Last month, for Valentine’s Day we tapped into our women’s community to learn more about their sneaker love stories. In celebration of Nike Air Max Day, we’re running it back. This time around we’re spotlighting five members, discussing the moments that cultivated their love of sneakers and all things Nike Air.
Shaylo (Charlotte, NC)
Tell us about the moment when sneakers became a passion for you.
I fell in love with sneakers around middle school, circa 1995. I worked as a summer youth employee and with my first check, I purchased a pair of Nike Air Force 1 high in White and Navy. I was super excited! I brought them home and my mother was upset! She said, these look too boyish and made me take them back. But that solidified me as a sneakerhead.
Is there an Air Max that made you fall in love with the line?
The first Air Max that made me fall in love was the Air Max 90 ‘Volt.’ I loved how bright and bold the colors were and how cool they looked on feet.
If you were to equate your personality to an Air Max, which would you choose?
The Air Max 1 Patta Waves ‘Noise Aqua.’ My family is from the Dominican Republic, so the blue and the waves remind me of the ocean waters in DR and the cream laces tie in light sands, and just like me, it’s a chilled and calm colorway.
2022 marks the 35th anniversary of the Nike Air Max 1. Are there any upcoming AM1 releases you’re looking forward to?
I am definitely looking forward to the Concepts Air Max 1 Bandana Denim. Keeping my fingers crossed!
What advice would you give ladies looking to cop their first pair of Air Max?
Go for whatever you love. Try to cop for retail if you can. Do your research on price and what sneaker is releasing where. Comfort is just as important as style. And don’t be intimidated, you’ve got this!
Amaris (Jacksonville, FL)
Tell us about the moment when sneakers became a passion for you.
Growing up, I was always looking for ways to connect with others. I was a shy and quiet kid who struggled to fit in. Sneakers were my way of using my voice to speak up, while not having to be front and center. I watched my older brother dive into the sneaker world, and at that time I thought he was the coolest there was. Of course, he wasn’t thrilled when I decided I needed to have all the same matching pairs. My first pair was Allen Iverson’s Reebok Answer Vl. I wore those until they absolutely fell apart.
2022 marks the 35th anniversary of the Nike Air Max 1. Are there any upcoming AM1 releases you’re looking forward to?
There are two pairs I am currently chasing after. The Concepts x Air Max 1 ‘Heavy’ is a must-have. I truly feel like this colorway is drenched in artistry. Being a musician, I love the infusion of both the sneaker world and the music world concept. These are definitely a fav. The other pair I have my fingers crossed for is the Air Max 1 “Wabi-sabi”. I feel like this colorway is so minimal, but makes you take a 3D look. Every subtle detail is intentionally done so well. For me, it’s the definition of a chef’s kiss. Have you seen that red cross-stitching? So good.
What advice would you give ladies looking to cop their first pair of Air Max?
My main advice is to dive in. Copping your first pair of sneakers in general can be overwhelming. At the end of the way, we all have a model and colorway that speaks to us. It may be the way the panels so perfectly overlap or the subtle hits of color that add just the right pop. I like to think there is an Air Max for everyone. Don’t be too intimidated to pick the pair that may not be the most popular, but is perfectly you.
Jaleesa (Houston, TX)
Tell us about the moment when sneakers became a passion for you.
I am excited that this is Women’s History Month and happy that I can provide a POV as a woman in the sneaker world because often we are not included. I was introduced to sneakers in the 6th grade (2000). I played basketball, so naturally, I wanted to be on the court with the freshest kicks. I was always hyped to see what shoes everyone would be wearing, but that didn’t just stop on the court. I wanted to see the sneakers that spectators had on too. I remember getting the Eastbay magazines and circling every pair that I wanted, essentially window shopping because my parents only purchased us pairs 2 times a year until I got to high school. The first sneaker that I was able to buy with my own money was the Air Max 95 ‘Neon’ in 2005, that is the shoe that started my collection.
Is there an Air Max that made you fall in love with the line?
