Huf has played a leading role in the skateboarding scene since 2002. Founded by the late Keith Hufnagel, he opened his very first store in San Fran's Tenderloin district, and this space quickly became a hub for skaters and streetwear enthusiasts both in the city and beyond. Soon after, Nike asked the brand if they were interested in working on a sneaker together. Huf (thankfully) said yes, and that gave rise to the legendary Huf x Nike Air Max 1 – a shoe that, after two decades on ice, is making a comeback.
Huf's Air Max 1 came at a time when sneaker collabs were very, very rare. Working on top of a ‘Medium Grey’ base, suede panels feature across the lateral and medial sidewalls and heel. Leather wraps around the mudguard area, while ‘Anthracite’ laces tie everything together.
Of course, one of the most memorable details of this AM1 are the ‘Dark Apple’ accents that make their way towards the Swoosh, sockliner, and tongue tag. This sneaker then sits on top of a greyed-out Air Max midsole that offers additional comfort and cushioning, and it's finished with a grippy rubber outsole. Because skateboarders need things like that.
Since its initial launch in '04, Huf and Nike have worked together on countless occasions. From the Air Force 1 to the Air Trainer 1, this partnership continues to give. When Hufnagel sadly passed away in 2020, the American sportswear company paid tribute to his life and his legacy with two special SB Dunk Lows – both embroidered with “Keith Forever” around the heels.
The Huf x Nike Air Max 1 ‘Medium Grey’ is set to re-release sometime in 2024, just in time to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Pricing details have yet to be confirmed, but expect them to be available via Huf, Nike, the Snkrs app, and select stockists globally.
