The Nike Air Max 1 ‘Evolution of Icons’ is a Historical Air Max Day Hybrid

Since 2014, Nike have been engaged in a self-declared act of annual one-upmanship with a series of major releases on March 26, better known as Air Max Day. For a day that celebrates all things Air Max, things appeared to have taken a slight breather in the past couple of years – but in 2021 it’s set to be one of the biggest events yet. With a number of key releases ready to release and/or return in late March, such as the Air Max 90 ‘Bacon’ retro, this Air Max 1 ‘Evolution of Icons’ is also joining the fray, compiling 10 key models from the series’ first decade.

The AM1 ‘Evolution of Icons’ is a ‘What The’ styled hybrid that features distinct design elements applied to a clean white leather upper base. It’s not completely asymmetrical, as sections like the outsole are identical on both sides, while the lateral mudguard’s layers reference the Air Max 95’s upper. Elsewhere is an Air Max smorgasbord: four different Swoosh finishes, mismatched toe box embroidered details, alternating tongue branding, and a 3.26 logo on the left heel that corresponds to the date of Air Max Day. The insoles also display every shoe featured on the ‘EOI’ – arranged in a rather familiar manner (for those playing at home, check the 2005 History of Air insoles).

Nike are yet to confirm this drop, but it would be remiss for the Air Max 1 ‘Evolution of Icons’ to release on any day other than March 26.