Sabrina Ionescu talks about the design of her new shoe, the Sabrina 3s
As she prepares to launch her new shoe, Sabrina Ionescu shares her creative process of designing her sneakers.
Samantha Cardona Norberg
Nike Air Max Day is fast approaching, and sneakerheads around the world are gearing up for the release of multiple shoes based on the original Nike Air Max 1, which launched nearly 40 years ago.
This year’s anniversary also marks the official release date of three more Nike shoes. New Nike Air Liquid Max in Radiant and Apple Green, Women’s Air Max 95 in Pink Foam, and Air Max 95 in Volt and University Red.
The shoes will go on sale at 10 a.m. ET via SNKRS, the app that gives fans access to Nike releases and events. Also available on Nike’s website and at select Nike partner retailers.
Nike Air Max Day is held each spring to celebrate the release of the original Air Max 1 created by designer Tinker Hatfield.
Nike said on its website that as a company, it was trying to design a shoe that allowed customers to see the airbags inside the shoe, which made walking and running extremely comfortable.
Hatfield went to Paris in search of inspiration. Because Paris is known for its intricate buildings. What he saw there was the Center Pompidou, known as an inside-out building because passersby can see its heating, ventilation, and escalators from the outside.
After seeing the Center Pompidou, Hatfield began sketching out ideas for his shoes, cutting out part of the midsole to expose the airbag. Hatfield worked with Nike’s Air Lab to perfect the design for the Air Max 1, which was released on March 26, 1987.
Here’s a closer look at the shoes Nike is releasing this year, 39 years after the shoe’s debut.
Nike releases green, chrome version of Air Max
Nike announced on its website that its latest release, the Nike Air Liquid Max, will cost shoe lovers $230. The company said the sneaker is futuristic and “a new innovation in sportswear” that combines comfort with 40 years of Air Max history.
Nike says the shoe features a flexible, low-to-the-ground contoured Air unit and areas of negative space that allowed shoe designers to eliminate excess material and weight.
Available in green and black, inspired by poison dart frog colors and toe pads. Nike says it also features a chrome Swoosh and a tinted translucent rubber outsole.
Mike McCoy, the shoe’s lead color designer, said in a press release that for poison dart frogs, “color is confidence and boldness is protection.”
“We created the Nike Air Liquid Max with this in mind: a silhouette that feels a little dangerous, a little mysterious, a complete break from the past and made for today’s generation,” McCoy said.
What about the other two Nike Air Max Day releases?
Next up is the women’s Air Max 95 in pink foam, priced at $190. This “Big Bubble” edition of the Air Max 95 is constructed with layers of synthetic leather and mesh, featuring a gradient that transitions from black to white.
Nike writes, “Playful pops of pink foam accentuate the lace loops, branding and Air sole.” “Large Max Air units in the heel and forefoot enhance style while highlighting the design with maximum cushioning.”
Lastly, there is also the Air Max 95 Big Bubble in Volt and University Red, priced at $190.
According to Nike’s website, this version of the Air Max features a black sole, layered black, blue, green and red bandana print, and neon green (Volt) lace loops and Swoosh.
Information on upcoming Nike releases can be found at www.nike.com/launch.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s Trends team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia (757). Email sdmartin@usatoday.com.
