In time for #airmax season.
First introduced in 1987 by sneaker architect Tinker Hatfield, Nike’s Air Max division has grown immensely in the past two decades, much of this is due to the Portland sporting imprint’s commitment to innovation and performance. WIth the expansion of the Nike Air Max archive, one element which continues to be prevalent in each release is the inclusion of the visible sole unit – a motif sprouted from ‘90s tech boom. Each year, the category expands larger and stronger. The latest edition is the Nike Air Max 2016, a sleek profile which features profuse air cushioning and a bold forefoot Swoosh. So far, models like the “Ocean Fog,” “Obsidian” and “Cool Gray” have done well as general releases, serving sneakerheads with clean, contemporary counterparts to the Air Max lineage. Yet for those wanting to flare things up, NIKEiD’s vault consist of a slew of custom add-ons for budding customizers to flex their prowess.
The Air Max ‘16s joined the NIKEiD roster back in December 2015, yet with all the hot releases then — think adidas Originals NMD, Nike LeBron 13 “Opening Night” and Air Jordan 8 Aqua — you probably didn’t reach too deep into your pockets for a one-off custom. With Nike Air Max Day fast approaching on March 26, what better way to celebrate the occasion than to put your own spin to the latest silhouette in the family. Complementing Air Max 2016’s forward-thinking build, here are five standout elements that’ll help accentuate your design.
Dynamic Printed Upper
One of the standout attributes of the ‘16 is its one-piece mesh upper which provides ventilation and great flexibility. With the aid of NIKEiD’s assets, now the crown jewel can boast an array of graphics and prints. The Fade menu consists of five patterns, from the subtle blend of Vivid Purple and Bright Crimson to louder hues of Blue Lagoon and Volt. There’s also an option to go camouflage. Green Glow, Vivid Pink and University Red offer modern military riffs, all while exuding a street-centric feel.
Uniform Fade Throughout
While general releases tend to feature only one colorway, in NIKEiD, designers have the option to choose Solid or Fade color palettes across the upper, midsole topline and airbag sole. For a uniform look throughout, eight gradients are on offer from the Fade category, allowing you to produce a bleach and heathered effect from toe-to-heel.
Make the Visible Air Bag Even More Visible
In homage to the Air Max genre, the full-length Max Air unit is the sneaker’s most eye-catching motif. In addition to Fade and Solid options, designers can also opt for a speckled print in 11 different colorways which include metallic gold, a bold offset to the see-through midsole. A a translucent outsole is also available, giving the cushioned lower an even more advanced look.
Reflective Flywire and Laces
The Air Max 90 and Air Max 1 have partnered with Pendleton to offer quaint customization choices, such as its worn leather, wool and Navajo panels alongside two-tone lace options. The Air Max 2016s, on the other hand, has opted for a more vanguard approach, with an array of reflective color laces available to match the Flywire technology, which can also be made to be reflective.
Metallic Swoosh
Aside from the Personal ID initials on the tongue, another standout decor is the sneaker’s forefoot and medial Swoosh. Amongst the 16 color options, metallic silver and metallic gold are also available for those looking to give their sneaker that extra reflective glare.
Now you’re familiar with the iD options, head to NIKEiD to try you hand at designing your own pair of Air Max 2016, and check out NikeiD’s latest Air Max pop-up shop in Hong Kong.