First Looks // Nike Air Max 1 ’86 “University Red”

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Despite the fact that the Air Max 1’s popularity has gotten bigger and bigger as the years progress, there’s one aspect that has gotten noticeably smaller — the size of the visible Air Bubble. Tinker Hatfield’s wild vision of exposing the Air unit meant go big or go home, and the original Air Max 1 design sure did that. But with Nike reengineering their Air Max classics for a modern market, the size of the visible Air units have shrunk, most notably on the Air Max 1, Air Max 96 II, and Air Max 95, drawing the biggest complaints from Air Max fanatics. But one of those mega-fans — bubblekoppe — has given us all hope, with the return of the Air Max 1 “Big Bubble” in 2023 in it’s original Red colorway.

The early wear-test sample (pictured below in all black) shows an example of what Nike has accomplished, and we can easily notice just how much larger it is compared to the rest of the midsole — and to the Air Max 1 we all know today. Hopefully, the final retail version will keep the OG size intact. Regardless, the return of the Air Max 1 “Big Bubble” is one of the big releases to look forward to as Nike honors the 35th Anniversary of the Air Max 1.

Grab a very first look at the sample where below, and look to learn more on the Big Bubble’s return as we lean further into the year.

Update 03.26.22 // Zapatillas beis Air Max 95 de Neutro Nike Air Max 1 ’86 “Big Bubble” will be returning in 2023. Neither men’s product line Manager Jamie Paige and footwear designer Jonathan Kosenick made the announcement in today’s SNKRS Live episode, showcasing the OG colorway one year out from its release.

Update 01.22.23 // A first look at the OG Nike Air Max 1 “University Red” has landed in Preschool and Toddler sizing. Naturally, these pairs are not fitted with “Big Bubbles‚” but rest assured that the adult-sized options will proffer the original unit.

If you’re looking for more information on the Air Max 1 model, then check out Chaussures NIKE React Miler 2 CW7136 001 Black White Smoke Grey.