Nike Air Max Day 2021: History, Releases, Activities And Discounts

It's Air Max Day 2021! For this year's event, Nike is bringing tons of releases, discounts and activities for sneakerheads around the world.

Here's what Nike fans and sneakerheads should know about Air Max Day 2021.

History

Fans have aerospace engineer Marion Franklin Rudy to thank for the Air Max. In the late 1960s, he created a new type of shoe after leaving his career by placing tiny air bags in footwear. He pitched his prototype to several shoe companies -- all of which rejected him and his million-dollar idea, per Men's Health.

It took nearly 10 years before Rudy was able to show his invention to Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike, and thus, the first shock-absorbing sole system in athletic footwear was introduced to the world.

As it turned out, the timing was in favor of Nike and its newly-innovated pair of sneakers. With streetwear culture gaining popularity during the '80s, the Air Max One was met with much interest and praise during its release in 1987.

The global popularity of Nike's Air Max continued into the 21st century until it was eventually given a day of its own. On March 26, 2014, the very first Air Max Day was held.

Events

Nike will host a day-long virtual event starting 3 a.m. EDT on Friday until midnight of March 27 that includes creative workshops, inspirational panels, special guest appearances and musical performances, per Sneaker News.

The worldwide event will take place virtually in cities like New York, Shanghai, Toronto, Milan, Barcelona and Chicago, among others, and will feature Nike collaborators and designers discussing the legacy shoe’s impact on sneaker culture. Some of the events also include Berlin’s Air Max Evo music mashup challenge and a creative masterclass with Air Max mentors in Paris.

Those interested in joining the festivities can sign up for a Nike account and register for Air Max Worldwide. Those who register will receive a link to the virtual event.

Discounts

Nike, along with third-party footwear retailers like Zappos and Nordstrom Rack, is offering massive discounts on Air Max sneakers. For those looking to get a new pair of sneakers but are on a budget, here are some great deals for Air Max Day 2021, per Men's Health and Yahoo Sports.

• Nike Air Max Excee Sneaker, $69.97 (orig. $90)
• Nike Air Max 2090, $70.97 (orig. $150)
• Nike Air Max Zephyr, $142.97 (orig. $190)
• Nike Air Max 95, $127.97 (orig. $170)
• Nike Air Max 2090 EOI, $128.97 (orig. $160)
• Nike Air Max 270, $71.97 (orig. $160)
• Nike Air Max Plus II, $128.97 (orig. $190)
• Nike Air Max 270 React ENG, $82.97 (orig. $180)

Air Max Day Releases

For those who don't mind spending a little bit more, Nike has several Air Max Day releases, which include the 1970s-inspired Air Max Pre-Day. According to its website, it's made with at least 20% recycled material and features the Air window.

Nike also brought back the Air Max 1 x CLOT collab that was originally released in 2006. Quite a number of enthusiasts are also looking forward to the revival of the Air Max 90 Bacon, which first debuted 17 years ago.

Those who want a pair can get these sneakers via SNKRS and at select global retailers. See the complete list here.

• ​Nike Air Max Pre-Day, $130.00
• Nike Air Max 1 x CLOT, $150.00
• Nike Air Max 1 "Evolution of Icons"
• Nike Air VaporMax Evo Anthracite
• Nike Air Max 90 Bacon, $140.00