Nike Air Max 1 “Treeline”: Skunk Dunk Take 3
Price: $150 [SOLD OUT; Check eBay for Current Pricing]
Why Buy?
The Air Max 1 Treeline offers a relaxed color palate on a well-loved design.
Why Avoid?
the Air Max 1 Treeline materials leave a lot to be desired, especially at the price point.
Specs
| Model | Air Max 1 |
| Height | Low |
| Materials | Faux-suede / Mesh / EVA / Rubber |
| Size | 13 |
| Weight | 474 g / 1 lb 0.7 oz |
| Construction | Cemented |
| Country of Origin | China |
History
The Nike Air Max 1 is a sneaker that really doesn’t need an introduction. Tinker Hatfield’s first sneaker design to go into production (kind of), the Air Max 1 took inspiration from the Centre Pompidou’s exposed piping system to expose the air bubble. Though, it should be noted, that the Air Max was not the first sneaker to use air, which was nearly a decade old at that point.
This particular colorway was supposed to be Nike’s updated take on the well-known “Skunk Dunk” colorway. Confusingly, it was originally set to drop in March, and then ended up dropping in May. You’d think a Skunk Dunk homage would be dropping sometime in April, maybe around the 3rd week, but here we are.
That isn’t the only thing about this release that is a bit confusing. Just before the Air Max 1 Treeline was set to release, it leaked that Nike will be remastering the Air Max 1 in just a few months. The remastered Air Max will be cut more like the original and – more importantly – bring back the original large air bubble window.
Taking what was supposed to be a special shoe, then delaying it past the date it was meant to release is a tough pill for Nike, especially with its replacement on the horizon. However, since we have a pair in hand, let’s take a look at the Air Max 1 Treeline, and see if it’s worth picking up.
Looks
Upper
While the upper on the Air Max 1 Treeline technically follows the traditional Air Max color blocking, the earth tones give it a decidedly casual feel over the traditionally sporty design. With fuzzy green, tan, and pink panels, the vibe is more well-worn sweatshirt than running shorts. That being said, it’s painfully clear these are not real suede. If they really wanted to match that original Skunk Dunk feel, getting real suede would have gone a long way.
Speaking of those panels, other than the pink swoosh, these are not hairy looking at all. I’m not sure that is a bad thing, but if you wanted to find a way to copy that Skunk style on a more affordable pair, these might not be it.
The rest of the upper is made up of a highly reflective mesh. I know that this is typical on Air Max 1s, but I really wish Nike had gone with something else here. For a shoe that is so clearly focused on being a casual pair, the overly sporty nature of the mesh just doesn’t work.
While the mesh may not work, the other accents are all on point. From the soft lining – again, think of your well-worn sweatshirt – to the pink, green, and white laces, these have some nice additions compared to a normal model.
As far as construction mistakes go, these are pretty good for a pair of Nikes in 2022. There are two loose threads on one sneaker, but that’s it. The stitching and panels are all straight, the Air Max logo on the back looks great (at least on my pair), etc.
Mid- and Outsole
Moving to the bottom of the Air Max 1 Treeline, it’s again classic Air Max 1 with a bit of a casual feel. The midsole – featuring two lines along the back – is painted in a bone color that goes really well with the upper. A pink air bubble – now seemingly too small knowing the big window is coming back – peaks out through the side.
Underneath, a charcoal Air Max 1 outsole can be found. While nobody can complain about a black outsole’s ability to hide dirt, I wish they had gone with a brown to match the mesh, or even a pink to match the swoosh. Khaki and black is a combo that always makes me think of an intern at their first day in an accounting firm.
Summary
While I’m not sure I would say it’s similar to the Skunk Dunk in style, the Air Max 1 Treeline does a good overall job at fitting the casual, laid back vibe that a 4/20 release should hit. Even though the concepts collabs got more hype, they are not sneakers you can just throw on and go about your day. These don’t shout “LOOK AT ME,” they just work.
I do wish Nike had used pretty much anything but mesh on the toebox and tongue. That being said, it isn’t enough to ruin the overall feel of the sneakers.
Fit & Comfort
Fit
The Air Max 1 Treeline fits like every other modern Air Max 1. In other words, they fit very narrow. Also, while Nike’s typically run a bit long, these are closer to a standard length. If you’ve in between sizes, I would definitely suggest sizing up. The toebox is especially small, though the soft materials give it quite a bit of stretch.
