Nike has been going through their archives for some time now, scheming and cooking up some big things. The sneaker community is buzzing with so much excitement that it feels like it’s the early 2000s all over again. Speaking of the early 2000s, the Air Max Tailwind 5 is a standout silhouette (that is design, for you non-sneakerheads) from that period, and Nike is bringing the “USA” colourway back like it never left. This iconic colourway is set to re-enter the chat in all its OG glory, and I am loving the nostalgia it brings. As we say in Jamaica, me “happy like pickney pon weekend”.

In retrospect, we were upset about the makeover the silhouettes got in early 2020, which marked the Air Max Tailwind V’s first return. But this right here is an applaudable redemption for the Swoosh as they have delivered effortlessly revamping a classic.

Dressed sharply, the gridded mesh panels are covered in Navy Blue with Red contrasting accents throughout, making up the silhouette base. The tongue, heel, and toebox are a super clean white that brings across the American flag’s vibes. The tongue has ‘Tailwind’ embroidery, and the signature ‘Max Air’ branding appears at the heel. This sits atop a white midsole that sports three exposed ‘Air’ units is completed by a black outsole. Finally, a retro sneaker that’s been given the true “OG” treatment. 

Nike is expected to continue this wave of nostalgia, and we would really love to see other sneaker models from the 2000s make a solid comeback… Nike Presto Chango. (hint hint)

The Nike Air Max Tailwind “USA” has already released in Korea, and select retailers in Europe have since been offering the iconic shoe (IMO). UK crew are sleeping on these as a bunch of sites still have sizes. No word on a release stateside as yet, but with March being Air Max Month, we just might be surprised in the coming weeks. #FingersCrossed

Release Date: 2021
Colour: Midnight Navy/University Red
Price: £160 / $180
Style code:  CU1704-400

Words/Vibes: Max Poe, JA Got Sole