2023 has already been an exciting year for sneakers. However, things are about to get even better as Air Max Day is upon us.
First started in 2014, Air Max Day has become one of the hottest events in the sneaker calendar, with Nike dropping some of the best Air Max designs of the year on the day itself to pay homage to one of the most popular models in the brand's arsenal.
However, it's not all about the future. we've also seen some amazing Air Max from yesteryear restocked on Air Max Day in the past, giving sneakerheads a chance to secure some amazing retro designs and iconic colourways for themselves.
So, if Air Max Day sounds like something you don't want to miss out on, then here's everything you need to know to get involved in the celebrations in 2023...
When is Air Max Day?
As it has done every year since its inception, Air Max Day is set to return on March 26, 2023, to celebrate the debut of the very first Air Max sneaker back in 1987.
However, in the past, we've seen some retailers extend the celebration beyond just a single day. For example, Size? used Air Max Day itself as the beginning of its Give Fresh Air campaign in 2022, which saw Air Max sneakers, along with £50 from the company with each pair, donated to charity.
Size? ran this campaign from Air Max Day through to April 3 at the time, thus continuing the celebrations to do good.
Therefore, make sure you keep an eye out for opportunities such as Give Fresh Air in and around March 26, plus any late arrivals from Nike once Air Max Day has passed.
We're confident we're going to see some amazing new designs as well as restocked classics this year. So, let's take a look at what we might be able to expect...
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Rumoured and confirmed Air Max Day drops
Air Max Day is now just days away, so Nike has confirmed a few new and returning colourways to look forward to. However, there are also a ton of rumoured sneakers to get excited for as well, provided the speculation surrounding them is true.
With all this in mind, here are some of the rumoured drops along with the confirmed launches heading our way this year...
Nike Air Max 1 “Big Bubble”
click to enlarge
+ 3After rumours of it returning, the "Big Bubble" Air Max 1, which is as close to a 1:1 replica of the '86 original as you'll find today, is heading our way this year.
Its likeness is perhaps best evidenced by the fact Nike used CT scans to dissect 1 of maybe only 400,000 original "Big Bubble" Air Max sneakers still in existence. Why? Well, Nike wanted to replicate the Air unit and window used in the '86 original as accurately as possible for this 2023 rerun.
So, with so much history behind it, keep an eye out for this iconic red and white colourway to return this month on Air Max Day.
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Nike Air Max Pulse "Phantom High Voltage"
click to enlarge + 3Rumours were aplenty regarding this new Air Max model at first. However, Nike has now confirmed that the Pulse is heading our way soon, thus confirming the speculation.
The new design is set to debut in a colourway known as "Phantom High Voltage". As a result, the shoe is dressed predominately in white, although you do get several hits of red throughout. You also get a handful of reflective silver surfaces to truly stand out from the crowd.
It's also worth noting the shoe features point-loaded Air cushioning that's been revamped from the incredibly plush Air Max 270. So, with brand new bubbles and a unique new look, make sure you don't miss out on the debut of this new model come Air Max Day this year.
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Nike Air Max 90 "Doernbecher"
click to enlarge + 3The currently sold-out "Doernbecher" Air Max 90 is rumoured to be returning at some point around Air Max Day, with current speculation suggesting it could be restocked just a day prior.
The design is inspired by Emerson Harrell and represents Nike's Doernbecher Freestyle programme, a partnership between Nike and Doernbecher Children’s Hospital where special patients who have triumphed over serious illnesses are given the opportunity to design authentic Nike gear.
With an important message and an excellent design from Emerson, keep an eye out for the "Doernbecher" Air Max 90 to potentially return this Air Max Day.
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Nike Air Max 1 Slide
Alongside the "Big Bubble" release, we've also seen rumours that the classic "Varsity Red" design is being repurposed into an Air Max 1 Slide to accompany a potential "Black White" colourway on Air Max Day.
Details on what this Slide might look like, and on when it could be released are very slim right now, hence why there's no image to discuss. That said, there's a chance we could hear more soon, so make sure you keep an eye out if you're interested and what to see more.
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Where can you buy sneakers on Air Max Day?
One of the best places to buy sneakers on Air Max Day is usually Nike as it tends to drop all its new releases first. Also, make sure you pay close attention to the SNKRS launch page over the coming days and weeks to keep on top of all the confirmed drops for Air Max Day once Nike unveils more information.
Other retailers, like the aforementioned Size?, have also gotten involved in Air Max Day in the past, so we'd also suggest checking some of the top alternative outlets on the day itself as well.
Finally, if you find the sneakers you're looking to buy have sold out on Air Max Day, we'd recommend exploring the resale market on websites like StockX. StockX is particularly great because the company authenticates every purchase you make to ensure what you're buying is legitimate according to its verification processes.
For more articles like this, take a look at our RealKit page.