2023 is almost here, and one of the biggest releases of that year is rumoured to be the Air Max 1 Big Bubble. Dropping – when else – Air Max Day, we’ll be taking a look at the Big Bubble ahead of its first-ever rerelease.
The ‘Big Bubble’ refers to a specific version of the Air Max 1 from its release in 1986. This version is made to be more in line with Tinker Hatfield’s original design. What makes the Big Bubble different from the other AM1s? Well, the clue’s in the name.
The window in the Air Max units in the heel is visibly larger, showing off four circles instead of the usual three. While this may seem like a subtle difference, bear in mind that if you’ve ever seen a classic ad for the Air Max 1, this is the version you probably saw. Not only that, but the Big Bubble variant hasn’t been retroed since its original release in ‘86.
Hatfield’s concept of a window into the Air units was originally inspired by the Centre Pompidou in Paris. The Centre’s unique architecture revealed the inner workings of the building. Similarly, the Air Max’s windows would reveal exactly how their groundbreaking cushioning worked.
While Air Max was of course a success, Nike was hesitant, believing that customers would assume the exposed Air would burst. These concerns eventually led Nike to roll out the smaller window variant in 1987, which became the Air Max 1 we all know today.
First revealed in March on an episode of SNKRS Live, this rerelease is set to be a true retro, even coming in a vintage-style box. So far the only colourway revealed is the iconic ‘Sports Red’ on the classic suede and mesh build. While Air Max Day 2023 seems a way away, this looks like all the ingredients of a hype retro release, so head to KLEKT now and click “Add to Wants” to know exactly when it’s available.
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