Nike Air Max 1000: NIGO's new vision of the Air Max

Step into the world of the Nike Air Max 1000, the very first Air Max model fully designed in collaboration with NIGO, founder of BAPE and artistic director of KENZO. Unveiled at Paris Fashion Week 2024, the Air Max 1000 represents a major aesthetic break in the Air Max family: futuristic profile, visible full-length Air unit, translucent finish and lines inspired by concept cars. At MTHOR, we hand-pick the most coveted colourways of the silhouette, from the original Black/Sail to exclusive release-by-release drops. Every pair is authenticated by our team of experts before shipping. The Nike Air Max 1000 is more than just a sneaker: it is a statement that Air Max culture keeps evolving, carried by one of the most influential designers of the last thirty years of streetwear.

The story of an icon: when NIGO reinvents the Air Max

The Nike Air Max 1000 was officially unveiled in October 2024 at Paris Fashion Week, as part of the Kenzo Spring/Summer 2025 show. Designed by Tomoaki Nagao, aka NIGO, the iconic figure of Japanese streetwear who founded the cult label A Bathing Ape (BAPE) in 1993, the silhouette marks a historic milestone: it is the first time Nike has entrusted an outside designer with creating a fully new Air Max silhouette, rather than a reinterpretation of an existing model. NIGO, also at the helm of Human Made and artistic director of KENZO since 2021, set out to design a shoe that brings attention back to Air — the legendary technology that propelled Nike into the modern era in 1987 with the original Air Max 1.

Immediately picked up by major pop-culture figures — from Pharrell Williams to Travis Scott, including Rihanna and A$AP Rocky — the Nike Air Max 1000 became within a few weeks one of the most discussed models of the 2024-2025 sneaker calendar. Its collector status has been reinforced by extremely limited drops and a polished communication halfway between sneaker culture and haute couture runway.

A unique technology: how does the full-length Air unit work?

The Nike Air Max 1000 features a full-length Air Max unit sculpted to follow the shape of the foot, visible through translucent windows that run the entire sole. Unlike classic Air Max models where the Air unit is limited to the heel or forefoot, the 1000 offers a continuous bubble from toe to heel, with differentiated pressure zones delivering both dynamic forefoot cushioning and deep heel rebound. The whole is encased in a TPU midsole that structures the shoe while keeping the Air visible — a statement as aesthetic as it is technical.

In practice, you get three key benefits: maximum cushioning across the entire length of the foot, perfect for long urban days or commuting; a futuristic silhouette recognisable at first glance, turning the shoe into an instant visual signature; and increased durability thanks to the structural TPU that protects the Air unit from side compressions.

Iconic models in the collection

The Nike Air Max 1000 collection at MTHOR gathers the most sought-after colourways since the silhouette's launch. You will find the Nike Air Max 1000 Black/Sail, the first official colourway revealed at the Kenzo show and the absolute reference of the model; the Air Max 1000 White/Sail in a clean version for minimalist looks; the Air Max 1000 Triple Black for a stealth, urban reading of the silhouette; and seasonal variations such as the Air Max 1000 Anthracite or the Air Max 1000 "Photon Dust" with pastel hues. For collectors, certain friend & family pairs distributed during Paris Fashion Week are occasionally available. Every reference in stock at MTHOR has a detailed description specifying the colourway, the original box and the condition.

Why buy your Nike Air Max 1000 at MTHOR

MTHOR Shop specialises in selling authenticated sneakers. Every pair in our Nike Air Max 1000 collection goes through a rigorous check carried out by our team of experts: we inspect the consistency of the box and size label, the material, smell, stitching, shape and sole, as well as the laces and accessories. For more in-depth verifications on a model as recent and widely copied as the Air Max 1000, we rely on specialised tools such as the UV lamp or microscope. Every order ships with a tamper seal, a tangible guarantee that the quality control has been carried out and the authenticity validated. Learn more about our authentication process.

We offer worldwide delivery within 2 to 8 days, door-to-door with signature, real-time tracking by email and WhatsApp, interest-free payment in 4 instalments via Klarna or Scalapay, and a France-based customer service available Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm. If anything goes wrong, our 14-day return policy has you covered.

FAQ — Nike Air Max 1000 at MTHOR

How do I verify the authenticity of a Nike Air Max 1000?

Because the Nike Air Max 1000 is a recent and heavily covered model, copies are circulating quickly. At MTHOR, we systematically check the quality of the TPU sole moulding, the transparency and uniformity of the full-length Air bubble, the consistency of internal markings and the alignment of stitching on the tongue. Every pair is validated by our team before sealing. Discover our full authentication process.

What size should I choose for a Nike Air Max 1000?

The Nike Air Max 1000 fits overall true to your usual Nike size. If you hesitate between two sizes or have wide feet, we recommend going up half a size, as the forefoot is slightly tapered. The inner sock offers a soft fit that stretches very little with wear.

Which box comes with my pair?

Every Nike Air Max 1000 ships in its original Nike box, with additional laces when included in the colourway, and the original tissue paper. Pairs from the Kenzo show or friend & family distributions come with specific accessories when present (always mentioned on the product page).

What is the delivery time?

We ship worldwide, with door-to-door signature delivery within 2 to 8 days. You benefit from real-time tracking by email and WhatsApp, whatever your destination.

Will I have to pay customs fees?

No, no customs fees are charged to you. MTHOR covers all customs fees and taxes in full, regardless of your destination worldwide. The price displayed on the site is the final price you pay: no surprises upon delivery.

Can I return my pair if it does not fit?

Yes. You have 14 days after receipt to return your pair, provided it is in its original condition (never worn, intact box, seal not removed). The refund is processed within 24 hours of receiving the return.

Going further

Also discover our Nike Air Max and Nike Sneakers collections. To learn more about the quality of our sneakers, check out our detailed authentication process.