BACK FOR MORE: THE RETURN OF THE AIR MAX DELUXE

BACK FOR MORE: THE RETURN OF THE AIR MAX DELUXE

The rave-era icon is back.

Nike brings back a rave-culture inspired classic in the Air Max Deluxe. Nearly marking its 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.

Nike Air Max Deluxe — digitally printed neoprene upper detail

RAVER ROOTS

First making its mark in 1999, the sneaker landed when rave culture was at its 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 that 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, 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 its Air Max brethren, the Deluxe recruits a seamless approach rather than standard stitched panels. TPU exoskeleton tooling provided coverage at the toe and collar, while dotted-line scales and a digitally printed graphic upper gifted the silhouette a unique personality reminiscent of its raver roots. An iridescent heel tab nods to raver reflective apparel, and the translucent and solid rubber outsole — patterned after the original Air Max 99 — delivers reliable traction.

Nike Air Max Deluxe — iridescent heel tab and outsole detail

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.
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