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There are so many Air Maxes to choose from in the legendary line. I personally have my own favorites and I think there are many sneaker collectors that feel the same. Here I present my top 3 Air Max models to ever exist.
Top 3 Air Max Models & Most Iconic Colorways
The top 3 Air Max are the Air Max 1, Air Max 90 and Air Max 95. These models excel in what makes the line iconic and are well known by fans of the Air Max line throughout the world.
At least, as far as I can tell. This is all my opinion of course, but it is rooted in my observations of how sneaker collectors relate to the Air Max. As far as I’m concerned, the Air Max 1, Air Max 90 and Air Max 95 are the most iconic. The shoes have the best shapes, most original colorways and most influence on future models.
As far as top colorways on these models, the ones pictured in this article are what I consider the best. They are all OG colorways and consist of the Air Max 1 White/Red, Air Max 90 Infrared and Air Max 95 Neon.
The Air Max 1: The Pair That Started It All
The Air Max 1, which initially released in 1987 is a Tinker Hatfield design. It was initially known simply as the Air Max. The concept and look of the Air Max 1 takes inspiration from the Pompidou Center in Paris.
is a retro of the original colorway of the Air Max.
This is probably the most iconic colorway in
the entire Air Max line!
Shop Air Max 1: eBay
While Air technology had existed in the 80s, Tinker’s creation is the first to reveal it in the midsole. This concept, taken from the idea behind the Pompidou Centre’s open design, was revolutionary for its time and has since been utilized on various Nike models both in and outside of the AM line.
The iconic nature of the shoe, being the one that “started it all” easily puts this in my top 3 Air Max models. The sleek shape looks great on feet even after the sneaker is broken in, which is something Air Maxes often incorporate into the signature look of the line. The paneling represents a master class in sneaker design and this shoe has released in a plethora of very dope colorways and collaborations because of it.
The Air Max 90: The First “Wedge” Air Max
The Air Max III is the original name for the Air Max 90. The shoe got its more common name thanks to being originally released in 1990. The design is yet again another Tinker Hatfield creation.
The first and most well known colorway of
this Air Max model.
Shop AM90: eBay
Everything on the Air Max 90 design strives to be bigger and better than the Air Max 1 and the Air Max Light. The larger heel and larger Air Unit was added to this model based on this idea. When it comes to “wedge shaped” runners, this sneaker definitely epitomizes that. A high back and a pointy toebox in extreme proportions is a design philosophy that would carry on to many other runner models.
The original Infrared colorway is one of my favorite shoes of all time. Rumor has it that the first colorway of the model was chosen to highlight the bigger air bubble and extreme proportions of the midsole. While the Air Jordan 6 also famously sports infrared on some of the original colorways, I personally think this is the most iconic sneaker with that shade used on it.
The shape and color have been so influential over the years that this sneaker easily makes it into my top 3 Air Max models of all time. I bet few sneakerheads would argue the significance of this sneaker’s shape and original colorways in the sneaker world today. The overall comfort on this shoe is tough to beat, even for a retro with old tech by today’s standards.
The Air Max 95: Gradient Uppers
The Air Max 95 is named after it’s initial release year of 1995. The end user in mind at the time was a larger runner that needed max cushioning. Instead of another Tinker design, this sneaker is a Sergio Lozano creation.
This sneaker either started or featured many
trends that would make their way onto multiple
runners and other models for the rest of time.
Shop AM95: eBay
Human anatomy informs the design cues for the Air Max 95. The spine of the shoe is supposedly analogous to the human spine, while the rest of the design emulates skin, ribs, & tendons.
The 95 changed up the look of a running shoe, influencing many other runners and other types of sneakers afterwards. Of course, the shoe is comfortable and works in a sneakerhead’s wardrobe. However, of the 3 on this list, this Air Max is probably the most “different” looking and thus polarizing.
Regardless, I think these are top tier visually for a few reasons. First, we get the segmented Air Units that span from the front to the back of the sneaker. This is interesting because most previous Nike Air-having sneakers focused on an exposed rear unit as opposed to the forefoot. Other models like the Air Max Plus and later full-length Air Unit models would get their origins from a shoe like this.
Second, we get the gradient going up the side. The multiple panels with the exposed lace loops is a whole look that definitely inspires other “gradient” looks on Air Maxes moving forward. Finally, the original colorway in Neon has made its way onto all types of sneakers. Black, grey and neon green is considered a classic combo these days.
To the Max!
The shoes on this list are my top 3 Air Max because they have some unbeatable (in my eyes) combination of iconic looks and colorways that prove influential to sneakers that come after them in the timeline.
Of course, all three are great as far as comfort and wearability and remain relevant to this day. If you are a beginner sneakerhead, or even one with experience, look into adding a retro of these colorways into your collection. As far as I’m concerned, these are basics every sneaker collector should own at least one pair of.