When the Air Max 1 debuted in 1987, Nike Air was already almost a decade old, having premiered on the Tailwind in late 1978. But that full-length unit was kept hidden in a sole unit. Nike technicians and designers had made early experiments on making the air unit visible the first time around, but it would remain concealed for the time being.

Unfamiliar familiarity is at the core of the Air Max Tavas’ appeal - it has cues from classics like the Air Max 1, but a significantly lower profile. An injected unit midsole operates as an outsole too, to reduce weight and maintain the spirit of more through less, while a tab on the heel makes the on and off process a little easier.

As a perfect testament to how far the Air Max design language has travelled during the last few decades, this newcomer has been rewarded with the iconic Persian Violet colourway of the Air Max BW to commemorate that masterpiece’s 25th birthday.