The best Nike Air Max 1 colorway of all time is the Atmos Elephant — it has the strongest resale history, the most iconic design, and sparked a 2017 rerelease that sold out in under 3 minutes. This guide ranks all 10 essential AM1 colorways with 2025 resale data, sizing notes, and direct links to shop from $159.
Why the Nike Air Max 1 Still Dominates in 2025
The Nike Air Max 1 is the sneaker that started it all. Designed by Tinker Hatfield in 1987, it was the first shoe to feature a visible Air unit — inspired by the Centre Pompidou in Paris, where internal systems are exposed on the outside. In 38 years, the silhouette has never gone out of style. In 2025, the AM1 trades on StockX between $120 and $900+ depending on colorway, making it simultaneously the most accessible and most collectible silhouette in Nike’s catalog.
#1 Nike Air Max 1 Atmos Elephant — The Greatest Colorway Ever Made
The Atmos Elephant is the best Air Max 1 colorway because it combines the most iconic elephant-print upper in sneaker history with a grey canvas base and teal Air unit — a composition that has never been successfully replicated. Originally released in 2006 as a Japan-exclusive Atmos collaboration, the 2017 “Bring Back” rerelease sold out globally in under 3 minutes and resold for $600+ on StockX within hours. A deadstock pair today: $180–320.
#2 Nike Air Max 1 Anniversary Orange — The OG Tribute
The Anniversary Orange is the most historically significant AM1 because it directly recreates Tinker Hatfield’s original 1987 sample in Safety Orange — a color Nike’s marketing team initially rejected as “too loud.” Released in 2017 for the AM1’s 30th anniversary with a commemorative history book, it remains one of that year’s most-coveted drops at $150–280 resale.
#3 Nike Air Max 1 Travis Scott Baroque Brown — Highest Resale AM1 of 2022
The Travis Scott x Air Max 1 Baroque Brown commands $450–900 resale — the most valuable AM1 collaboration of the past decade. Travis’s design adds a backwards Swoosh, premium suede paneling, and a hidden stash pocket under the Air unit. Released October 2022, it sold out in under 60 seconds.
Top 10 Nike Air Max 1 Colorways Ranked (2025)
| # | Colorway | Year | Retail | Resale 2025 | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atmos Elephant | 2006/17 | $160 | $180–320 | 10/10 |
| 2 | Anniversary Orange | 2017 | $160 | $150–280 | 9.5/10 |
| 3 | Travis Scott Baroque Brown | 2022 | $160 | $450–900 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Patta Waves Black | 2021 | $160 | $300–600 | 9/10 |
| 5 | Strawberry Lemonade | 2018 | $120 | $180–300 | 9/10 |
| 6 | OG Red Crush | 1987/2020 | $130 | $120–180 | 8.5/10 |
| 7 | Sean Wotherspoon 1/97 | 2018 | $160 | $400–800 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | Atmos Animal Pack 2.0 | 2017 | $160 | $180–350 | 8/10 |
| 9 | Cactus Jack Black | 2023 | $160 | $300–550 | 8/10 |
| 10 | OG Navy | 1987/2022 | $130 | $110–170 | 7.5/10 |
Nike Air Max 1 Sizing Guide 2025
The Air Max 1 fits true to size for most people. Wide feet should size up half a size due to the narrower toe box. Travis Scott and Patta collaboration editions also fit true to size despite premium materials.
Air Max 1 Specs
| Origin | 1987, Tinker Hatfield |
| Midsole | Visible heel Air unit + Phylon |
| Fit | True to size (wide feet +0.5) |
| Retail | $130–160 standard / $160+ collab |
| Our Price | From $159 (Free Shipping) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Nike Air Max 1 colorway of all time?
The Atmos Elephant — most iconic design and strongest resale history. Available at shoes886.com from $179.
Do Nike Air Max 1 run true to size?
Yes, true to size for most. Wide feet should go up half a size due to the narrower toe box.
Which Air Max 1 has the highest resale value in 2025?
The Travis Scott x Air Max 1 Baroque Brown leads at $450–900. Patta Waves ($300–600) and Sean Wotherspoon 1/97 ($400–800) also command strong premiums.
Is the Air Max 1 good for everyday wear?
Yes. The visible heel Air unit provides genuine cushioning for all-day wear. Originally designed as a running shoe.
Where can I buy Nike Air Max 1 at the best price?
Available at shoes886.com from $159 with free international shipping.
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