Just like national holidays, people often have personal anniversaries they hold dear, whether it’s half-birthdays or Pi Day, for sneakerheads, that special occasion is Nike Air Max Day. Celebrated annually on March 26, Air Max Day was established in 2014 to honor the debut of Nike’s revolutionary Air Max technology.
The Air Max legacy, however, began long before the holiday. In 1987, designer Tinker Hatfield introduced the Air Max 1, the first shoe to feature Nike’s signature visible Air cushioning. What made the Air Max series stand out was its “window to the sole” — a design choice inspired by Hatfield’s visit to the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. The building’s exposed structural elements inspired the idea to showcase the inner workings of the shoe, turning its innovative technology into a notorious feature that would be complete the making of the Air Max.
The Air Max is one of the most celebrated shoes, known for its meticulously crafted design from top to bottom. From the sleek, low-cut silhouettes to the inventive colorways that mix materials and sheens, every detail is thoughtfully considered. With a never-ending amount of models in the Air Max series, including fan favorites like the Air Max 97 and Air Max 360, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best Air Maxes to celebrate 10 years of Nike Air Max Day.
Air Max Dn8
Air Max sneakers aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. The latest iteration arrives in a deep ruby red and black colorway, accented with embossed slashes along the sides. The air pockets take center stage as the focal point of the design, while a sharp, almost shark-nose-shaped toe adds a well-rounded finish.
Corteiz x Nike Air Max 95 SP ‘Rules the World – Sequoia’
These sneakers are as good as it gets for a go-to shoe, with a resale price of $1,150 proving their worth. The Air Max 95 Corteiz comes in a Khaki Green colorway, featuring a breathable, lightweight mesh upper. And the yellow accents on the Swoosh near the heel and star-like graphics on the toe cap add contrast. Staying true to the Air Max legacy, the sneakers also have a window in the sole, revealing a jelly-like, muddled green bubble at the tip, emphasizing the Air cushioning detail.
Silver Air Max Plus TNPO Sneakers
The Silver Air Max Plus TNPO Sneakers stand out as one of the most subversive designs in the Air Max lineup. An oversized foldover tongue, an extended Nike Swoosh that wraps around the sidewall, and visible Nike Air units on the bottom all complete the TNPO model. The Air units provide support and cushioning and look as if they are set on a platform — a look that nods to a 1994 football boot. While it draws inspiration from the past, its muted silver metallic finish and polished rubber toe propel the design into the future.
Nike Air Max Plus in “Rainbow”
Shoes are known to evoke a wide range of sensory experiences and emotions, and these definitely do just that. For some, they may spark feelings of fear or dread, while for others with a shoe kink, they might bring out a more sensual side. Featuring a gradient colorway that shifts between tiger stripes and thinned-out waves, this design clearly takes inspiration from nature. The mesh outer layer enhances the lightweight, summer vibe, making these shoes the perfect combination of style and comfort.
Nike Air Max 97 OG “Silver Bullet” Sneakers
It would be remiss to compile a “best of the best” list of Air Max sneakers without mentioning the 97s. With their classic silhouette and rippled mesh that wraps around the entire shoe, these sneakers have undeniably earned their place in the hall of fame of any sneaker brand, particularly in larger cities. The metallic colorways are especially iconic, featuring a range of silver and gold gradients. Choosing your preferred pair is as simple as selecting a favorite pair of earrings — whether you’re a gold or silver person.
Nike Air Max Correlate
Dare I say, these might just be as classic as the Dunk? Chances are, you’ve spotted them—these sneakers have become synonymous with ’90s nostalgia, and some version of them have probably made their walk-on appearance in any 90s sitcom or movie. With a multi-textured upper and Max Air unit, Its soft foam midsole and breathable upper make these the perfect everyday shoe for those looking for a pop of color.
Nike Air Max 97 Off-White Elemental Rose Serena Queen
When two champions in their own right—design maverick Virgil Abloh and Olympic gold medalist Serena Williams—combine the worlds of performance and design, the result is the “Queen” Collection. The Off-White x Nike Air Max 97 celebrates the 50th U.S. Open, featuring a stunning color gradient that transitions from soft blush pink tones to an electrifying purple. The design is completed with Virgil’s iconic quote signatures, including the bold “Air” facetype directly on the side of the shoe. These shoes are so highly coveted and valuable that Sotheby’s hosted an auction to sell them.
he Nike x Travis Scott Air Max 270 ‘Cactus Trails’
Everyone remembers the hoopla surrounding these shoes — and then, just as quickly, they disappeared. But not into the abyss of irrelevance. They sold out so fast that they’re rarely found on the resale market. The Cactus Trails, inspired by Travis Scott’s Texan upbringing, feature a colorway that echoes the hues of a Sub-Saharan desert landscape.
Nike Air VaporMax Plus
Drawing inspiration from the 1998 Air Max Plus, with its floating cage, padded upper, and heel logo, this design combines mixed materials for a modern twist. The sleek all-black upper, paired with black rubber pods on the outsole, embodies the sultry and timeless appeal of a black shoe versatile enough to be worn anywhere.
Nike Air Max Muse
These shoes may not be for you if you have trypophobia, but if sustainability, a lightweight feel, and flex comfort are your priorities, they’re perfect. The modern, youthful take on the bulky dad shoe silhouette might make you rethink those large bubbles on the side.