Nike Air Max 1 Sizing: How Do They Fit?

Last updated: 1/3/23

The Nike Air Max 1. Easily one of the most iconic sneaker designs of all time, and arguably one of the most important kicks in history. Designed by a young Tinker Hatfield back in 1986, the Air Max 1 was the first-ever sneaker to feature a visible Air unit under the heel, kickstarting what would later become known as the Air Max line. Released on the 26th March 1987 (a day now known as Air Max Day amongst the sneaker community), the AM1 was an instant hit and showcased Hatfield’s penchant for great design (he was originally a corporate architect, after all).

Decades later, the model still remains revered amongst footwear fans and has released in hundreds of epic colourways, as well as acting as the blank canvas for some seriously impressive collaborations. But the real question is, how does the Nike Air Max 1 fit? Here at The Sole Supplier we’re here to answer all your size and fit queries regarding the silhouette, so read on for all you need to know!

The Air Max 1 is a classic design, meaning it doesn’t have any quirks in terms of sizing. If you’re unsure what size to buy, you can be safe in the knowledge that the AM1 fits true to your regular size. The only exception to this rule would be if you have exceptionally wide feet, in which case we’d recommend going half a size larger. For the most part though, deviating any further than half a size either way will result in ill-fitting sneakers.

Of course, if possible, we’d always recommend heading to your local footwear store to try on a pair in person. The Air Max 1 is a mainstay amongst Nike’s roster of kicks, so you shouldn’t struggle too hard to find a pair to try on.

If you’re looking at purchasing any sneaker within the Air Max family, it’s likely that you already know that they’re going to be a comfortable wear. The Air unit under the heel (or sometimes across the entire midsole) is a visible reminder that cushioning is at the heart of the design with these sneakers, so you needn’t worry. While this is still true with the AM1, it’s also important to remember that the sneaker was designed back in the ‘80s, so they do fall a little behind today’s standards in terms of comfort.

Some sneakerheads have reported that the AM1 sole unit can feel fairly flat, and less cushioned than some of the contemporary models. Regardless, if you’re not setting out to run a marathon or climb a mountain, the levels of comfort provided by the Air Max 1 should be just fine for daily wear.

Styling a pair of AM1s is no hassle at all. Whether you’re going for a laid-back sportswear vibe or opting for an on-trend streetwear look, the versatility of the sneaker is simply unmatched. First off, it’s well-worth noting that the Air Max 1 is a sneaker that just works with shorts. The well-built yet not chunky silhouette lends itself impeccably well to those summertime outfits, especially in some of the vibrant colourways it’s been made available in.

If it’s a little cold for busting out the shorts then you can always rely on pairing the 1987 classic with a great pair of denim. While back in the day the AM1 went hand-in-hand with pin-rolled jeans, today sneakerheads are more likely to pair them with a loose-fitting pair that will sit nicely on top of the kicks.

There’s been no shortage of incredible Air Max 1 releases over the years, meaning it’s suitably difficult to narrow down a few classics. A great place to start is the OG colourway of the model, known in the industry as “University Red”. Other great GR colourways include “Watermelon”, “Curry”, and “Obsidian”. In terms of collaborations, the Air Max 1 has been adopted by the folks over at Patta plenty of times, birthing a fair few classic renditions over the years. Last but not least, an honourable mention goes to Japanese retailer atmos, for launching the “Elephant” colourway back in 2007.

If you love the Nike Air Max 1 then be sure to stay tuned right here at The Sole Supplier, where we’ll be sharing all the latest news and updates in the sneaker world.