A dynasty in its own right, Nike’s Air Max lineage is monumental in today’s arena, but where did it come from? The answer, of course, is a fascinating one, and it starts post-moon landing in 1969 with aeronautical engineer Frank Rudy. After working with NASA, he went on to invent a certain Air technology, then entered Tinker Hatfield, and the rest is quite literally history. 

Air Max is a legacy that’s so celebrated, it’s actually got its own day. Synonymous with Air Max Day, the 26th of March is a date etched in the sneaker calendar, and each year, Nike pays tribute to its revolutionary technology with exciting innovations and retro callbacks. 

Now, it’s time to take a look at some of the best Nike Air Max shoes, including the most popular trainers and colourways. Let’s go.

Nike Air Max 1

Not the first to boast Air technology, that title goes to the Tailwind, but the Air Max 1 was the first to display the infamous visible Air unit. The story goes that when Tinker Hatfield was on a Paris trip, he was struck with inspiration whilst visiting the Pompidou Centre, thanks to its unconventional inside-out appearance. 

Best Nike Air Max 1 Colourways

Since its original launch in 1987, thousands of Air Max 1 colourways have been released. Collaborations on the model didn’t start coming through until 2002, with the trophy of first collaboration held by Japanese retailer, atmos.

When it comes to the crème de la crème of Air Max 1, it’s hard to choose from the lengthy list of fan favourites. A notable mention should go to the Nike x Patta Air Max 1 ‘Chlorophyll’ from 2009, known for its bold green colouring and sleek branding. Another shoutout goes to the aforementioned atmos, whose ‘Safari’, ‘Elephant’ and ‘Animal’ Air Max 1 iterations have been cemented as grails since their launch in the ‘00s.

Nike Air Max 1 – size? exclusive

In 2023, size? put its own spin on the Air Max 1 with an earthy-toned edition that was a nod to the colour cards of the ‘Considered’ lineage. Featuring hairy suede, tumbled leather and textiles, the design offered a tasteful experiment in textures.

Nike Air Max 90

Launched in 1990, the Air Max 90 succeeded the Air Max 1 (1987) and the Air Max Light (1989), and was originally called the Air Max III until its reprise in 2000. The evolution of the runner was radical, aggressive and ultimately fast-looking with an exaggerated midsole and new thermo-plastic armour plates. 

Best Nike Air Max 90 Colourways

Tinker Hatfield’s Air Max 90 has appeared in a number of iconic ensembles over the years, from its original ‘Infrared’ look to classic black, white or grey colourways. Certain mock-ups can’t go without a mention, including Nike and Dave’s Quality Meats collaborative Air Max 90 ‘Bacon’, 2007’s Air Max 90 ‘Warhawk’, and of course, the Nike x size? Air Max 90 ‘Clerks’, which took inspiration from Brighton’s promenade. 

Nike Air Max 90 – size? exclusive 

In the last quarter of 2025, size? released its Air Max 90 exclusive, which served as a love letter to the famed releases that came before. Including nods to the likes of Off-White, the ‘Bacon’, and Dizzee Rascal’s ‘Tongue N’ Cheek’, this exclusive is the perfect homage to the silhouette’s archival playlist.

Nike Air Max 90 ‘Neon’

To celebrate Air Max Day ‘26, Nike dressed the AM90 up like its younger sibling, the Air Max 95, adopting its infamous ‘Neon’ makeup. A perfect fit, the Air Max 90 ‘Neon’ boasts a greyscale mesh and leather upper with hits of ‘Neon’ lighting up the Swoosh, Nike Air branding, and visible Air unit. 

Nike Air Max 90 ‘Camo’

Often associated with the Air Max 90, the origins of camo-patterning on the silhouette can usually be traced back to the collaborative ‘Duck Camo’ design from atmos. Since then, later variations like the ‘Country Camo’ pack and 2020’s ‘Reverse Duck Camo’ have engraved the patterning within the model’s legacy.

Nike Air Max 95

Air Max is all about innovation, and back in 1995, when the Air Max 95 was released, the design was at its height. Never before had a Nike Running silhouette featured a black midsole or visible forefoot Air. Design cues came from human anatomy, with a spine-like shank along the outsole, a ribcage lacing system and layered suede and mesh representing muscle fibres and flesh. 

Best Nike Air Max 95 Colourways

In the case of the AM95, the original ‘Neon’ colourway stands as one of the most iconic ever, closely joined by iterations that keep the signature grey gradient, like ‘Pink Foam’. As for collaborations, the hall of fame is home to the likes of the Nike x Stash Air Max 95 from 2006 with its speckled sole and blue detailing, as well as Parra’s ‘Running Man’ and the atmos ‘Animal’.

Nike Air Max 95 ‘20 for 20’ – size? exclusive 

On Air Max Day 2020, size? celebrated its 20-year strong relationship with Nike by releasing an exclusive Air Max 95. Coined the Air Max 95 ‘20 for 20’, this particular design paid tribute to each and every exclusive release to come from the partnership over the 2-decade span. 

Nike Air Max 95 ‘Neon’

When you think of the Air Max 95, you usually think of the silhouette in its ‘Neon’ outfit. As the first colourway to launch, the bold hues are pretty much synonymous with the design. Shades of grey cling to the layered suede sidewalls, while hits of ‘Neon’ are applied to the ribcage eyelets, Swoosh and Air bags, and of course, the infamous black sole unit anchors the design.

Nike Air Max 95 ‘Black’

A silhouette that looks great in anything, the Air Max 95 especially suits a ‘Triple Black’ application. Today, the all-black iteration boasts real and synthetic leather on the upper, while reflective accents on the heel and tongue light up the silhouette in the dark. Underfoot, a ‘Big Bubble’ Air unit offers that signature comfort to every step.

Nike Air Max Dn

Released in 2024, the Air Max Dn offered a natural evolution from the Tn. Innovation-led, Nike launched its Dynamic Air via the Dn, a system that features a dual-pressure Air unit with 2 pressurised chambers, each with 2 tubes. As you move, air flows freely between the tubes, resulting in a responsive, cloud-like sensation. 

Best Nike Air Max Dn colourways

Although newer to the Air Max line, the Air Max Dn already has some iconic colourways. First introduced on the Dunk Low, Nike gave its Dn the ‘Panda’ treatment in 2024, with a striking black and white makeup (a look that never gets old). Who can forget Nike’s collaboration with LEGO back in 2025? The collection featured a bold yellow Air Max Dn adorned with LEGO studs and playful co-branding.

Nike Air Max Dn – size? exclusive 

The same year as its inception, size? delivered an Air Max Dn exclusive that blended elements of outdoor footwear with the digital age. Up top, the ripstop nylon upper features textured embroidered detailing that nods to map contour lines, while the laces draw from hiking boots. Opting for a satisfying colourblock effect, the Phylon midsole houses blocked-out Dn bubbles for the perfect finish.

Nike Air Liquid Max

As part of Nike’s Air Max Day 2026 celebrations, the label released its all-new Air Liquid Max silhouette. With innovation at the forefront of its design ethos, Nike delivered something stunningly technical, with high complexity and precision. 

According to TaeTong Lee, senior director of Speed Footwear Product Design at Nike, “The Nike Air Liquid Max connects science to art, creating a kind of irreverence and telling an amazing story of function and aesthetics.” 

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