1987 marks a turning point in the sneaker world with the arrival of the Nike Air Max 1. Designer Tinker Hatfield managed to stand out by offering a completely new pair that reveals the Air Sole unit at the midsole. This modern and avant-garde proposal came to him after contemplating the Centre Georges-Pompidou and its architecture that exposes the interior. Discover the different panels that constitute this remarkable iteration, which one never tires of, even after three decades!
The different panels of the Air Max 1
The toebox
The “toe box” of the sneaker corresponds to the panel on the upper that protects the top of the foot. On the Air Max 1, it can take on different appearances with various materials and colorways depending on the editions.
The mudguard
Connected to the toebox, the mudguard is an important element that tends to dictate the colorway of the Air Max 1. Indeed, this element, sometimes adorned with a mini-swoosh, is dressed in various textures and shades depending on the versions and collaborations. On the Patta x Air Max 1 “The Wave” pack, the mudguard takes the shape of a wave, thus becoming one of the most iconic Air Max of recent years.
The eyelets
Easily recognizable, the eyelets are located on the upper and allow the laces to pass through for optimal foot support. They can be colored, made of rope, or other materials to add more character to the design.
The tongue
Literally, the tongue can be translated as the “tongue” of the pair, meaning the tab where the laces rest. It displays the branding or co-branding when the pair is made in partnership with artists, designers, or other brands.
The heel
The heel, which translates to “heel,” is characterized by the rear reinforcement of the pair. Generally, it features the inscription “Nike Air” but can vary depending on collaborations or special pair releases.
The quarter panel
Attached to the eyelets and the heel panel, the quarter panel is a prominent element of the upper that contrasts with the famous swoosh.
The midsole
A key element of the Air Max 1, the midsole is the intermediate sole that separates the upper from the outsole and contains the famous visible air bubble, also called the “Air Unit.” It is sometimes aged, colored, or customized.
The Air Unit
The Air Max 1 is the first pair to be equipped with a visible air unit. This particular technology is what characterizes the originality of the sneaker and is so appealing to sneakerheads, even 36 years after its first appearance. It provides great comfort coupled with very good cushioning thanks to the pressurized air contained within the sole.
The outsole
The part that is in direct contact with the ground is called the outsole, in other words, the outer sole. It can be colored and matched to the design, customized, or even be a gumsole.
The insoles
These are the removable inner soles of the pair. They feature the branding and are generally customized during collaborations.
The swoosh
The swoosh is the checkmark logo of Nike that represents a wing of the Greek goddess Niké. On the Air Max 1, it is present on each side of the sneaker but also on the branding of the tongue and on the heel. The lateral swooshes can take on different appearances depending on the design of the pair, with unique materials and colorways.