For the second instalment of our UK Air Max series, we caught up with the proclaimed ‘Final Boss’ of the UK sneaker collector scene, Stevey Ryder, to talk all things Air.
The following interview has been lightly edited.
What is your history with Air Max?
My history with Air Max started in the mid-80s, first with the historic Nike Air Surge and the Nike Air Bourne. Then came visible air in 1987 with the Air Max 1.
Can you describe Air Max culture in the UK?
Air Max culture, for me, started here in the UK. I remember my school days in the late 80s, Nike had just dropped some of the dopest looking kicks on the market. As a kid, you see these kicks, and you just had to have them. I remember it was uniform to wear Air Max. For the kids and me I grew up with, we rocked them proudly and most definitely carved the way for those following the movement.
Thirty years on, how does the AM90 rank for you among the all-time greats?
The Air Max 90 is still one of my favourites, right from the day it dropped back in 1990. Back then, they were called the Air Max 3, following on from the Air Max Light (aka the Air Max 2 that dropped in 89). Having followed the Air Max since 87, the 90 was the newest, brightest, most wanted shoe of its time. I had to have them and been hooked ever since. I’m always waiting on the retro to come back. It’s in my top 5 silhouettes for sure.
First or favourite ever pair of AM90’s you owned? How did they make you feel?
My first 90 ever was the men’s OG colorway, now known as Infrared. I think the total orange was the original name. The feeling you had back then, I’m sure, is re-lived through the community on a regular basis. When these dropped I remember rocking a pair of Chipie chinos or corduroys, pin rolled with Burlington diamond socks, kicks laced loose, fresh trim, dope jacket, and the world was yours for the taking! The feeling is hard to explain, but if you love kicks, you’ll get what I’m saying.
What are some of the most iconic AM90 collaborations with European brands or creatives?
My most memorable and iconic AM90’s would be the Tongue n Cheeks by Dizzee Rascal, and my favourite would be the Dave White AM90s from the Wet Paint Pack. Both pairs have an incredible mix of colours and materials. I feel there aren’t enough collaborations on this side of the pond and especially with the heads that are more connected to the culture and more passionate about the actual shoe.
What made these collaborations so successful?
It is more so because of the colourway for the Dave White 90s. He took an iconic mix transfer coming from the Air Max 95 neon OG to the 90s; they were bound to be a winner with the OGs.
The Dizzee was very limited and was a dope clean pair with clean-cut details. Details are what really make a pair special: Clear swoosh, premium leather, and suede, along with the clear outsole with Dizzee’s record label logo “Dirty Stank Records.” This pair also came with 3M reflective details on the heels which set them off nicely. If you managed to get the Red Monkey Tongue n Cheek jeans to match the kicks, then the cypher is complete! Loved the collabs. But again, I’d say not there are not enough collabs from the UK.
Favorite pair from this year’s Air Max Day release lineup?
I would honestly say that the pair that I’m waiting on is the OG colourway. I’m quite liking the size of the bubbles on the new 2090 too. The atmos Reverse Duck Camo AM90 is another pair I am looking forward to.
Be sure to check out more of our Air Max Day 2020 interviews with Jeff Staple, Dave Ortiz, SOSHI, Mr. Foamer Simpson, and Magdi Fernandes.
