When Supreme and Nike announce a collaboration, the sneaker community inevitably takes notice. Their latest joint effort—the Supreme x Nike Air Max 1’87—dropped on March 20th to mixed expectations. As someone who’s been analyzing sneakers for over 15 years, I was initially underwhelmed by the product images. However, after getting my hands on the purple and black colorways, I found myself reconsidering my position entirely.
Has Supreme created another must-have classic, or is this just another forgettable collaboration in an increasingly crowded market? Let’s break it down in this comprehensive Supreme x Nike Air Max 1’87 review.
Unboxing Experience & First Impressions
Upon unboxing the Supreme x Nike Air Max 1’87, the first thing that strikes you isn’t what Supreme added, but what they didn’t do. In an era where collaborations often compete to be the loudest or most drastic reimagining of classic silhouettes, Supreme took a surprisingly restrained approach.
The shoes arrive in a standard black Nike box, distinguished only by the Supreme logo adorning both sides of the lid. This simple packaging hints at the design philosophy that guided the entire collaboration: subtle elevation rather than radical reinvention.
Four monochromatic colorways were released:
- White/White/White
- Black/White/Black
- Varsity Purple/White/Varsity Purple
- Speed Yellow/White/Speed Yellow
I managed to secure the purple and black versions, which I believe represent the collection’s strongest offerings.
In this Supreme x Nike Air Max 1’87 review, we’ll examine the material quality that sets this release apart.
Material Quality: A Significant Upgrade
Where this collaboration truly shines is in the materials department. Supreme has upgraded the traditional Air Max 1 construction by replacing the standard mesh and synthetic suede combination with premium full-leather uppers across all colorways.
The quality of the leather is immediately noticeable—soft to the touch with visible natural grain when pressed. This isn’t your typical stiff, plastic-feeling leather that Nike sometimes uses on general releases. The leather here feels substantial without being overly rigid, suggesting it will age beautifully with wear.
The most intriguing material choice appears on the Swoosh, which features a debossed snakeskin pattern. This texture adds a layer of sophistication that’s only apparent upon closer inspection—a “if you know, you know” detail that rewards the attentive observer.
Design Details: Subtle Supreme Signatures
Rather than plastering their logo across every available surface (as some might have expected), Supreme inserted their branding through thoughtful details:
- “1994” embroidered in tonal stitching near the lace area, commemorating Supreme’s founding year
- A mini white Swoosh on the lateral side of the forefoot, adding vintage appeal
- “World Famous” embroidery on the heel—Supreme’s iconic slogan
- Supreme branding on a metallic lace dubrae (lace lock)
- Co-branded woven tongue tag featuring Supreme and Nike Air Max logos
- Supreme engraving along the midsole on the heel area
- Supreme box logo on the included hang tag
The collaboration also comes with an extra set of flat laces featuring repeated Supreme branding—perfect for those who want to make the collaboration more visibly apparent.
Construction and Execution
While the material quality impresses, I did notice some inconsistencies in the build quality. My purple pair showed several minor glue stains along the midsole, and the yellow pair (which I examined at a friend’s request) had slight alignment issues with one shoe appearing somewhat crooked compared to its partner.
These quality control issues aren’t uncommon with Nike products, but I expected slightly better attention to detail for a premium-priced collaborative release. It’s worth noting that these flaws were minor and wouldn’t be noticeable on foot, but they’re worth mentioning for completeness.
On-Foot Experience: Comfort and Fit
Air Max 1s have never been known for groundbreaking comfort, and this collaboration doesn’t change that equation. The comfort level is exactly what you’d expect from a shoe utilizing late-80s cushioning technology: adequate for casual wear but not designed for all-day comfort by modern standards.
The Air unit provides some squishiness underfoot, but the overall ride is relatively firm compared to contemporary offerings. This isn’t necessarily a criticism—the target audience for these shoes isn’t buying them primarily for comfort innovation.
