In honour of Air Max Day 2023, Nike is bringing back one of the most beloved Air Max designs of all time: the Big Bubble.
To celebrate the return of the Big Bubble, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 OG Air Max colourways of all time, featuring some of the most iconic designs in sneaker history. From the classic white and red of the Air Max 1 to the bold neon accents of the Air Max 95, each sneaker on this list represents the innovative spirit and timeless style of the Air Max line.
These OG colourways are just a small selection of the Air Max line, but they represent the innovative spirit and iconic design that the Air Max is known for. Each model has its own unique story and place in sneaker culture, and these colourways continue to be sought-after by collectors and fans.
1. University Red
The OG colourway of the Air Max 1, released in 1987, features a white and grey upper with pops of red on the Nike swoosh and Air Max unit. The black accents on the heel and outsole complete the simple, yet striking colour scheme.
2. Infrared
Released in 1990, the Air Max 90 quickly became a fan favourite. The OG colourway features a white and grey upper with black and infrared accents on the heel and outsole. While the Infrared colourway is most commonly associated with the Air Max line, it has also appeared on a number of other famous sneakers, with notable examples including the Air Jordan 6 and last year’s Air Jordan 4 releases.
3. Neon
Released in 1995, the Air Max 95 featured a bold design inspired by the human body. The OG colourway includes a gradient grey upper with neon yellow accents on the lace loops and Air Max unit, and black accents on the outsole and tongue. The AM95 revolutionised sports footwear, and with its robust air bubble, it’s no wonder skaters took keenly to them. DC paid tribute with their Legacy silhouette, even putting them in the classic Neon colourway.
4. Hyper Blue
The Air Max Plus, released in 1998, was a revolutionary design that featured a gradient upper and a unique cage-like structure on the midfoot. The OG colourway features hyper blue and yellow accents on the upper, midsole, and outsole.
5. Metallic Silver
Released in 1997, the Air Max 97 was inspired by the Japanese bullet train and features a sleek, futuristic design. The OG colourway, known as the Silver Bullet, features a metallic silver upper with red accents on the Nike swoosh and Air Max unit.
6. Eggplant
A women’s exclusive eggplant colourway was released alongside the Air Max 90 infrared in 1990. This colourway features a rich purple hue on the suede and mesh upper, with a darker shade of purple on the leather mudguard and swoosh. A white midsole and black outsole complete the colour scheme.
7. Persian Violet
The Air Max BW, released in 1991, features a larger visible Air Max unit in the heel for extra cushioning and support. The Persian Violet colourway, with its striking purple and white accents, has featured on several other Nike sneaker models aside from the Air Max BW, including the Air Max 90, Air Max Plus, and Air Max Deluxe. It has also been used on non-Air Max models like the Air Huarache and the Nike Cortez.
8. Ultramarine
The Air Max 180 was released in 1991 with the name coming from the fact that the new Air bubble was visible at 180 degrees. The OG colourway, Ultramarine, features white, grey, and blue accents. The Ultramarine colourway has also been featured on several other popular Nike sneaker models, including the Air Max 95 and Nike Air Trainer SC High, famously worn by NFL superstar Bo Jackson.
9. Menthol
The Air Max 93 was released in 1993 and features a distinctive Air Max unit in the heel that wraps around the back of the shoe. The OG colourway, Menthol, features striking teal and black accents.
10. Gundam
The Air Max 98 was released in 1998 and features a unique, wavy upper design that is both bold and eye-catching. The Gundam colourway, with its blue, white, and red accents, is one of the most memorable and iconic designs in the Air Max line.
