Image via Complex Original
Back in 2006, Edison Chen and his Hong Kong-based streetwear label, CLOT, teamed up with Nike for the first time, creating one of the most unique iterations of the Air Max 1 ever. Now 15 years later, Chen and the Swoosh are bringing the “Kiss of Death” Air Max 1 back to celebrate its 15th anniversary.
Since the release of said Air Max 1, CLOT has gone on to become one of the most powerful names in sneaker collaboration, creating numerous heralded renditions of their silk-laden Air Force 1s and a number of notable pairings with the Jordan Brand. Throughout all of CLOT’s work with Nike and Jordan, there is a fundamental connection to his Chinese culture, whether it be an homage to the terracotta army, luxe silk materials, or something as simple as foot reflexology.
Sure, the colorway of this Air Max 1 and its hidden details paying homage to the aforementioned art of Chinese foot massage were eye-catching in their own right, but it was the clear window in its toebox that really set it apart. While this icon set to return as part of Nike’s Air Max month festivities in 2021 carries over most of its original design, there are a few key differences to note on the new version. Check out the similarities and differences highlighted below.
Orange Heel vs. Red Reflective Heel
At first glance, the most obvious difference between the 2006 and the 2021 version is the updated color on the heel. While still keeping it true to the original with the incorporation of the shoe’s familiar orange hue, Chen and CLOT have added a brand-familiar red in an effort to stay true to its roots. When lights flash onto the surface of the new K.O.D.s, the red heel lights up to add a new unique touch to the sneaker in the dark.
Foot Reflexology Graphics vs. Updated Insole
Inspired by the practice of Chinese foot massage, the 2006 Air Max 1’s insoles feature a diagram of a human foot surrounded by characters and arrows pointed toward certain pressure points. Now in 2021, that motif has been taken to another level by way of a list of focal points throughout the body that extend beyond just the lower body. Nike also updated the collaboration’s box with a more modern version but carried over the same graphics from 15 years prior.
Human Foot Graphic vs. Colored Foot Graphic
Similar to the last section, these differences highlight the tradition of Chinese foot massage. The original version featured a normal underside of a human foot while 2021’s focuses on key touchpoints. Decked out in a number of colors, the new outsole acts as a map, showing pressure points that are highlighted during a massage.
Closed Toebox vs. Perforated Toebox
Like most clear shoes designed with plastic paneling, the original 2006 version of this Air Max 1 was not exactly the most breathable. Much like ESPO’s Air Force 2 collab, the shoe’s window would fog up a bit when worn without socks, an issue that should be remedied by 2021’s toebox perforations. Originally, the 2006 pair was given a translucent window due to the prevalence of open-toed footwear in China, an idea carried over to the retro.
Kiss of Death vs. K.O.D.
For the 2021 version, CLOT opted to keep the initialism as the shoe’s main nickname as opposed to “Kiss of Death” in an effort to remain sensitive toward the current circumstances around the globe.