Official Images // Nike Air Max 1 ’86 “Big Bubble”

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.

If you’re looking for more information on the Air Max 1 model, then check out the running list of related articles here.

Nike Air Max 1 ’86 “Big Bubble”

Release Date: March 26, 2023

Men’s Style Code: DO9844-100
Women’s Style Code: DQ3989-100
Color: White/University Red-Light Neutral Grey
Retail: $160

First Looks //

“Anthracite” Sample //

Photos: bubblekoppe