Nike Air Max 1 “Black/University Red” FZ5808-008

If there’s a Nike Mount Rushmore, the Air Max 1, Air Force 1 and Dunk are all unquestionably included on it. As we continue receiving updates on what Beaverton has planned for Spring 2025 and beyond, retail images give that trio of beloved silhouettes some new connective tissue.

The blend of black suede, red Swoosh, and red outsole can only mean one thing: “Vamps.” First introduced by a 2003 pair of the SB Dunk, this palette and color-blocking scheme has bore that title ever since. Truthfully, while it still commands sky-high grey market prices (as any of the shoes from that “golden era” do), the colorway received an extra dose of energy with the Nike Air Force 1 “Vamp” that dropped for Halloween 2024.

As a simplistic, reliable color scheme, it should be no surprise that the Air Max 1 seamlessly executes the “Vamps” prompt. We won’t deny that sometimes new products can carry spurious ties to previous releases, but this stands out as a genuine embrace. The “Cult Classics” program has coincided with mainline references to once-forgotten pairs. Nike bringing this blood-curdling colorway back to the forefront on the Air Force 1 now ushers in another alternative for original coveters of the “Vamps” Dunk, Air Max 1 devotees, or simply just younger fans who find these as clean as we do.

Look for the Nike Air Max 1 “Vamps” this Spring, commanding a $140 retail price. Stay glued to our Sneaker Release Dates page for any additional launch info as it emerges.

Speaking of “Cult Classics,” tap in for our store and raffle list for the Wu Tang Dunk.

Matt Varga is an Editor at SneakerNews. Initially earning a degree in Video Arts and Technology, he got his start in video editing and writing in the music world — primarily on hip-hop and electronic. A long-standing interest in sneakers led him to switching over to footwear. An avid collector, his favorite sneaker of all time comes down to either the Air Jordan 1 “Black Toe” and Air Jordan 5 “Laney,” his first ever pick-ups. When he’s not writing, you can find Matt cooking, traveling, attending concerts and when weather permits, on the handball court.