Footwear collaborations can be a delicate dance. Stay too true to the original, and risk accusations of lacking creativity. Veer too far off course, and risk alienating fans of the established design. JACQUEMUS, the French fashion house known for its playful and often irreverent approach to fashion, has never shied away from pushing boundaries. Their latest project, a radical reinterpretation of the Nike Air Max 1 ’86, is sure to spark conversation.
JACQUEMUS takes a scalpel to Tinker Hatfield’s legendary design, stripping away elements and emphasizing others for a striking, almost avant-garde take on the classic runner. The familiar silhouette remains, but the upper mudguard undergoes a dramatic transformation. Gone are the overlays at the midfoot and quarter panel, replaced by a single, uninterrupted expanse of mesh stretching from toe to heel. The iconic mudguard itself gets a sharp recut, most noticeably at the forefoot, where the outsole traction pattern unexpectedly slices upwards to bisect it.
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The deconstructed aesthetic continues at the ankle. The traditional padded collar gets replaced with a sleek, cinched design, adding a touch of refinement to the overall look. But the real showstopper lies beneath your feet. A bold rectangular cutout on the sole dramatically exposes the enlarged Air unit, a detail that sent sneakerheads buzzing when leaked images surfaced nearly a year ago.
Purists of the Air Max 1 ’86 might find the changes jarring. But for those who appreciate JACQUEMUS’ playful and daring aesthetic, this is a chance to own a piece of footwear history reimagined through a bold, contemporary lens.
The JACQUEMUS x Nike Air Max 1 ’86 comes in three distinct colorways: a sleek silver/navy, a crisp white, and a daring red unveiled for the first time with this official release. All three are listed as “Coming Soon” on the JACQUEMUS website with a price tag of $180.
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