![]() In 1990, Nike dropped yet another pair of Air Max runners, ones that would be loved by athletes and sneakerheads alike. And this has proven to be true, with the design making waves decades after its release with a retro model. Layered material to the sidewalls added to the already impressive aesthetic and ensured that the aptly named Air Max 1 would never be forgotten. The brainchild of one of Nike’s most legendary designers, the OG Air Max silo by Hatfield boasted the first visible Air unit, showing the unique cushioning system in action. Whether you’re looking for maximum impact protection or a casual shoe that you can wear on the daily, Nike’s Air Max line is guaranteed to impress. The original Air Max trainers, envisioned by Tinker Hatfield, were targeted toward runners, but their unique aesthetic has made them popular among the lifestyle crowd, all of whom are drawn to the visible air bubble. With the Swoosh brand’s very own Air unit, an innovative technology that provides lightweight cushioning beneath the foot, sneaker fans the world over have discovered what it means to walk on air. From the best Nike running shoes and trail running shoes to the Nike sneakers you'll see in many a fashion week street style gallery, allow us to present you with the 12 best Nike trainers for men in 2023:įor more fashion, grooming and technology releases delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our GQ Recommends newsletter.Nike Air Max shoes have been making the rounds since they were introduced in 1987, setting a high bar not just for performance, but also for appearance. Now, without further ado, let’s proceed with fulfilling the purpose of this article. What are the best Nike shoes you can buy? (Don’t worry, Davidson received 500 shares of Nike stock just over a decade later.) Equipped with all the tools needed to renovate their identity, Blue Ribbon Sports officially became Nike, Inc., and the rest, as they say, is history – history you can read about in Phil Knight’s acclaimed novel, Shoe Dog. The logo was designed by Portland State University student and illustrator Carolyn Davidson for just $35. ![]() The new name, Nike, had its genesis in one of a new employee's dreams in which he encountered the moniker of the Greek Goddess of Victory. Post-break-up, Bowerman, Knight and co did what most new singletons do – they rebranded. Subsequent to manifold disagreements, Blue Ribbon Sports and Onitsuka Tiger decided to part ways in 1971. The money was rolling in, and Blue Ribbon Sports continued to expand, but there was soon trouble in paradise. Athletes and tastemakers alike desired the silhouette – a testament to Bowerman’s knack for designing footwear that was as comfortable as it was handsome. In August '66, Onitsuka Tiger agreed to start producing pairs of the Cortez and two years later, the shoe became a best-seller for both brands. After much deliberation, Bowerman christened his creation the Cortez. Eventually, Bowerman invented a prototype superior to any of the Japanese label’s offerings. It wasn’t long before he began to experiment with pre-existing Onitsuka Tiger training shoes, Frankensteining them together with new outsoles, midsoles, toe boxes and lacing systems to create newfangled designs. Throughout his tenure at the University of Oregon, Bowerman would build and modify running shoes for his athletes tweaking for things like cushioning, energy return and breathability. And so, on 25th January 1964, Blue Ribbon Sports was born. To his delight, Bowerman didn’t just want to support his venture, but he also wanted to become his business partner. The young entrepreneur hoped that Bowerman – a father figure of sorts to him – could assist in flogging a few pairs of the low-cost shoes. Once the trainers arrived in the US a year and a bit later (DHL wasn’t founded until 1969, in case you’re wondering), Knight sent two pairs to his former track and field coach, Bill Bowerman. (Yes, we’re going there – get comfortable.) After stumbling upon Onitsuka Tiger sneakers, Knight struck a deal with founder Mr Onitsuka to distribute his sports-centric footwear in the States. How did we all get here? Things kicked off when Phil Knight, a 24-year-old Stamford graduate, took a trip to Kobe, Japan, in 1962. Consequently, the bon ton now share the same penchant for Nikes as the stalwart sneakerheads who’ve been sporting the label since day dot. And thanks to the likes of Kim Jones, Chitose Abe and the late Virgil Abloh – designers who’ve incorporated Swoosh-adorned sneaks into their recent runway collections – the brand has finally reached the apex of fashion. The people’s ‘shoeniform’ of choice, if you will. They’re the throughline of the world’s shoe racks. Nike trainers are for everyone, from the city-dwellers to the hoop shooters to the marathon runners.
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