090
Iconic comfort takes a futuristic leap forward in the AM2090 – a bold look inspired by the DNA of the iconic Air Max 90 and blends with timeless OG features for an edgy, modernized look.
