First introduced to the market in 1987 with the birth of the Air Max 1, the Nike Air Max line has become easily one of the most popular and recognisable footwear collections in the world. Centred around the inclusion of visible Air units encased within the midsoles, the kicks were originally intended to be used as running shoes, although they quickly gained popularity with the lifestyle market and are still incredibly popular today. Favoured by both sneakerheads and fashionistas across the globe, the Air Max family consists of many different silhouettes that have evolved in both design and performance over the years, with some models remaining more popular than others.
Pairs such as the Nike Air Max 1, the Air Max 95 and the Air Max 97 remain hugely important in today’s sneaker scene, with plenty of general release colourways and even rare collaborations launching at regular intervals. Here at Crepslocker we’ve rounded up some of the most rare and desirable Air Max models of all time, so if you’re looking to up your sneaker knowledge, read on for all you need to know!
Huf x Nike Air Max 1 "Hufquake"
Launched all the way back in 2007, the Huf x Nike Air Max 1 “Hufquake” launched as part of a two-sneaker collection that also featured an Air Max 90. Keith Hufnagel’s namesake brand has long since been a Swoosh partner, with this clean take on the 1987 classic proving just how well the duo can work together. Showing off a stealthy black and green colour scheme, the kicks are intricately-detailed with a crackle pattern across the uppers and finished with gum outsoles.
Eminem x Nike Air Max 97 "Shady Records"
Only released as part of a charity auction back in 2006, these ultra-rare Air Max 97s pay homage to the rapper’s very-own record label, Shady Records. A grand total of eight pairs were produced and auctioned off, with all proceeds going to the Marshall Mathers foundation that helps disadvantaged children. Coming in a neat brown, blue and orange colourway, the kicks are completed with Eminem’s autograph and special-edition features galore.
Mita Sneakers x Nike Air Max 95 "Ueno Prototype"
Created by Mita Sneakers, a small sneaker boutique located near Tokyo, the Air Max 95 “Ueno Prototype” offers a familiar look. Based on the OG “Neon” colourway, this revamped edition offers up a blacked-out tongue section, black laces and white lining. While these changes may seem minor, they transform the look of the sneakers as a whole, creating a highly-desirable pair that’s near impossible to get hold of outside of Japan.
Nike Air Max 97 SP "Jacquard Brazil Rio"
Coming straight out of Nike’s very own “Special Projects” team, the Nike Air Max 97 “Jacquard Brazil Rio” offers up a neat patchwork look that shows off vibrant colours, inspired by the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. Launched in 2016 in incredibly limited numbers, the kicks are still hugely-desirable amongst Air Max fans today and are a rare find on today’s market. Would you rock this colourful and eye-catching pair?
Nike Air Max 90 "Warhawk"
Launched all the way back in 2007, the Nike Air Max 90 “Warhawk” pays homage to American fighter jets, which have long since been an inspiration for Tinker Hatfield, the man behind the AM90. Rumour has it that Hatfield was inspired to create the Air Jordan 5 by the mean look of the P-51 Mustang fighter, with many of the same design traits seen across this eye-catching colourway of the 1990 classic runner.
Nike Air Max 1 "Master" Friends & Family Edition
Air Max Day in 2017 saw the launch of the Nike Air Max 1 “Master”, a sneaker which combined multiple high-profile AM1 colourways such as the OG University Red, atmos Elephant and many more. While the release pair showcased a black base layer, this ultra-limited friends and family version instead offered up a white colour palette. These never hit the retail market, making finding a pair a hefty challenge.
Stash x Nike Air Max 95
2006 saw Nike join forces with legendary street artist Stash to launch a collaborative version of the Air Max 95. Decked out in a navy-blue colourway, the sneakers feature various different shades across the uppers, combined with a speckled midsole (a feature which OG sneakerheads are known to love), the pair still ranks impeccably highly when it comes to rare Nikes from years gone by.
Patta x Parra x Nike Air Max 1 "Cherrywood"
Often regarded as the greatest pair of Air Max 1s of all time, this epic three-way collaboration between Patta, Parra and Nike resulted in an incredibly-clean burgundy pair of the 1987 classic runner. Launched in 2010 and featuring minimal branding, these kicks are dedicated to Amsterdam, the home of both Patta and Parra and remain popular amongst Air Max collectors to this day.
Eminem x Nike Air Max 90 "Charity Series"
Another pair of Eminem’s highly-coveted Nike sneakers from the 2006 charity auction makes an appearance in our list, this time in the form of the Air Max 90. Showing off a neat combination of blue, green and grey, the kicks are hand-signed by Eminem himself and were produced in extremely-limited numbers, with the actual number rumoured to be under 10. It’s unclear exactly how many of these kicks are still in circulation, but we’re willing to bet that you won’t find a pair with ease, and you better have deep pockets!
Cactus Plant Flea Market x Nike Air VaporMax
2019 saw Nike team up with Cactus Plant Flea Market for the first time, launching an out-of-this-world take on the popular Air VaporMax silhouette. While not strictly an Air Max sneaker, we felt that making an exception for this pair was totally worth it. Showing off a translucent upper and eye-catching “Just Do It” branding, the kicks are completed with piped-Swoosh logos on the lateral sides. Released exclusively in the USA, you’ll struggle to find a pair of these rare kicks in good condition today.