Nike brings back a rave culture inspired classic in the Air Max Deluxe. Nearly marking it’s 20th Anniversary, this wavy trainer is best known for its all-over digitally printed neoprene upper; one of the first in the Nike catalogue. Recently re-launching in collaboration with UK Grime artist Skepta, the Deluxe is back and looking like it’s here to stay for a while yet.
Raver Roots
First making it’s mark in 1999, the sneaker came in a period when rave culture was at it’s peak across Europe and the UK. An icon of party culture, reflective apparel and wild print looks were a go-to in the scene and this formed the inspiration which spawned the Deluxe’s original design.
Upper Classman
With the hallmarks of boundary pushing design, Nike spared no detail in constructing the Deluxe. Although the Air Max unit, borrowed from the Air Max 97, is a prominent feature of the Deluxe, the visually striking upper is where the marvel of design elevated the Air Max legacy to a new level. Taking a completely different route from it’s Air Max brethren, the Deluxe recruits a seamless approach rather than standard stitched panels. With TPU exoskeleton tooling, which provided coverage at the toe and collar, dotted-line scales and digitally printed unique graphic upper gifted the silhouette a unique personality reminiscent of its raver roots. With an iridescent heel tab reminiscent of raver reflective apparel, the translucent and solid rubber outsole pattern takes after the original Air Max 99, to deliver reliable traction.
An Air Max runner throwback, look for the Air Max Deluxe to come back refreshed with a wave of graphic uppers at JD Sports.
Shop the Air Max Collection at JD Sports here.
