The Nike Air Max 1 was first released in 1987. The sneaker was a big step for Nike's Air technology, as this was the first model with a visible Air Unit. The silhouette was designed by footwear designer Tinker Hatfield. His inspiration for this shoe came when he was in Paris and saw the Centre Pompidou building. The industrial building has many visible tubes.
 
Not much later, the Air Max 1 was released made of mesh and suede. The mudguard was red, as was the Swoosh, the upper lacing eyes and part of the outsole. In 2005, the 'History of Air' was released, in the exact same colour scheme.