When it comes to sneakers, there aren’t many brands that stack up to the mighty Swoosh. Ever since its inception back in 1964, Nike has been dedicated to bringing the best running sneakers into the world and taking over the footwear industry by storm. Over the years the label has birthed some of the most iconic footwear silhouettes of all time, changing the game for both performance and lifestyle sneakers.
Today at Crepslocker we’re taking a look at some of the best Swoosh silhouettes of all time and sharing some exclusive knowledge regarding the history of these kicks. Whether you’re a seasoned sneakerhead or new to the game, we think you could learn a thing or two from us. So buckle up and read on as we dive into the 10 best Nike sneakers of all time!
1. Nike Air Force 1
Introduced in 1982 and designed by none other than Bruce Kilgore, the AF1 has long since been a favourite amongst those who care about their footwear. The kicks were the first in Nike history to feature Air technology embedded within the midsole and instantly proved popular with many NBA players, as it was originally designed for basketball. As the years have gone by, the Air Force 1 is now one of the best-selling sneakers of all time, and has been worked on by the likes of Supreme, Stüssy and many more.
2. Nike Air Max 1
The first of several Tinker Hatfield designs to feature in our list, the Nike Air Max 1 was the first-ever sneaker to feature a visible Air unit within the sole. While the aforementioned AF1 also featured the same technology, it was concealed within the design, whereas the AM1 put it on display for all to see. The model first graced shelves back in 1987 with the “University Red” colourway, and we’ve since seen hundreds of incredible options that are still favoured by sneakerheads across the globe. Notable renditions include offerings with Patta and atmos.
3. Nike Air Max 90
Three years after the launch of the AM1, Tinker and Nike decided to flip the sneaker market on its head once again, debuting the Air Max 90. Showcasing a more angular and refined look, the AM90 came correct in an “Infrared” OG colourway, a pair that is still revered by collectors around the world today. The kicks combined leather and nubuck panelling for a complex yet aesthetically-pleasing design, with a smaller, cropped Swoosh logo taking pride of place on each side.
4. Air Jordan 1
Back in 1985 every sneaker brand wanted to sign Michael Jordan, and it’s no surprise, as the rookie player was stunning crowds around the globe with his out-of-this-world moves. While both Converse and adidas attempted to secure a deal with MJ, Nike eventually succeeded, offering him his very own signature sneaker. This shoe would eventually become the Air Jordan 1, which launched in high, mid and low top versions respectively. Now one of the most popular sneakers to ever exist, the AJ1 has been the subject of many high-calibre collaborations, and has had plenty of its own epic colourways. Check out the “Chicagos”, “UNCs” or the “Shattered Backboards” if you don’t believe us!
5. Air Jordan 4
While Tinker Hatfield wasn’t responsible for the AJ1, he did in fact design plenty of other Jordan silhouettes, including the incredibly-popular AJ4. Showing off an aggressive and angular look, the model was focussed on skyrocketing MJ’s performance to new heights, and offered plenty of serious performance features. While the Jordan 4 originally launched in 1989, the kicks are still lusted after by footwear fans today, with the likes of Off-White and Union LA using the classic pair for hyped collaborations. It’s clear to see why so much hype surrounds the AJ4.
6. Nike Dunk
The Nike Dunk was brought to life by Peter Moore in the summer of 1985, marketed towards college basketball players. The kicks released alongside colour-coded apparel and sneaker bags - taking showing off your team colours to a new height! Ever since, the Dunk has proved popular not just with basketball players, but also with skateboarders through the introduction of the Nike SB Dunk. While the Nike Dunk may showcase a simplistic and retro approach to design, its status as a classic silhouette is solidified even today, with the kicks selling incredibly well season after season.
7. Nike Air Max 95
When ex-Nike ACG designer Sergio Lozano stepped up to the plate to design the next addition to the Air Max family in 1995, eagerly anticipating sneakerheads weren’t ready for the icon they were about to receive. Inspired by human anatomy and trail runs, the Air Max 95 offered a look like no other, and showcased minimal Swoosh branding, along with a brand-new AM95 logo on the tongues. Originally released in the “Neon” colourway, the kicks have been revisited recently by London locals Corteiz, further boosting the silhouette’s popularity with a new generation of footwear fans.
8. Nike Air Max 97
While many internet rumours claim that the Air Max 97 was inspired by Japanese bullet trains, designer Christian Tresser has debunked this myth on several occasions, confirming that the kicks are indeed modelled on ‘90s mountain bikes and nature. The sleek and aerodynamic AM97 offered a space-age new look for the Air Max family when it first dropped in 1997, with the “Silver Bullet” colourway still a firm favourite for collectors even today. The model was notably used as part of Virgil Abloh’s “The 10” project back in 2017, and was also part of Sean Wotherspoon’s highly-desirable Air Max 97/1 hybrid sneaker.
9. Nike TN (Air Max Plus)
As a new millennium approached us in 1998, sneaker designs were getting wilder and wilder but one pair had the market in a chokehold like no other - cue the Nike TN, or Air Max Plus. Offering the largest visible Air unit the world had seen to date, the TN took off in no time and quickly became a cult classic amongst style icons and celebrities around the world. Designed by Sean McDowell, the TN originally launched in “Hyper Blue”, “Sunset Orange” and “Voltage Purple”. McDowell claims he drew inspiration for the sneaker from shadows cast by palm trees at sunset he saw whilst on vacation.
10. Nike Cortez
To close off our list we’re heading right back to the early days of the Beaverton brand with the Nike Cortez. Designed by Bill Bowerman (Nike co-founder), the kicks acted as a no-frills running sneaker for track athletes, although they quickly transcended into the lifestyle sector too. Famously worn by Forrest Gump in the cult movie, the kicks have also been used as collaborative material by the likes of sacai and Kendrick Lamar.
If you enjoyed reading this article, be sure to stay tuned right here at Crepslocker and check out our full range of sneakers right now!
