Continuing our Air Max Day interview series, we have one of the biggest Air Max accounts on Instagram @everthingairmax. Founded and run by Phil Hudson, aka @styles_p_84, you’re likely to find a mixture of old school heat and future classics throughout the page and in Phil’s personal collection. The catalogue of knowledge that @everythingairmax provides helps educate followers as well as highlighting some of those Air Max you may never have even seen.
As a serious sneakerhead, Phil has been collecting for more than 20 years, amassing some pretty rare air that we’re certainly jealous of. It made complete sense for us to sit down with one of London’s biggest Air Max collectors with one of the hottest collections out there. Today, we’ll be finding out more about Phil’s love of Air Max, how he got started and what are some of his grails. Check out the interview below and make sure you follow Phil on Instagram.
Can you please introduce yourself?
Hi guys. My name is Phil. I’m from South London. I’m known on Instagram as @styles_p_84 and I also run @everythingairmax.
How long have you been collecting sneakers?
I’ve been into trainers from probably the age of 5 or 6. I’ve loved Air Max from about 1995 onwards! I’ve been collecting from around 1998 so I’ve been doing this a long time. After I got my first job at 15 in a supermarket, the first pair I bought with my earned money, was the Nike Air Max TL “Maize” Foot Locker exclusive. I’ve not looked back since.
Are there any other collectors out there who you admire?
There are loads of dope Air Max collectors out there I admire. To name a few, @solelove1, @ronsrareair, @antmansw9, @mikeyblackss, @wardsongrams and @vanwilljamz.
When were you first introduced to Air Max?
I remember seeing my older cousins wearing the OG Red Air Max 1’s, Air Max III’s (Air Max 90’s) & Persian Violet Air Max BW’s. Then I got introduced to a shopping catalogue with Air Max sneakers in and it was game over.
What was the first Air Max you remember wanting/owning?
I always wanted a pair of Air Max 90s but the first pair I owned was the Air Max 96 II “Golden Rod”. Back then, I mainly wore Huaraches, BK’s, LA Gears, Jordan’s and Tech Challenges.
How important is the Air Max to you?
Very important! I feel the different colourways and silhouettes are all revolutionary, expressive and just appealing to me. Air Max are comfortable and I can wear them with near enough anything. The designs and technology are just huge levels of greatness. Visible Air Bags debuted back in 1987 and 34 years later, they are still majorly relevant and now bigger than ever.
Which is your favourite Air Max silhouette?
The Nike Air Max TL 1 and TL 2. I am still hoping that Nike will one day retro these in the OG form but I don’t think they will. Only time will tell!
What are your top three Air Max shoes?
My current favourite silhouettes would be the Air Max 1, Air Max 90 and Air Max BW. Previously it would have been the Air Max TL 1, TL 2 and Air Max 96 II.
Do you have an Air Max grail?
My Air Max grail has to be the Nike Air Max TL 2 silhouette. The design, total air unit and the inner arch design is sick!
What’s been the hardest pair for you to find?
The hardest pairs to find were the WMNS 1999 Nike Air Max Plus Ztn “Verema Green” and the 2000 Nike Air Max 98 “Varsity Royal”. I’m gutted I don’t own them anymore and would love to see a retro of both pairs.
If you could bring back one pair of Air Max (colourway/model etc), which one would it be?
Hands down, the Nike Air Max TL 2 “Cone” OG colour way.
Lastly, what does Air Max mean to you?
Air Max means comfort, expression and passion. Air Max are comfy to wear, they come in different colourways, have multiple silhouettes and the amount we’re consumed in this passion and love for Nike and Air Max is something I am proud to be a part of.
Make sure you follow Phil on both @styles_p_84 and @everythingairmax!
