Nike Air Max BW

The Nike Air Max BW sneaker from the 90s is still an icon of running shoes and especially the street especially in France with cult models such as the Air Max BW Persian Violet is its beautiful color or the Air Max BW Olympic output for the Olympic Games and known for its American flag on the heel.

History and origin of the Nike Air Max BW

In the early 1990s, the famous Nike brand was booming and successful. Its Air Max 1 was a much sought-after model, and its Air Max 90 was also very popular with the sports world and the younger generation.
The company has therefore entrusted renowned designer Tinker Hatfiel with the task of developing an innovative model, while maintaining the air unit in the sole area similar to that of the Air Max 90.

Air Max Classic BW, Diva of the 90s

Designer Tinker Hatfiel worked under the influence of his previous design and came up with the Air Max Classic BW, for Big Window, with a much larger opening in the back of the heel area.
The very first version that emerged from his imagination and was launched was the one everyone knows: the Persian Violet colorway. Very quickly, the Classic BW, although not brand new compared to previous launches, found a wide audience. Indeed, it was not uncommon to see not only singers but also long-distance runners wearing the pair.

Air Max Classic BW: A huge success in Europe

Following the huge success in the United States, it was Europe's turn to applaud the Nike Air Max BW. The shoe was quickly adopted by the hip-hop world and was frequently worn by partygoers during raves.

Nike Air Max BW: A large number of variations

It should be noted that the Classic BW will not always remain in its OG form. The mythical Nike brand will offer an "ultra" finish, with a significantly transformed upper as it will be covered with a lightweight mesh with a breathable effect that will replace the material that was usually used.

An impressive design to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the AM BW

In 2016, on the 25th anniversary of this model that purists are especially fond of, Nike developed a restock of the OG colours. At the Air Max Day event on 26 March, fans of the design had the opportunity to see the Black, University Red, Midnight Navy and Enamel Green colourways as well as many other Ultra versions.

Air Max Classic BW: Its iconic versions and colours

Over its 30-year history, the BW has been reborn in many, many variations. Here are some of the most famous ones we've ever seen.

In 2013, the Nike Air Max Classic BW Camouflage "France". This version was launched in 2013 and was only available in limited editions in the windows of the Tier 0 shops of the time, like Colette in Paris. The pair of sneakers was part of a pack that included different countries. The French version was part of the pack and was noticed by the blue white and red colours that appeared on the inside of the sole

In 2016, the Nike Air Max BW Premium 'Vachetta Tan'. This high quality iteration that was released in 2016 was crafted in a beige leather upper that was also seen precisely on a pair of Air Force 1's. This shade would be a huge success.

In 2016, the Nike Air Max BW Classic Ultra 'University Red/Bright Crimson'. How can we forget this Ultra version of the BW, dressed in a Hyperfuse upper. A number of shades will be created for this pack, but the RED version is recognised as one of the most successful.

In 2016, Nike Air Max BW Classic Premium 'Persian Violet Snake'. You'd be crazy not to remember the Nike Air Max BW Classic Premium 'Persian Violet Snake' without which nothing would have been possible. The Persian Violet iteration was revisited for the pair's anniversary celebration on Air Max Day in 2016.

In 2016, the Nike Air Max BW Ultra LOTC City 'London' (Quickstrike). During these periods, prior to the roundups, pairs known to be 'rare' were released in quickstrike. And, so it was with this sneaker which pays homage to Victorian decorative arts.

In 2016, the Nike Air Max BW Premium 'USA'. Launched as part of the Nike Sportswear Olympic 2016 pack, this BW is a long-time favourite of many brand aficionados. Crafted from high quality materials, this sneaker promotes the 20 years of the Atlanta Olympics.

In 2022, the Nike Air Max BW "Marina". For the celebration of its 30th anniversary, the famous sportswear giant reinterprets the remarkable Nike Air Max BW "Marina". This rather classic version of the American firm comes in a mesh upper in petrol blue, nicely dressed with overlapping leather inserts in duck blue and white. There are also teal details on the swoosh on the sidewall, as well as various brandings on the tongue and heel. A TPU reinforcement appears at the back and a two-tone mitsole and black outsole complete the design.

The previous Big Window (Sport Red and Cream Hemp) are outstanding. However, the Nike Air Max BW OG Marina Jade 2022 is the trainer that all fans of Tinker Hatfield's version have been waiting for for many months. Even though the return of the Persian Violet has been acclaimed, many fans have expressed their displeasure that no retro was introduced last year. But that was just a minor delay. The sneaker with the turquoise blue swoosh is part of the 30th Anniversary collection. Let's hope that the shoe in a petrol blue suede upper won't be the last colourway in the 1991 catalogue to get a revisit.

Is the Air Max Classic BW comfortable?

Designed under the influence of the Air Max 90, which is known to be a very comfortable and sporty trainer, the Air Max BW is equally successful. The sneaker is just as suitable for sports as for everyday use. It is precisely the air units in the trainer that justify the optimal comfort, which is rarely matched by other equipment manufacturers.