NIKE AIR MAX 90 TALK WITH WOEI

Embarking on a new decade in 2020, the Air Max 90 is recrafted (including the panel scale, toe box height and heel panel) and will release in multiple colorways inspired by the shoe’s original color blockings. Internal renovations to the silhouette include the shoe’s original ultra-plush linings and constructions, with the sockliner featuring a hidden "Easter egg" — an Air Max 1 outsole on the bottom. Another surprise for the 30-year Air Max celebration: Nike recreated the original skinny box design used at the start of the ’90s and across a number of models, and features the iconic hazard stripes.

 

We went for a visit to Woei, owner of Woei, to talk about the past, bit of present and future of the Nike Air Max 90!

 

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The people who know you also know that you are a big fan of the earlier Nike Air Max silhouettes and got plenty of it in your collection. Could you tell us what your first encounter was with the Nike Air Max 90?

 

The first pair of Air Max 90 I bought was the "Escape 1" which I bought in New York at Dr Jay's back in 2002. Before that, I never wore Air Max at all, since I was skater back then. So the naturally skate-shoes were the only shoes I wore.
But after the "Escape 1", my love for Air Max's went on steroids; I searched and purchased all the Air Max's I wanted with almost every edition on my wishlist!

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The Netherlands is sneaker-wise mostly known for its love for the Nike Air Max. These models were adapted quickly by the Dutch youth culture named Gabber back in the early 90s. By the 2000s, the shoe had become a cult classic. Reissues throughout the early part of the century solidified its street status — and gave way to a dizzying array of makeups — on the way to becoming a subculture fashion staple. What is your relationship with the Nike Air Max 90?

 

With the Gabbers being the early adopters of the Air Max's you automatically became associated with that youth culture wearing these silhouettes. And that was something I did not aspire. I was a skater around that era, so skate-shoes was my choice of footwear.
But later, around 2000, the Air Max's became more mainstream in the Netherlands. It became more accepted and picked up by the masses. Which made the Dutchies became known as the nr.1 fans.
When I opened up my shop in 2007, my best-sellers were Air Max's. People knew I loved the models and I would get them from all around the world to place them in my store. Me and the clientele were and still are hooked!

 

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Knowing you have gained quite the collection throughout the years; what are your favourite editions of the Nike Air Max 90?

 

My favourite 90's are, in no particular order;

- The green and orange (F&F) version of the Nike Air Max 90 "Homegrown"

- Dave White's Neon colourway

- The regular and Friends&Family edition from Dave's Quality Meat

- Nike Air Max 90 "Hemp

- The Nike W Air Max 90 x Courir, which I have in size EU45.5 (Very rare!)

- The Nike air max 90 OG "Lime"

 

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Nike having recrafted the Air Max 90; how do you feel about this anniversary shoe?

 

The Air Max III is dope!
I like it that Nike brought back that pointy shape and focused on the materials. They have put effort in bringing back that nostalgic feeling with this release and I can't wait for the classic colourways being released again!

 

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The Nike Air Max 90 CS will be available Saturday, December 21st instore and webshop.

Please note that we carry a limited stock.