Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive Review
The Nike Air Max 1, also known as the Air Max ’87, was first introduced by Nike in 1987. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the Air Max 1 was a groundbreaking sneaker that revolutionized the athletic footwear industry by introducing visible Air cushioning technology on the heel. We’ll take a look at how the latest color way, the Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive fit, feel, and look on feet.
Jump To:
- How the Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive fit
- Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive materials
- The Upper on the Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive
- Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive outsole and midsole
- Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive tongue and lining
- Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive on feet
- How to wear and style the Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive
- How to lace the Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive
- Why You Should Buy Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive
- Why You Shouldn’t Buy Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive
- Final Suggestions
- Where to buy Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive
Featured Product:
Size: 10.5
Color: White/Black/Pure Platinum/Medium Olive
Materials and Features:
- Mid-cut design
- Lace-up fastening
- Padded tongue and collar
- Signature Nike branding
- Foam midsole with visible Max Air cushioning
- Waffle rubber outsole
- Polyurethane midsole
- Visible Max Air heel unit. The iconic Air Max air bubble
How do Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive fit
Pros
- Maximum cushioning
- The waffle outsole is elevated and adds a little height
- Good arch support
- Interior textile lining is very soft and comfortable
- Textile lining on the inside of the tongue has a great feel
- Added heel cushioning with the air bubble/max air heel unit
- The white mesh is light and has good airflow
Cons
- Narrower than expected
- Tighter around the pinky toe area
- Really thick looking midsole.
- Recommend getting half a size up if your feet are on the wider side
Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive materials
The Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive has a premium construction with suede overlays, mesh panels, suede mudguard, a waffle rubber outsole, and a thick polyurethane form midsole.
The Upper on the Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive
The upper of the Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive includes suede overlays, a mesh base, a suede mudguard, and a black Nike swoosh on the lateral and medial sides of the shoe.
Suede Overlays on Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive: Suede overlays on the Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive are placed on parts of the upper to enhance durability and add a premium, textured aesthetic. Suede in general is known for its soft feel and resistance to wear and tear but can look beat up over time after getting wet.
Mesh Base on the Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive: The mesh base on the Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive is a breathable and lightweight material that allows for good ventilation, making it ideal for areas of the shoe that need better airflow. These mesh panels are on the tongue, collar, and on the lateral and medial sides of the shoe.
Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive Suede Mudguard: The suede mudguard on the Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive is a band of suede material that wraps around the lower part of the shoe, around the toe box and parts of the heel. The mudguard has a functional and aesthetic purpose, durability and protection against wear in high-impact areas while adding to the premium and textured look of the overall design.
Nike black swoosh Logo on the Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive: The classic Nike swoosh logo is partially tucked under the suede overlays on the lateral and medial sides of the shoe. The black swoosh color contrast against the olive green upper creates a bold pop.
Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive suede heel: The heel on the Medium Olives include the classic retro Nike Air branding. Another staple to the Nike Air Max collection. The branding with mesh upper, suede overlays, suede mudguard blend the retro and updated modern design and materials.
Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive outsole and midsole
Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive outsole: The bottoms of the Olives are a rubber, raised waffle outsole in white and black. These are great for grip and traction. The rubber waffle outsoles are very popular with Nike right now, especially with newer releases of revamped sneakers. The Nike Waffle Debut in particular.
These waffle designs are raised so it does feel like you’re elevated a bit more than with other flat based soles so take that into account when you head out with these on.
Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive midsole: The midsole, as seen below, is the most dominant part of the sneaker. It takes up a lot of space and is very thick and supportive along the heel. It’s made up of Polyurethane, which provides stability, shock absorption, long lasting support, and good for any climate. Polyurethane also has energy return properties, meaning it efficiently rebounds energy during each footstrike. Anyone reading this most likely won’t be using the Air Max 1 Medium Olives for jogging or athletic activities, but the midsole is great for walks or long days on the feet.
Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive Visible Max Air heel unit: The heel unit, or in basic terms the classic Air Max air bubble, is located towards the back of midsole on the heel. This is an iconic feature of any Air Max sneaker and has been a key feature of Nike Air Max sneakers since the introduction of the line in the late 1980s. Although it’s a visual staple, it does serve a functional purpose. It’s great for impact absorption and responsive cushioning. Its strategically placed on the heel of the sneaker where it’s needed most.
Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive tongue and lining
Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive tongue: The mesh tongue includes the Nike Air Max patched branding. The branding is a nice extra detail with bold black design that contrasts well against the olive, white, and suede overlays. The interior of the tongue is textile, so its really comfortable and soft for the top part of the foot.
Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive lining: Textile lining and padding is along the collar and interior of the Olives. Its a “sock” like material. Very soft, smooth, and comfortable to slip your foot in and out of. Great comfort for all day wears.
Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive on feet
How to wear and style the Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive
The Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olives are one of those sneakers that you want as much of it as exposed as possible. So baggier fitting pants wouldn’t be the best option to style the Air Max Olives with. The overall details and retro design are really well put together so styling with skinnier fitting pants with a tighter leg opening will expose the detailed mesh tongue, textile lining along the collar, and suede overlays near the eyelets.
How to lace the Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive
The laces on the Medium Olives are your classic standard white lace with a regular aglet (plastic tip at the end of the lace). For a more secure fit, lace through the final plastic black eyelet featured below. If you want the tongue to pop more, avoid lacing through the black plastic eyelet to let the tongue flop out for more exposure.
Why You Should Buy Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive
- Want a classic retro sneaker series with an updated and unique color way
- Want a casual retro sneaker with great cushioning
- Need a new clean looking sneaker to wear to the office or every day wear
- Want a sneaker that can hold up over time and is durable through many wears
Why You Shouldn’t Buy Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive
- Want to avoid suede materials
- Don’t love olive or green accents
- Want a less chunkier looking shoe
- Don’t like the feeling of added height with the waffle outsole
- Have wide feet or long toes
Final Suggestions
Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive for the Office: Highly recommend. The olive and green accents have semi formal feel to them and can blend well with khakis or higher end jeans.
Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive for Casual Setting: Highly recommend. Nike Air Max’s are one of the best casual sneakers of all time.
Nike Air Max 1 Medium Olive for every day wear: Highly recommend. They’re durable and the outsole and midsoles are built for wet and dry conditions.
