FIRST LOOK: Supreme x Nike Air Max 1 ’87 “Varsity Purple” – Worth the Hype?
I still remember the first time I camped outside a store for a sneaker drop. It was freezing, my coffee had gone cold hours ago, and my friend Dave wouldn’t stop complaining about his numb toes. But man, when those doors opened, all the discomfort just melted away. That rush is exactly what I’m feeling as I look at the upcoming Supreme x Nike Air Max 1 ’87 “Varsity Purple” release.
Let’s be real – when Supreme and Nike team up, my wallet starts sweating. And this time is no different.
What’s All the Fuss About?
So I got a sneak peek at these beauties last week (perks of running a sneaker blog for over a decade), and I gotta say, the “Varsity Purple” colorway is absolutely stunning in person. Pictures don’t do it justice. The purple pops in a way that made me think, “Yep, these are definitely going to sell out in seconds.”
The materials feel premium to the touch – that combination of buttery leather and soft suede gives it a luxury vibe that standard Air Max releases just don’t have. I ran my fingers over the swoosh and immediately texted my sneakerhead group chat: “Guys, we’re all gonna need to call in sick on drop day.”
The Details You Should Know
Here’s the scoop – these kicks are dropping on March 26th exclusively through Supreme, priced at $170. BUT (and this is important), word on the street is that the Varsity Purple colorway might get an early release on March 20th. My sources are pretty reliable, but you didn’t hear that from me, okay?
This purple beauty is just one piece of the puzzle. The collaboration includes other colorways too – white, black, and this crazy bright speed yellow that’ll probably blind you in direct sunlight. I’m personally gunning for the purple pair, but that yellow one is tempting me too… and my collection really doesn’t need another addition right now. My wife just rolled her eyes when I mentioned it.
How They Compare to Regular Air Max 1s
I’ve owned probably 20 pairs of Air Max 1s over the years (don’t tell my accountant), and these Supreme collabs definitely stand apart. The most obvious difference is in the little details – the subtle Supreme branding, slightly different proportions, and that special “something” that makes them feel more exclusive.
Last night, I actually pulled out my regular Air Max 1s and put them side by side with the press photos, playing spot-the-difference like some sneaker detective. My dog kept giving me judgy looks from the couch.
Are They Worth $170?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – the price tag. $170 isn’t cheap for sneakers. That’s like 34 fancy coffees or 17 decent pizzas (yes, I think about purchases in terms of food).
But here’s my take after a decade in the game: if you genuinely love the design, they’re worth it. These aren’t just shoes; they’re wearable art, conversation starters, and potentially good investments. The last Supreme x Nike collab I bought actually doubled in value within a year. Not that I sold them – they’re still sitting in their box, waiting for that “special occasion” that never seems to come.
How to Cop a Pair
Alright, here’s my veteran advice for securing these purple beauties:
1. Make sure your Supreme account is all set up BEFORE drop day. Nothing worse than fumbling with forgotten passwords while everyone else is checking out.
2. Have your payment info saved and ready to go. Those precious seconds matter.
3. Consider using multiple devices. My setup usually involves my laptop, phone, and tablet all locked and loaded.
4. Don’t refresh too much! That’s how you get banned from the site. I learned this the hard way during the Dunk Low drop in 2020, still kinda bitter about it.
Final Thoughts
Will these Varsity Purple AM1s change your life? Probably not. Will they make you smile every time you pull them out of the box? Almost certainly.
I’ve got March 20th circled on my calendar (with a question mark), and March 26th highlighted in bold. My credit card is already giving me the side-eye, but some things are worth the splurge.
What do you think about this Supreme x Nike collab? Drop a comment below if you’re planning to go after any of the colorways. And if anyone has a reliable bot they wanna share with an old-school sneakerhead who still types with two fingers… just kidding. Kinda.
Until next time, keep your laces tight and your collections fresh!