It should be said, the rest of the shoe has a good amount of padding. With that padding giving some, there is a bit of flexibility in sizing.
I wear the Air Max 1 Treeline in a size 13, but it is slightly tighter than I would prefer. For reference, I fit well in a size 13 in the Air Max 90 and Jordan 1. ! wear a size 12.5 in the Adidas Stan Smith.
For a full list of sizing for every shoe reviewed on 100wears, click here.
Comfort
For a sneaker design as old as the Air Max 1, I am always surprised just how comfortable these are. Remember, these are only 2 years removed from the Dunk. That sneaker is basically just a slice of rubber under your foot.
The midsole is nice and soft right out of the box and, even though it’s small by today’s standards, you can definitely feel the air unit.
The most impressive thing, though, is the padding around the collar. Both soft and dense, this is the best padding I’ve ever felt in a pair of Nikes. Really, it’s great. Feels like a nice memory foam pillow. I’m sure these cost more to make, but I would love to see Nike bring this over to other sneakers they make.
Materials & Construction
Materials
While the comfort on the Air Max 1 Treeline was really impressive, it’s a different story for much of the upper. All the suede-looking panels – the greens, tans, and pinks on the upper – are a really cheap felt. I mean really cheap, like the type of felt paper you’d buy for a kindergarteners’ school project. I know that is what comes on most AM1s, but in a world where Nike advertises these as a premium take on an Air Max, I’d expect these to at least get Nike’s good faux-suede stuff.
Elsewhere on the upper, the mesh panels are a polyester. While I still would have rather seen something else, it does feel quality and I would have no concerns about the durability. The same can be said for the lining and the shoe laces, both of which are made of man-made materials, but feel like they will last.
Underneath, the midsole is made with what Nike calls Phylon, but what everyone else calls EVA. This is the basic midsole material for sneakers, but it’s the standard for a reason. It offers a good compromise between comfort and durability – just be sure to not leave them in your closet unworn for a few years or they will crumble.
Inside that midsole – visible from the side – a small-ish air unit sits under your feet. In the original release there was a small encapsulated air unit under your forefoot as well, though Nike often removes that in retros. Since they don’t clarify on this pair, it’s likely that these don’t have it.
Underneath, the outsole is fairly thick for a running sneaker, and made from a medium density rubber. It should be plenty durable for a casual sneaker.
Construction
The Nike Air Max 1 Treeline is made with cemented construction. If you want a more in depth look at that style of construction, click here. If you just want the quick version, it means that Nike used contact cement to attach the upper to the midsole.
Cemented construction is the standard for modern sneakers, and fits well with what Nike is trying to do with the Air Max. The benefits are extremely cheap construction, light weight, and flexibility. The drawbacks are durability – if that glue gives way, the shoe falls apart.
Pricing & Value
Pricing
Originally priced at $150, the Air Max 1 Treeline sold out instantly. However, at least at time of writing, these are hovering around retail for most sizes on the retail market.
$150 puts the Air Max squarely in the premium sneaker price point. Sure, Jordan and Adidas are starting to kiss the $200 price point on some models, but if you’re not picky about the colorway it’s still fairly easy to get something like an Ultraboost or Jordan 1 for this price on sale/resale.
Value
The Air Max 1 Treeline – at retail or resale – is like most Nikes. It’s pretty obvious that you’re not paying this money for materials or build quality. You can sneakers from other brands that are built with better stuff for less money.
Instead, when you’re buying this shoe, you’re buying the look. If you see it on the screen and like it, that is what you’ll get.
Wrap Up
The Nike Air Max 1 Treeline is a sneaker that is so close to knocking it out of the park. Made for a holiday where people are generally trying to relaxed and toned down, the colors they picked work great. The soft look of most of the panels fits that vibe perfectly, and they are plenty comfortable for a casual sneaker.
To make matters even better, there are a few items – the lining and laces – that actually feel like you’re getting something special.
The cheap materials and the mesh keep this from being a no-holds-barred win, though. Personally, I really like greens and tans together, and this color blocking works well for me. However, unless you really want a green and tan pair of Air Max 1s, the Treeline might be one you leave for someone else.