Nike upgrades an icon with the NIKE AIR MAX 1 ULTRA 2.0 ESSENTIAL

Nike gives a decades-old classic a breath of fresh air with the NIKE AIR MAX 1 ULTRA 2.0 ESSENTIAL.

Before the Air Max purists out there get in a fluster, we’re happy to reassure you that the beloved silhouette hasn’t been tinkered with too much here. The textile upper with its fused overlays is already familiar from previous Air Max 1 upgrades, but the synthetic leather mudguard and heel panel on this new release hark back to the nostalgic appeal of the original icon. Other subtle details include an OrthoLite sockliner for enhanced cushioning and a waffle outsole for durable traction, and even the colourways have been kept pretty low-key so as not to stray too dramatically from the original (take your pick from Wolf Grey, Black, White, University Red or Obsidian).

In fact, the major upgrade here is a continuation of exactly what the Air Max 1 was designed for: Visible Air. The original 1987 shoe was intended to showcase Nike’s revolutionary air cushioning technology, and for this new version Nike have seen fit to bless us with an additional window in the famous Max Air unit. The result is a respectful, successful reboot of a classic: think ‘Star wars: The Force Awakens’, not one of those abominable prequels with Jar-Jar Binks.

The NIKE AIR MAX 1 ULTRA 2.0 ESSENTIAL is AVAILABLE NOW. Take a look at five new colourways below, and shop the drop directly with NIKE by clicking on the banners.