In terms of sizing, these fit true to typical Air Max 1 sizing. I wear a US size 10 with slightly wide feet, and my true size fit perfectly. Those with notably wide feet might consider going up half a size, but most wearers should stick with their usual Air Max 1 size.
For reference:
- If you wear Nike Air Force 1: Same size
- If you wear Adidas Ultra Boost: Go up 0.5 size
- If you wear Jordan 1: Same size
- If you wear Yeezy 350: Go down 0.5 size
Styling Potential: Versatility in Monochrome
The monochromatic approach makes these surprisingly versatile despite their status as a Supreme collaboration. The purple colorway provides a bold pop of color while remaining wearable with neutral outfits.
The black pair is exceptionally versatile—perhaps the most wearable of the bunch—with its matte black finish and white Swoosh providing just enough contrast.
For summer styling, the yellow pair offers vibrant energy, while the white version delivers clean, crisp aesthetics perfect for warmer months. The simplicity of the design allows these to work across multiple style categories from streetwear to smart casual.
Purple Colorway:
- Black denim with a white tee and purple accents
- Neutral gray outfit with the shoes as a pop of color
- Tonal purple look for maximum impact
Black Colorway:
- Practically works with everything
- Particularly strong with black denim and white top
- Can be dressed up more easily than other colorways
Yellow Colorway:
- Summer outfits with light wash denim
- Black pants to create strong contrast
- Neutral tones that let the yellow become the focal point
White Colorway:
- Clean summer looks with shorts
- Monochromatic white outfits
- Light wash denim for a classic appeal
Market Context: Where Does This Collaboration Stand?
This isn’t the first time Supreme and Nike have collaborated on an Air Max 1, nor is it likely to be the last. However, this release represents a more mature approach than some previous collaborations.
While earlier Supreme x Nike projects often relied heavily on visible branding or dramatic color blocking, this collection feels more confident in its restraint. The approach reminds me more of Supreme’s collaborations with luxury brands than their typically bolder Nike releases.
In terms of market performance, the collaboration sold out quickly but without the frenzied resale market that accompanies some Supreme releases. The black and purple colorways commanded the strongest demand, with yellow and white following behind. Current resale values sit approximately 20-30% above retail for most colorways—respectable but not extraordinary.
Value Proposition: Is It Worth $170?
At a retail price of $170 USD , these Air Max 1s command a significant premium over standard editions. Is the upcharge justified? I believe it depends on what you value.
If you’re looking strictly at material quality and construction, the premium leather upgrade does add tangible value. However, if you’re seeking radical design innovation or next-level comfort technology, you might find the price difficult to justify.
For Supreme collectors or those specifically drawn to the subtle, elevated aesthetics of this collaboration, the price point feels fair if not exactly a bargain. Consider that you’re not just paying for the physical product but also the cultural cachet that comes with the Supreme x Nike partnership.
The Verdict: Aging Like Fine Wine
Initial reactions to the Supreme x Nike Air Max 1 ’87 were lukewarm at best, with many (including myself) dismissing them as overly simple or lacking ambition. However, after experiencing them in hand and on foot, my perspective has evolved considerably.
What initially seemed like laziness now reads as confidence. The Supreme x Nike Air Max 1’87 doesn’t need to shout for attention—it knows its value lies in quality materials, thoughtful details, and timeless design. In a market saturated with increasingly outlandish collaborations competing for attention, this approach feels refreshingly mature.
These won’t be the most hyped sneakers of 2025, nor will they likely be remembered as the defining Supreme collaboration. However, I suspect they’ll age beautifully both physically (thanks to the quality leather) and conceptually (as tastes potentially shift back toward subtlety).
For the right wearer—someone who appreciates nuance over noise—this collaboration offers significant appeal. Just don’t expect them to turn heads from across the street; their charm requires closer inspection.