I fell in love with Air Max by way of the Air Max 95 ‘Neon.’ It was the “cool” shoe in my neighborhood and the first sneaker that I was able to purchase with my own money. Ironically though it isn’t my favorite silhouette, the Air Max 1 is. The Air Max 1 is so timeless, you can dress it up or down. It’s a sneaker that no matter what will never go out of style.
If you were to equate your personality to an Air Max, which would you choose?
My fav pair of Air Max is my own custom of the Patta Air Max 1 Wave. It’s pretty much my personality on my favorite silhouette.
2022 marks the 35th anniversary of the Nike Air Max 1. Are there any upcoming AM1 releases you’re looking forward to?
I love the way collaborators have played with different textures and patterns on the silhouette, most recently Concepts. Their late 60s and early 70s festival culture inspiration on the AM1 is fire!
What advice would you give ladies looking to cop their first pair of Air Max?
For ladies looking to cop their first pair of Air Max, I’d say “cop what you like”. If the sneaker speaks to you and is calling your name, GRAB IT! That’s my advice for copping any pair, ignore the hype and cop what you like.
Ellysa (Vaughn, ON)
Tell us about the moment when sneakers became a passion for you.
I was introduced to the sneaker world as a kid at the age of 4 growing up, my uncles and dad were all sneakerheads and had collections of their own and it inspired me to start my own collection. I remember going into their closets just to try their shoes on, wishing I would have my own pair one day. As I grew up, my collection was growing little by little and day by day. I’ve been very passionate about my obsession with shoes ever since I was a kid.
Is there an Air Max that made you fall in love with the line?
The one Air Max that made me fall in love would have to be the 90s! I live for comfort in shoes, and the 90s have always kept me comfortable on long walks or even simply wearing them to work. It’s been my everyday go-to shoe and still is. Air Max 90s also come in several colorways, but my all-time favorite is the ‘Infrared’ 90s because of the bright Infrared color since I love loud colors and standing out.
If you were to equate your personality to an Air Max, which would you choose?
The one Air Max that captures my personality would be the Air Max 1 “DLX Atmos” Animal Pack. The colors of this silhouette include wheat, sport red, bison, and classic green. This specific Air Max showcases my personality because the shoe itself has a lot going on with the synthetic tiger, leopard, zebra, and pony prints. As simple as the shoe looks, it allows us to be viewed differently from several different aspects. Both the shoe and I can stand out in the crowd with minimal effort.
Allison (Dallas, TX)
Tell us about the moment when sneakers became a passion for you.
It was 2007 – I was 14 and LeBron James was playing in another NBA All-Star game. I don’t know what it is about gold shoes, but I’ve always been drawn to them ever since I was a kid. I saw him wearing the LeBron 4 “All-Star” and immediately pointed at the TV and told my mom I wanted a pair. This was followed up by an “ABSOLUTELY NOT UNTIL YOUR OTHER BASKETBALL SHOES ARE WORN OUT” by my mother. Fast forward to 6 or 7 years later when I was playing basketball in college and seemingly all of my teammates were sneakerheads. My love for shoes was instantly reignited. And the first pair that started it all in my collection was…? Take a wild guess.
Is there an Air Max that made you fall in love with the line?
The Sean Wotherspoon Air Max 1/97 is my all-time favorite shoe. It’s actually what got me more into both Air Max 1’s and Air Max 97’s, so the concept of combining them was a pure stroke of genius. If I could only keep one shoe in my collection, it would be these.
If you were to equate your personality to an Air Max, which would you choose?
The Air Max 1 “Sketch to Shelf White” captures my personality the best. It’s what appears to be almost an unfinished shoe or rather an idea/blueprint of a shoe that happened to actually release as a final product. It goes with the idea that we all have to start somewhere and where we begin doesn’t have to be perfect, almost like a sketch. I start every day with the mindset that I have to try new things and be willing to be a beginner. That way I’ll be able to learn from my mistakes along the way and live a life I’m proud of.
A special thank you to all that shared and participated. If you’re passionate about sneakers, check out our women’s exclusive community. It’s an inclusive space and we’d love to have you. Join us for exclusive events, giveaways, and the tools and information you need to expand your collection.