Nike Air Max Day 2023: Here’s What to Expect From the Event This Year

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Nike Air Max Day, every sneakerhead’s favorite holiday, is here. As expected, the brand has planned a series of Air Max releases for fans to wear on and after March 26.

The sportswear giant first celebrated its brand-created holiday in 2014 with the release of the original Air Max 1 in the iconic “University Red” colorway, albeit with a new “Volt” twist and details. Since then, Nike has prepared special releases and events centered around Air Max Day, with arguably one of the most notable events being the “Vote Forward” Campaign in 2017. For the event, the brand tapped a dozen creatives dubbed “RevolutionAirs” to reimagine classic Air Max silhouettes, and spawning from the event was the coveted Sean Wotherspoon x Nike Air Max 1/97 collab. In 2019, the brand also took a different approach to its Air Max Day celebrations with the “Give Fresh Air” campaign, which urged fans to donate new and gently worn sneakers, which went to the less fortunate in local communities.

Sean Wotherspoon x Air Max 1/97 'Sean Wotherspoon' Sneakers — The Sean Wotherspoon x Air Max 1/97 sneakers.

CREDIT: GOAT

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For 2023, Nike has prepared a handful of Air Max releases that sneaker fans can look forward to. One of the more anticipated drops for the holiday this year is the Air Max 1 ’86 Big Bubble in the original “University Red” colorway. The sneaker was unveiled via SNKRS Live during Air Max Day last year, and the brand revealed this will be the first time the “Big Bubble” version of the model will be available at retail. The “Big Bubble” version features four holes in the Air Max bubble in the midsole instead of the three that fans are accustomed to, and was part of designer Tinker Hatfield’s original plans for the shoe in 1986. Another Air Max 1 release that the Swoosh has confirmed to launch this month is the Air Max 1 “Shima Shima,” a reissue of the popular theme of releases from 2003.

Additionally, as part of the celebration, Nike School: Chicago (NS:C) is creating the Air Council — a program that explores what innovation means. The aim of the program is to foster the next generation of creative thinkers by connecting them with Chicago’s creative elite, who are leaders in the industries of film, design, communication, community, and fashion. Participants will be coached through a curated six-week program involving learning experiences such as portfolio reviews, real-world adaptations, design challenges, and networking opportunities.

With all this in mind, we combed through Nike.com to find all the best options you can rock this Air Max Day and beyond.