When it comes to the Nike family of sneakers, we hear a lot of talk about Air Jordans, Dunk, Forces, and the many collaborations that Nike has produced through the years. However, there is one sneaker that is super impactful, but more on the quiet side when it comes to “hype.” In our opinion, Air Maxes are extremely underrated at times. Sure the 95s and 97s have gotten numerous name drops in classic Hip-Hop tracks, but let’s be honest, when is the last time you heard someone mention the latest Air Max release in a song? Exactly. Today we are here to change that. We are going to be showing love to some of the best drops in Air Max history, while also showing some love to the newer sneakers that may have slipped under your radar. Let’s get started.
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The 30 Best Air Max Releases
The best of the best.
30. Nike Air Max 1 “Evolution of Icons”
Release Date: March 2021
Let’s start with this new iteration of the “Icons” that were released on National Air Max Day in March. The white and grey suede overlays made this futuristic shoe a killer, as they paid tribute to past Air Max classics.
29. Warhawk Air Max
Release Date: 2007
Released in 2007, the “Warhawks” remain one of the most celebrated Air Max releases. Inspired by the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, the colorway pays tribute to the World War II planes used by the U.S. Air Force. The “Warhawks” are still a coveted release with a current starting price of $4,425. These sneakers are a valuable collectors item for sure.
28. CLOT x Nike Air Max 1 “Kiss of Death”
Release Date: March 2021
This release could end up going down as the second-most anticipated of 2021 (the “Bacons” remain the most hyped of 2021 thus far in our opinion). This CLOT x Nike collaboration was an eye-catching collaboration with a sick neutral tan color schematic that offered cutting edge and comfortable versatility.
27. Nike Air Max “Lunar 90”
Release Date: July 2014
Talk about a throwback. The “Lunar 90s” aka “Lunar Landings” were an extravagant shoe that dropped in the summer of 2014 to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Neil Armstrong landing on the moon. The shoe featured 3M reflective detailing on the upper, and an outer space moonwalk theme scattered through the sneaker to give it an “inter-galactic” look.
26. Nike Air Max “Dia de Muertos”
Release Date: October 2020
Another recent release, the “Dia de Muertos” celebrated the Day of the Dead holiday with a vibrant mixture of colors and graphic patterns. This was a very festive shoe that was actually slightly pricier than your standard Air Max, and the shoe can still be found on resell markets such as GOAT.
25. Off White x Air Max 97 OG “The Ten”
Release Date: November 2018
In November 2018, Virgil Abloh and Nike linked to create the Air Max 97 OG “The Ten,” a progressive shoe that could very well be among the most beautiful 97s to ever be created. The translucent upper was a unique feature that made the shoe an instant eye-catcher. It’s not everyday that you see translucent sneakers, and “The Tens” still remain a hot commodity nearly three years after their release.
24. Nike Air Max "Taxi"
Release Date: March 2021
This is an editor’s pick. The Air Max “Taxi” sneakers were an interesting take on NYC culture. While the bold yellow colorway makes it harder to pair than more neutral colors, there are still a lot of looks that can come out of this shoe. You can pair these with solid black or white joggers, and a hoodie/t-shirt. It’s up to you depending on your style and mood.
23. Supreme X Nike Air Max 96 Metallic Silver
Release Date: May 2021
This whole sneaker screams mid 1990s Missy Elliot music video, and we’re here for it. The silver and red mixes were dope on this colorway, and once again the futuristic vibe took things to the next level in what was another fire Supreme and Nike collaboration.
22. Nike Men's Air Max 270 Shoes
Release Date: Unknown
Everybody needs a classic, and these fit the bill nicely. While not the most dynamic Air Max in the bunch, the grey university red/white is a cool shoe with a nice overall design (and perfect for anybody who attended/attends a school with red, white, and grey colors). The 270s in general are a great casual sneaker for store runs, days at the park, and even the gym.
21. Nike Air Max London “City Pack”
Release Date: February 2020
The Air Max London “City Packs” paid tribute to postmen and postwomen with the solid red upper, orange overlays, and yellow patches. Despite being released over a year go, this iteration of the Air Max is still very successful, as the value is still high.
20. Nike Air Max 90 Classic
Release: 1990
If you are new to the Air Max game, then you should start with the classics. They are simple, but simplicity is key sometimes with sneakers. The all-white colorway is the Air Max version of the Air Force 1s. Clean, crisp, and comfortable. Consider picking up a pair if you haven’t already.
19. Nike Air Max 90 “Infrared”
Release Date: 2015
Originally released in 2015, the “Infrared” made waves for it’s cooler tones, and red/white mixtures. The grey overlays really made the shoe pop, making the “Infrareds” one of the go-to Air Maxes.
18. Nike Women’s Air Max 97 “Orange”
Release Date: Unknown
Some people are fans of 97s, others are not. Regardless of your preference, this is a good statement sneaker with its bright orange color, and 97s tend to be on the comfortable side as well. If orange isn’t your preference, then there are plenty of other 97s to choose from.
17. Nike Air 90 “Premium”
Release Date: Unknown
A fly comfortable shoe dressed in a “Midnight Navy” colorway. The “Premiums” are your average AM 90s, but with a university theme.
