As part of the celebrations for “air max day” Nike released the ‘reverse duck camo’ take on the classic air max 90 on March 26th. The camouflage variation was a massive success for nike and their collaborators, Atmos in 2013 when the two teamed up to deliver a sneaker which featured a duck-hunter friendly camouflage print. Following its makeover in neon red accents for its March debut, nike have since released the second colour way of the trilogy which debuted on the 15th of May. Nike however, didn’t stop there, the “Duck Camo” comes in a formidable new trio as a special treat in celebration of the air max 90’s 30th birthday. The final colour way which is closely reminiscent to its more successful counterpart, the “Reverse Duck Camo” swapping out the neon red for a citrusy orange, and the forest hues of the camo to a mahogany and auburn palette.
The first ever model of air max sneakers was designed in 1987 by Tinker Hatfield alongside Frank Rudy who introduced the air max technology, making these shoes different to the rest. By the mid 90’s the air max sneakers gained a cult following, the air max 95 model specifically became so popular in Japan that a phenomenon dubbed as “air max hunting” began to formulate. This caused an uprise in violent muggings in a country known for its peaceful nature, fakes began becoming a problem for the brand and second hand sneakers would sell for hundreds above original price.
As the name indicates these sneakers feature translucent pockets of pressurised gas in the midsole. These pockets are visible from the side and as of 1993 a 270 degree view of the air unit becomes available with the introduction of the air max 270. Their purpose is to reduce the overall weight of the shoe whilst providing superior cushioning to the standard foam soles. Originally created as running shoes, it remained that way until the 2018 re -imagining of the 270 debuting as the first ever lifestyle shoe to feature the air max technology as well as the react fusion foam.
This Duck Camo features the signature orange mesh panelling on its toes, ankles and heels. The camo pattern undergoes a slight change in shades, now more closely associated with the fall season, in a leather overlay. The rest of the sneaker is accented in a black & white colour combo across the upper on the laces, plastic overlays the nike swoosh and midsole rounding it off with the orange air max unit and rubber outsole. The sneakers are set to drop on June 19 and will retail for £129.95.
Set your reminders and head on over to the nike SNKRS app to cop yourself a pair.
Researcher: Milo Gall, @ Milog_Gall
