Few sneakers have truly stood the test of time like Nike’s Air Max. Nearly four decades since the release of the first Air Max, the style is still sported by sneaker lovers and fashion enthusiasts around the world – including in the Dazed office. 

Today is Air Max Day, a dedicated day coinciding with the exact day the first model was released in 1987, and the Dazed US team brought out their favourite sneakers to celebrate. In a time where there’s a new maxxing trend almost every day (sleepmaxxing or fibermaxxing, anyone?), we thought we’d try our hand at Airmaxxing. Simply put: Airmaxxing is when you put on your Air Max shoes and enjoy your day. 

The 40-year history of Nike’s Air Max is somewhat unexpected. The first iteration was designed by an architect by trade, Tinker Hatfield, who was inspired by the Centre Pompidou. Since then, there have been hundreds of variations and plenty of iconic collaborations (including with the late legendary founder of Off-White, Virgil Abloh). 

Ahead, here’s how we’re Airmaxxing (and styling our favourite kicks) in honour of Nike Air Max Day. 

YILIN YE

What are you currently maxxing out on?

I’m currently in my fabrication-maxxing era. I used to think of myself as not very hands-on and felt intimidated by everything in the woodshop, but I’ve really been enjoying building this new skillset – being present physically and building directly with materials.

How do you style your favourite Air Max? 

Parachute pants or jorts, or a longer skirt if I’m not dancing! 

How will you be spending Air Max Day?

I’ll be having one final dance rehearsal for a music video shoot (and hopefully work more with wood if I have time after). 

REGGIE DANKWA

What are you currently maxxing out on?

I’m currently maxxing out on cooking. I sort of fell off for a bit, but remembered it’s fun, inspiring and another creative outlet that my wife and I can both enjoy together. It’s also a nice way to transition from work mode to chill mode.

How do you style your favourite Air Max?

I style my favourite Air Maxes super casually; I let the shoe shine. The Air Max 95 in particular is such an iconic silhouette that you don’t really need to do too much.

How will you be spending Air Max Day?

I’ll spend Air Max Day getting a lot of steps in. When you spend so much time sitting at work, Air Max Day is a good reminder to lace them up and get outside. We’re so lucky to live in a walkable city like New York.

ALEJANDRA ZELAYA

What are you currently maxxing out on? 

I’m currently maxxing out on new creative expressions, jumping from my first house-floor dance classes to my first wheel-throwing ceramic sessions. My Air Maxes give me the freedom to move between these new, active spaces while still feeling grounded in my personal self-expression. 

How do you style your favourite Air Max? 

My favourite way to style my Air Maxes is by clashing aesthetics. I’m a Gemini, so it’s important to me that my outfits don’t communicate just one thing. That’s why I love to wear my Air Maxes as my statement piece to an outfit that may read on the softer, more cutesy side. 

How will you be spending Air Max Day? 

I’m going to spend Air Max day biking across NYC with friends and ending the day in Brooklyn with some pizza by the water – the perfect mix of active and relaxed.

HAMISH MCCALLION

What are you currently maxxing out on? 

I’m currently maxxing out on acting like it’s summer in this 57-degree weather. 

How do you style your favourite Air Max? 

I style my Air Max DN8s with baggy black jeans and an oversized sweater. So comfy! 

How will you be spending Air Max Day? 

I will be spending my Air Max Day on the lawn in Prospect Park.

KAIA CLARKE

What are you currently maxxing out on? 

I’m currently maxxing out on film. I love walking around the city and taking pictures of my friends on my Minolta, which my mom found on eBay for Christmas one year. Next, I’m testing out the Phoenix ISO 200 colour film that my local developing and print shop recommended. I’m very excited.

How do you style your favourite Air Max? 

I style my favourite Air Max with loose black parachute pants, a football jersey and my favourite black asymmetrical zip sweater. 

How will you be spending Air Max Day? 

I plan to spend Air Max Day by running errands and working during the day, then heading to the park for a game of soccer after logging off. A bunch of my friends and I joined a league last year and never looked back!

BASEM TASH

What are you currently maxxing out on?

I’d say I’m maxxing out on music for sure. I’ve been making it more of a point to have completely new playlists going in the background while I work, which has helped me discover a bunch of new songs and genres.

How do you style your favourite Air Max?

I feel like it can be slightly dressed up or dressed down, depending on the day. Generally, my go-to outfit involves black or earthier tones for the top, and baggy jeans or oversized jorts for the bottom. That, along with my staple accessories – the same few silver rings and necklaces I never take off – completes my perfect Air Max fit.

How will you be spending Air Max Day?

My roommates and I are hosting a little sip and paint party at our place! We bought everyone a mini canvas and got an extra one so we could all collaborate on a group painting at the same time.

LAURA PITCHER

What are you currently maxxing out on?

Lately, I’ve been movie-maxxing and watching a film almost every day. But I’m also always friendshipmaxxing, frictionmaxxing and fruit-and-veg-maxxing (very important). 

How do you style your favourite Air Max? 

I love a matching moment colour-wise. Also, I’m a skirt girl, so I usually love to pair them with a pleated skirt (or mid-length dress) and lots of silver jewellery. Otherwise, if I’m just in my neighbourhood, I’m in baggy jeans and a hoodie.

How will you be spending Air Max Day?

Hopefully getting outside as much as possible! And heading to a show in the evening.  

ISABEL BEKELE

What are you currently maxxing out on?

At the risk of sounding performative, I’m currently maxxing out on reading! I was in a major reading slump for months, but am finally out of it and have been enjoying my subway commutes much more these days. 

How do you style your favourite Air Max? 

Since the shoes have a sportier look, I love styling them with something unexpected, like a flowier skirt or dress. Admittedly, most of my wardrobe is black, so my purple Air Maxes, a black tiered skirt and an oversized black crewneck is usually what I’m rocking. 

How will you be spending Air Max Day?

I’ll be spending Air Max Day obviously wearing my Air Max Muses to the office, then catching up with my best friend after work!