Your (Not So) Favourite Air Max?

Air Max DN, let's talk about it.

It's been three years in the making, and come March 26 aka Nike Air Max Day, Nike will have launched the 'first' from their classic Air Max collection that incorporates Dynamic Air.

Image via Nike

The design places a strong emphasis on maximizing various elements, ensuring optimal comfort, mobility and energy. In the midsole, you'll find a four-tubed Nike Air unit with a dual-pressure chamber, providing a buoyant and lightweight feel with each step.

While there's plenty more to explore about the technology, let's get into the visual appeal... or lack of it. This design adopts the well-liked shape of the TN model and the upper showcases a sleek and futuristic look, characterized by intricate patterns on raised mesh. Don't overlook the significance of the TPU toe cap, as it enhances the shoe's durability since they're "comfortable enough to wear from day to night".

Several colourways have been formally revealed, while others have surfaced through leaks. The "All Night" hue is blacked out with subtle light crimson accents, particularly noticeable on the air units, whereas the "All Day" variant features a gradient from vibrant neon red to purple on the upper. There's also a white colourway loaded on the Nike website and speculations about upcoming blue and neon green colourways. All "energetic colours that are easy to style and add dimension to the wardrobe" as DePaul Williams said himself.

Image via Supreme

I used the term 'first' earlier as Nike basically debuted this new model with a supreme collaboration on February 20th - the main difference being the reflective Supreme branding that's impossible to miss.

Resistance to change is a common reaction. Given the uncertainty about the receptiveness the shoe will receive - it might've been an unintentional but safe strategy Nike saw to generate hype around the new silhouette, anticipating a domino effect and the onset of FOMO.

With the mixed reviews surrounding this pair, everything seems to be 'maxxed' out but its popularity. The DN embodies the fresh and bold approach Nike was aiming for, but it might take some time to grow among all consumers.

As it "does indeed open the door wide for Air Max's next era", the new design is obviously here to stay, and I'm eager to witness its journey unfold.