The Elephant Print Sneakers That Dropped Twice

The story behind one of the most loved Air Maxes of all time

Doing Something Crazy

It all started in 2003.

The company atmos was working with Nike Japan, with the plan to make Air Max a little more exciting. This release needed to be different.

In the words of the director of atmos, Hirofumi Kojima, “Let’s do something crazy.”

So you know damn well it was about to get crazy.

Why An Elephant?

They realized no one had ever put animal print on an Air Max before.

So that is exactly what they did. But why? Why was this “Elephant Skin” sneaker so well received.

Well, atmos had their minds locked into the Jordan 3s that used elephant skin. It was the symbol of modern street life.

And what about that nice jade coloring? It turns out, that was a bit more strategic than atmos just picking their favorite color.

The emerald esc blue was made with the idea of an elephant splashing in water.

Actually, Nike themselves said more specifically it was made with the idea of an elephant showering in the wild.

Call It A Comeback

Not only was this shoe well received upon release, but it actually made a comeabck.

Let’s rewind to Air Max Day 2016, almost 10 years after the release of the Air Max Elephant Print’s.

Sneakerheads worldwide were given the chance to select from nearly 100 other Air Max models, to have one of them restock.

And the one with the most votes? You guessed it. These puppies.

Or elephants, rather.

Want a closer look at this legendary pair of kicks? Check it out below.