In the build up to one of the biggest sneaker celebrations of the year – Air Max day, the internet came ablaze with a teaser suggesting the arrival of a new Air Max silhouette from Tinker Hatfields design archives. Nike now lift the lid on the design as they present the Air Max Zero. The one before the 1.
Contrary to beliefs, the perfection of the Air Max 1 wasn’t put together in one go, rather it was the result of several design attempts. One of the earliest concepts was what we now know as the Air Max Zero, which was perhaps too technologically advanced at the time of its design with a majority of the materials and technology needed not yet available. In light of this, the design was reworked into what would eventually become the Air Max 1 and from that an icon was born.
Despite being put to paper before the 1, the zero unknowingly held 3 decades of footwear innovation within its design, from the now popular sock liner to the application of the external heel strap which was not seen again until the release of the Huarache in 1991. For 29 years the sketch laid dormant within Nike’s ever growing archives, lost amongst the success of every Air Max model introduced since, until recently the Nike Sportswear design team stumbled across the sketch whilst searching for new inspiration for the second annual Air Max day celebrations.
Nike designer Graeme Mcmillan was tasked with bringing Hatfield’s vision into the modern day, a tough ask to say the least, despite the original sketch already being well ahead of its time. All the stops were pulled for the Zero, applying the latest technology from Nike, including the newly introduced Phylon Air Max 1 Ultra outsole which was debuted on the recent Air Max 1 Ultra Moire, bulk reducing fuse uppers that offer stability as well as a monofilament yarn mesh giving maximum breathability. Once again pushing the boundaries of innovation, the Zero is sure to be an instant hit and we fully expect to see more adaptations of the style to come.
The Nike Air Max Zero will be available to pre-order tomorrow (March the 21st) nike.com/sportswear and available from selected Nike Sportswear retailers on Air Max Day itself (March the 26th).