The Lost Tale of the Air Max Zero’s

What to Expect

In this issue, we uncover the untold story of a groundbreaking sneaker that nearly faded into obscurity. We'll take you on a journey through time, exploring the design process with Tinker Hatfield and the resurrection of a forgotten gem.

The Zero Story

In the world of sneaker design, some ideas are simply ahead of their time. In 1987, Nike introduced the iconic Air Max 1, the first sneaker to feature visible Air technology. But did you know that the concept for this groundbreaking shoe was born years earlier in a sketch that remained hidden in the archives?

The man behind this visionary design is none other than Tinker Hatfield, Nike's Vice President for Design and Special Projects. Inspired by the inside-out design of Paris's Centre Pompidou, Hatfield envisioned a shoe with a visible window in the sole, allowing people to witness the magic of air cushioning technology. The design, in its earliest form, was named the Air Max Zero.

The Air Max Zero was a shoe that pushed the boundaries of innovation. Its form-fitting upper took cues from the 1985 Nike Sock Racer, and it featured an external heel strap, a concept later realized in the 1991 Air Huarache. However, the design was considered too advanced for its time, leading to the creation of the Air Max 1, which would become a Nike icon.

An Exclusive Interview With Tinker Hatfield

In a one-of-a-kind interview with Tinker Hatfield, we gain insight into the creative process and the reasons behind the Air Max Zero's initial obscurity.

In 1985, Hatfield was tasked with thinking outside the box and creating something innovative. His vision was to make the air cushioning technology visible and to craft an upper that was form-fitting and sleek, setting it apart from contemporary shoes.

The Air Max Zero was initially well-received, but Nike's design team questioned how many new features could be introduced in a single shoe. This led to a more refined approach, culminating in the release of the Air Max 1.

While the Air Max 1 had a more conventional upper, Nike focused on introducing modern materials to maintain a fresh and contemporary feel. The iconic red band framing the midsole added personality to the shoe.

In 2015, the Nike Sportswear design team rediscovered Tinker Hatfield's original sketch for the Air Max Zero and decided it deserved to see the light of day.

Hatfield provided input to Graeme McMillan and the design team, who not only drew inspiration from the sketch but also incorporated modern materials and sports performance knowledge.

The Revival

The resurrection of the Air Max Zero is a remarkable tale of paying homage to the past while embracing the future of design.

The Nike Sportswear design team, inspired by the original sketch, embarked on a journey to create a sneaker that predates an era of footwear innovation.

Graeme McMillan, the designer behind this resurrection, tapped into Tinker Hatfield's vision to capture the essence of the original design.

The Air Max Zero was reborn with a blend of heritage and modernity, featuring the new Air Max 1 Ultra outsole, fuse uppers for minimal bulk, and monofilament yarn mesh.

The Air Max Zero, once considered too innovative for its time, is now available for all sneaker enthusiasts. It represents a bridge between the past and the present, showcasing Nike's commitment to pushing the boundaries of design.