Nike Air Max 1 SC

Air Max 1 SC

In 1987, footwear designer Tinker Hatfield changed the landscape of sneaker culture when he created the Air Max 1. His great innovation was adding visible Air cushioning to the midsole, which made it both comfortable and stylish. Although it has become a popular lifestyle model over the years, it was initially designed as a running shoe. Today, Nike celebrates that history with the Air Max 1 SC, whose classic take on the original silhouette preserves and elevates its sporty elements.

To honour the sporting heritage of the 1987 shoe, the brand has used the letters SC in the name of the modern sneaker to represent the words ‘Sports Classic’. As such, the look of the Nike Air Max 1 SC reflects this athletic design by incorporating a foam-filled midsole with the legendary Air Max unit in the heel. This bouncy airbag can be seen through an oblong-shaped window in each side of the sole and offers excellent cushioning. While the midsole delivers soft comfort underfoot, the outsole keeps things steady via its grippy rubber tread, which has been shaped into the traditional Waffle pattern.

The upper of the Air Max 1 SC blends a variety of quality materials including mesh, leather and suede, but some versions use other fabrics like nubuck and nylon. These have been layered atop one another to create the iconic look of the 80s model, with a big mudguard that covers the whole lateral side and most of the medial one. Curvaceous panels adorn the quarter and heel, and a swoosh rests over each flank.

Soft padding around the collar supports the ankle, and the laces are secured by the AM1’s trademark moulded eyelets, thus ensuring that the foot is held firmly in place at all times. Embroidered Nike Air lettering decorates the heel, and the tongue patch displays its own classy branding as the contemporary silhouette seeks to pay homage to the original shoe in its aesthetic as well as its technology.

With its vintage design, the Nike Air Max 1 SC provides a powerful blend of classic sporting comfort, nostalgic appeal and timeless style.