Nike Air Max 1 ‘Kid Robot’
ART NUMBER: BMN155-M2-C1
MADE ON: 2005
MADE IN: THAILAND
FACTORY:
Kidrobot are better known for vinyl toys and collectables, but in 2005 they collaborated with Nike and Barneys of New York to create two versions of one of Nike’s most popular silhouettes; the Air Max 1 which is also known the Air Max 87.
The shoes were released exclusively at the two Barneys stores in New York and came in a custom made pink and gold box. In each of the boxes was a mini Kidrobot key ring and foil bag that contained one of five different insoles that were designed by artists Gary Baseman, Dalek, David Horvath, Huck Gee and Frank Kozik. The foil bag extras were another idea taken from Kidrobot’s vinyl toy releases.
The black, pink and gold styling of the 250 shoes that were released to the public were designed by Paul Budnitz and Chad Phillips of Kidrobot and inspired by Kidrobot’s 1986 Maserati Quattroporte III Royale.
Kidrobot often release ‘Chase’ versions of their vinyl toys, which are a more limited version. They continued this concept with their Air Max 1, releasing a version only given to friends and family; which is what we see here.
The upper comes in an eye catching combination of Hot Pink and Red leather, sat atop of a gold midsole. Gold is also utilised to make up the Kirbobot logo on the heel of the shoe and in the stitching on the tongue label. Some perforated panels adds that little extra detail to the shoe and give it an even more premium feel.
These shoes are real head turners and are one of those that are very well recognisable among the thousands of collaborations that have been released throughout the years.
Photography: errol
Text: Thor Geraldson