To summarize this Supreme x Nike Air Max 1 ’87 review, the collection earns an 8.5/10 rating for its premium materials and subtle styling.
Pros:
- Premium full-leather construction
- Thoughtful, subtle branding details
- Versatile monochromatic designs
- Excellent leather quality
Cons:
- Minor quality control issues
- Limited innovation in design approach
- Premium pricing
- Moderate comfort level
Supreme x Nike Air Max 1’87 Review for All Colorway
Supreme x Nike Air Max 1’87 Varsity Purple/White review(8.7/10)
The standout of the collection. The purple leather has excellent depth of color, and the white accents provide perfect contrast. Most likely to appreciate in value over time.
The purple variant offers a rich, royal appearance that photographs exceptionally well. Under different lighting conditions, the purple shows impressive dimension, appearing slightly brighter outdoors and deeper indoors. The white midsole creates the perfect amount of separation.
Supreme x Nike Air Max 1’87 Black/White review (8.5/10)
The most versatile and perhaps the most sophisticated execution. The matte black finish gives it a premium feel, and the subtle details shine against the dark background.
What makes the black colorway special is how the tonal black elements create a sleek silhouette while still allowing the textured elements to catch light in interesting ways. The embossed Supreme details are perhaps most visible on this colorway, making it perfect for those who appreciate subtlety.
Supreme x Nike Air Max 1’87 Speed Yellow/White Review (8.2/10)
Vibrant and summer-ready, this colorway offers the most visual impact from a distance. Slightly less versatile than its siblings but perfect for adding energy to an outfit.
The yellow leather has a slightly more synthetic appearance than the other colorways, which is why it scores slightly lower. However, it’s undeniably eye-catching and creates a striking silhouette that works remarkably well with the classic Air Max 1 shape.
Supreme x Nike Air Max 1’87 White/White Review (8.0/10)
Clean and classic, though perhaps the least exciting of the four. Still, white leather Air Max 1s have timeless appeal, and the subtle Supreme touches elevate it above standard offerings.
The all-white approach feels almost luxurious, with the different leather textures creating subtle tonal variations that become apparent as the shoe catches light.
The embossed snakeskin Swoosh is perhaps least noticeable here, which might appeal to those wanting the collaboration without obvious branding.
FAQs About The Supreme x Nike Air Max 1’87
Q: How limited was this release?
A: While exact numbers weren’t disclosed, this appears to be a moderately limited release—not as restricted as some Supreme collaborations but certainly not widely available. The purple colorway seems to have the lowest stock numbers based on market availability.
Q: Do they come with special packaging?
A: No special box, just the standard black Nike box with Supreme logo on the lid sides.
Q: How’s the durability compared to regular Air Max 1s?
A: The full-leather construction should prove more durable than standard mesh and suede combinations, particularly in wet conditions. Early wear testing shows good resilience.
Final Thoughts
The Supreme x Nike Air Max 1’87 won’t be for everyone. Those seeking dramatic innovation or flashy design will leave disappointed. However, for collectors who appreciate subtle craftsmanship and material upgrades, this collaboration delivers quiet excellence.
Sometimes, the most impressive collaborations aren’t the ones that try to reinvent the wheel, but those that simply make it roll more smoothly. The Supreme x Nike Air Max 1’87 falls firmly into the latter category—a refined take on a classic that respects its heritage while adding just enough to justify its existence.
Whether that’s worth the retail price of $170 (plus potential shipping and taxes) will depend on your personal preferences and collecting philosophy. But if you’re on the fence, I’d recommend seeing these in person before making your final judgment. Like many of the finer things in life, their quality is best appreciated up close.
Have questions about the Supreme x Nike Air Max 1 ’87 or looking for more information on limited footwear releases? Feel free to reach out through WhatsApp for personalized assistance with your sneaker needs.
Disclosure: This review contains no sponsored content and represents the independent opinion of the author based on hands-on testing and industry expertise.