16. Nike Air Max 1 LV8 “Obsidian”
Release Date: 1/22
Re-releasing in January, Nike offered a fresh take on this new edition of this legendary silhouette. Decked out in a wolf grey colorway, the “Obsidian” also sports a futuristic design and style with its white leather upper and chunky outsole. Not only is this a good beginner shoe, but it’s also a great collectors sneaker for the veterans.
15. Nike Air Max 90 “Valentines Day”
Release Date: February 2021
These also caused quite a stir at the beginning of the year. In short, sneakerheads were looking for a nice romantic themed shoe to surprise their loved ones with, and they got their wish with the “Valentines Day'' iteration of the 90s. The shoes were designed to look like flowers, pink and red candies, and any other item that represents love. These sold out pretty quickly upon its original release, and while the shoes are definitely festive, you can also wear them for other occasions.
14. Nike Men’s Air Max Atmos “Elephant”
Release Date: March 26th, 2016
Introduced on National Air Max Day in 2016, the “Elephants” featured a beautiful animal print complete with white panels that contrasted with a black upper, and a green Nike swoosh to finish the look. The “Elephants” are still highly sought after, and select sizes can be found via the resell market.
13. Huf x Nike Air Max 90
Release Date: Varies
Nike and Huf have come together on multiple occasions to create some pretty fire collaborations. While we don’t have a favorite colorway (all have been great), which you choose is all about your personal preferences or what you are feeling style wise at the moment. Whichever you choose is up to you, but just know that you will be getting a great shoe.
12. Nike x Skepta
Release Date: Varies
Similar to the Huf collaboration, there are plenty of colorway options available from the Nike x Skepta partnership. While all of their releases have been stellar, our personal favorites are the new“Tailwind” colorways which dropped on June 12th. Designed to look like a spider, these were pretty dope take on the traditional Air Maxes.
11. Undefeated x Nike Air Max
Release Date: Varies
Undefeated and Nike teaming up seemed like a no-brainer as both are known for their cultural influence. There are multiple colorways available from their partnership, but the “Black Militia Greens” from 2020 seem to be the most popular. It’s a little bit harder to get sneakers from this collaboration because it is Undefeated. However you could luck out depending on which size you wear.
10. Comme Des Garcons x Nike Air Max
Release Date: January 2020
Comme Des Garcons and Nike have been frequent collaborators for years, mixing couture and classic streetwear in its releases. The two have partnered on many drops in recent years, and there are plenty of sneakers for fans to choose from in their collection. Making their debut during Paris Fashion Week, the "Greys" are an eye-catching sneaker with an interesting take on 95s.
9. Nike x Air Max "Silver Bullet"
Release Date: January 2020
The definition of "chrome spinning," the "Silver Bullets" remain an Air Max classic. The silver mesh upper and white leather overlays really take this shoe to the next level, and are some of the most fashion forward 97s on the market.
8. Clerks x Nike Air Max
Not much needs to be said about these. The "Clerks" are among the highest selling Air Maxes in Nike history, and noted for their taupe suede design, and color patterns. These shoes are still pretty difficult to come by, with many resellers only having select sizes available, proving their demand.
7. Chlorophyll Nike Air Max
Release Date: 2020
An earthy shoe, the "Chlorophylls" were released in celebration of the retro runners 30th anniversary. The shoe featured a breathable white mesh, grey suede overlays, and a black leather mudguard. This is a great shoe for anyone who is a fan of the outdoors.
6. Kidrobot x Nike Air Max
Release Date: February 2005
Talk about highly coveted. The "Kidrobots" dropped in 2005, and were designed to match the Kidrobot Maserati Quattroporte III Royal of 1986. If these shoes sounded like royalty, it's because they were, and honestly the "Kidrobots" are among the most beautiful Air Maxes ever created.
5. Travis Scott x Nike Air Max
Release Date: 2020
Travis Scott and Nike linked up last year to drop the "Cactus Trail 270s," in what was a pretty dope release. By now you should know that everything Travis Scott touches turns to gold, and these sneakers were no different. You can still grab a pair (both new and used) for a relatively reasonable price.
4. Nike Air Max 90s Kaws
Release Date: Unknown
Hard to find and hard to come buy. Kaws is something of a Nike national treasure, and is one of the most sought after Nike's of all-time. Released in 2008, the "Volts" came with the choice of either a black or white colorways, and are a reminder of a simpler time in sneaker history.
3. Cork x Nike Air Max
Release: Unknown
The "Coconut Milk" were a nice variation of what we were normally used to from Air Max releases. The tropical island design instantly reminded you of one of those fancy drinks that you get on vacation, and from a visual standpoint, these were stunning. The coconut Nike swoosh were a unique touch, making this a must cop for any Nike/Air Max fan.
Atmost x Nike "Animal Supreme"
Taking it way back to 2018, the Animal Pack was a pretty cool release that was a reflection of the times (animal prints were a staple of mid 2000s fashion). In addition to the leopard print, there was also a leopard, zebra, and tiger variation available for your choosing. The designs were inspired by Nike and Atmos' original collaboration from 2006, but modernized to fit current popular culture and styles.
Nike x DQM "Bacon"
The 'Bacons' are arguably one of the most sought-after Air Maxes of all time. Bringing back the iconic 2005 design, the "Bacons" re-released this year on National Air Max Day, and were extremely hyped. It's always nice to see a retro sneaker make it's way back, and the "Bacons" were quickly snatched up.
