The Nike Air Max 1 ’86 “Museum Masterpiece” is a Work of Art

Once again blurring the lines between sneaker design and fine art, Nike is set to honor the Nike Air Max 1, and its creator, Tinker Hatfield, with the release of the "Museum Masterpiece."

This upcoming edition transforms the beloved Air Max 1 silhouette into a canvas of abstract impressionism, paying homage to nearly four decades of sneaker history and the shoe's undeniable influence on both fashion and athletic wear.

Scheduled for release just ahead of Air Max Day 2024, the "Museum Masterpiece" edition revisits the original 1986 cut of the Air Max 1, a design that revolutionized sneaker culture with the introduction of visible Air cushioning. This rendition elevates the iconic model into the realm of wearable art, featuring an upper adorned with marbled, multicolored leather that evokes the spontaneity and vibrancy of abstract impressionist paintings.

The artistic theme continues onto the midsole, where additional paint treatments create a striking contrast against the crisp white base, highlighting the silhouette's famed big bubble Air unit. A thoughtful detail is found within the shoe, where the insoles feature typography that reads “Please Do Not Step On The Art” on the right shoe, and on the left, a tribute to Tinker Hatfield as the visionary artist behind the masterpiece.

Set to release on Nike SNKRS on March 9th with an MSRP of $170, the Nike Air Max 1 "Museum Masterpiece" is not just a sneaker; it's a celebration of innovation, creativity, and the enduring legacy of one of the footwear industry's most pivotal figures.