Comeback of the year already? Nike OG-heads in particular will probably see it that way. After all, they have been waiting for a new retro of the "Big Air" for over 6 years. Additionally the 2024 retro (33 years after the og release) is the first 1:1 remake so far!

The Nike Air 180 has a very special meaning for Asphaltgold – it is no exaggeration to say that Asphaltgold may not exist without the 180. For founder Dani Benz, there is probably no other shoe that accompanies him as closely in his sneaker history as the Ultramarine .

"I've been interested in sneakers since I was a child. 1991-92 were very special years. The AIR 180 had me excited like no other shoe. I was drawn to the technical look of the Air Pad and was convinced that it would make me run faster and jump higher. I was really jealous when I saw my older friends at school wearing the shoes and had to have the 180 immediately. It was a while before I was allowed to have my own pair in my hands or on my feet. At a retail price of 299DM, my mum was definitely not having it. But my enthusiasm remained (...)!" Here are more insights!

The 180 first appeared in the OG Ultramarine colorway in 1991. The two designers Tinker Hatfield and Bruce Kilgore surprised everyone with two major innovations: The already well-known Air Pad used in the Air Max 1, 90 and Light was no longer a small window, but was visible from 180 degrees for the first time. Sounds logical: hence the name. The second new feature was the Dynamic-Fit Sleeve tongue, which guaranteed an optimal fit thanks to neoprene-like flexibility.

Despite its novelty and innovation, the 180 did not achieve the success that was hoped for. The upper was perceived as "unlike Nike" and at the same time many did not recognize the innovation for what it was. Even the commercial for the 180, which was very artistic and ahead of its time, contributed little to the success of the shoe. (Click here for the commercial!)

In 1992, another publicity stunt followed, which has produced iconic images to this day. None other than *The Goat* Michael Jordan wore the *Concord* colorway of the Air 180 for an advertising campaign at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and also on the street. Many people will still be familiar with the iconic colorway because of the golden swoosh. The *Concord* purple was later used again and again on Jordan releases.

But even with MJ, the 180 remained the “unloved sibling” of the incredibly successful Air Max family and fell short of the brand’s expectations.

This changed in the early 2000s: Specials and collaborations with Kanye West, Eminem, Dizee Rascal, OPIUM and Sole Collector attracted some attention and pop culture momentum at a time when sneaker collaborations were a rare commodity. Collaborations with Comme des Garcons, Ambush, Size? and city exclusives such as the 180 *Berlin* with metal mesh followed later. Retro versions were also released again and again, including as part of the famous *History of Air* series. But on the silhouette's 30th anniversary, fans went away empty-handed - we have now had to wait 6 years for a new retro.

-> To the Nike Air 180 Retro at Asphaltgold in the online shop

But in 2024 it's finally back and for us it's definitely a reason to celebrate and give it everything we've got. The 180 is a work of art - not always understood by everyone - and has made sneaker history. The 2024 retro is the best the 180 has had so far, which doesn't diminish our anticipation. The 180° Air sole, the striking ultramarine, the bright solar red, plus the synthetic suede that couldn't be more delicate and finer. For the retro, Nike used an internal & external 3D scan of the OG from 1991 to really recreate the shoe 1:1 and not have to make any compromises. Next week the wait will be over.

The Nike Air 180 Retro will be available at Asphaltgold on May 24th, 2024: Online release is at 9:00 a.m., app only. The 180 will be available in our store in Darmstadt from 11:00 a.m. Limited quantities, of course! The size run for the Air 180 goes from EU 35.5 to 48.5 and the retail price is 149€

-> To the Nike Air 180 Retro at Asphaltgold in the online shop