02.01.23
You can't DUNK without some AIR – Air Max 1 'Ugly Duckling' Pack
Starting off 2023 with a bang, Nike transplants one of the most influential Japanese sneaker packs of the 2000s onto Tinker Hatfield's iconic Air Max silhouette – resulting in a confluence of history.
Two weeks and two mentions of ugly ducklings – what's going on around here?
This time it's a bit different, instead of talking about under-appreciated Jordans we're here to discuss a pair of Air Max 1s inspired by some Dunks which helped to shape the sneaker industry as we know it today.
Back in 2001, brands were only just starting to experiment with the idea of special release sneakers and themed packs. New Balance had started to work with Mita and RealMadeHECTIC on limited edition MT580s and Nike had just come off the back of the Stussy Huarache drop – the first sneaker collaboration ever.
After a lot of buzz on the Japanese market, they decided to release a few new colourways of the popular-at-the-time Dunk – The '80s basketball model was having a resurgence on the streets of Harajuku, thanks to the rise of American skate and hip-hop style championed by Urahara kei [裏原系] fashion kids.
One particularly beloved set was dubbed the 'Ugly Duckling' pack. This release was comprised of three Dunk Low Pro B's made of a soft suede in unique colourways. The trio gained nicknames of their own and garnered so much fame that a few years ago Nike reissued each pair on the 20th anniversary of their original release.
Along with their in-period fame, the Dunk Low Pro B program was a precursor to the SB Dunk roll-out, which – under the watchful eye of the late Sandy Bodecker – would revolutionise sneaker retail forever.
Now as we move into a new year – off the back of the 35th anniversary of Air Max – Nike takes two colourways from the 'Ugly Duckling' Dunk lineage and applies them to the equally-revolutionary Air Max 1.
Two colourways from the Ugly Duckling legacy have been transplanted onto Tinker Hatfield's famed runner. The same materials and colours from the 'Ceramic' and 'Dusty Olive' Dunk Lows have been tweaked, finessed and finagled onto the simple-yet-effective upper of the AM87. The results are both historically significant and completely new. Without the backstory these are two strong colours of the Air Max 1, and with it they become much more.
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The Air Max 1 'Ugly Duckling' pack releases ONLINE ONLY at 12:00am, Wednesday January 4th.
Available in Men's sizes US7 - US13, including half sizes.
RRP is set at $230
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We're expecting a bit of crossover between Air Max and Dunk fans so don't sleep!
