Supreme x Nike Air Max 1 ’87 SP “Black” vs. Slawn x Air Max 90 “Black”: The Ultimate Showdown

14th May 2025 EDT RELEASES

Supreme x Nike Air Max 1 ’87 SP “Black” vs. Slawn x Air Max 90 “Black”: The Ultimate Showdown

From cultural cache to creativity and artistry—we compare the cream of the Air Max crop.

Supreme x Nike Air Max 1 ’87 SP “Black” vs. Slawn x Air Max 90 “Black”: The Ultimate Showdown

The sneaker world thrives on high-profile collaborations, and 2025 has delivered two coveted drops: the Supreme x Nike Air Max 1 ’87 SP “Black” on 22 March, and the Slawn x Nike Air Max 90 “Black” shortly after on 4 April. Both silhouettes have flown off the shelves and are on many wishlists. If you’re looking to cop one of these to add to your rotation but are having a tough time deciding which should get a spot, you’ll find this comprehensive comparison helpful.

Design & Aesthetic

Feature	Supreme x Nike Air Max 1 ’87 SP “Black”	Slawn x Nike Air Max 90 “Black”
Upper Material	Premium black leather	Black leather (mix of real and synthetic)
Swoosh	White snakeskin-textured Swoosh	Crisp white textured Swoosh
Details	Embroidered “World Famous” on heel, mini Swoosh on forefoot, Supreme box logo on tongue, debossed “SUPREME” on midsole, metal dubraes	White speckled paint splatters inspired by Slawn’s studio, metallic silver eyelets, custom heel branding with Slawn’s signature cartoon face
Co-Branding	Supreme x Nike on tongue, sockliner, and hang tag	Slawn’s artwork and Nike branding throughout
Artistic Influence	Streetwear legacy, bold branding	Artistic, cosmic, and street art-inspired

The Supreme x Nike Air Max 1 ’87 SP “Black” is a masterclass in understated luxury, featuring layered black leather, a standout snakeskin Swoosh, and Supreme’s signature branding in all the right places. The design is clean yet unmistakably Supreme, with subtle nods like the “World Famous” embroidery and a debossed midsole logo.

In contrast, the Slawn x Air Max 90 “Black” is a wearable piece of art. British-Nigerian artist Olaolu Slawn brings his signature paint-splatter motif to the classic Air Max 90, resulting in a shoe that feels both avant-garde and accessible. The speckled upper, metallic accents, and custom heel detail set this pair apart from any standard Air Max 90 release.

Comfort & Construction

Both pairs are built on Nike’s time-tested Air Max platforms, ensuring reliable comfort and support.

• Supreme x Air Max 1 ’87 SP “Black”: Features a foam midsole with visible Air-sole cushioning in the heel and a durable rubber outsole. The leather extends to the tongue, which is lined with brushed knit for a premium feel. Fit is true to size for most wearers.

• Slawn x Air Max 90 “Black”: Retains the classic Air Max 90 cushioning, renowned for its comfort and everyday wearability. The mix of real and synthetic leather and the high-quality craftsmanship ensure longevity and a plush on-foot experience.

Cultural Impact & Storytelling

• Supreme x Nike Air Max 1 ’87 SP “Black”: This release marks Supreme’s long-awaited take on the Air Max 1, a silhouette that has never before received the Supreme treatment. The collaboration celebrates over two decades of Supreme x Nike history, making it a must-have.

• Slawn x Air Max 90 “Black”: The design draws from Slawn’s journey, with paint splatters inspired by his studio attire and cosmic themes. The custom branding and unique packaging further cement this pair as a collector’s item and a bridge between art and fashion.

Release Info & Pricing

Sneaker	Release Date	Retail Price
Supreme x Nike Air Max 1 ’87 SP “Black”	22 March 2025	US$170
Slawn x Nike Air Max 90 “Black”	4 April 2025	US$160

Both pairs sold out quickly on release and are now available on resale platforms, often at a premium. Here’s a price comparison of the silhouettes across popular resale platforms as of 14 May 2025.

Price Comparison of the Supreme x Nike Air Max 1 ’87 SP “Black” Across Resale Platforms

Price Comparison of the Slawn x Nike Air Max 90 “Black” Across Resale Platforms

Which Should You Buy?

Based on prices on the SNKRDUNK App on 14 May 2025, the Supreme x Nike Air Max 1 ’87 SP “Black” in US9 is priced at US$196, while the Slawn x Air Max 90 “Black” in US9 is priced at US$215. The price difference between the pairs is therefore around US$19. If this price difference is the deciding factor for you, then there you go. However, if not, we would say:

• Choose the Supreme x Nike Air Max 1 ’87 SP “Black” if you want a timeless silhouette with bold streetwear branding, premium materials, and the cachet of a Supreme x Nike collaboration.

• Opt for the Slawn x Air Max 90 “Black” if you appreciate wearable art, unique storytelling, and a design that stands out with its cosmic, paint-splattered motif and artist-driven details.

So, which path are you taking?

Supreme x Nike Air Max 1 ’87 SP “Black”

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Slawn x Air Max 90 “Black”

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For the latest releases, breaking news, and exclusive interviews, stay tuned to the SNKRDUNK Magazine and @snkrdunk on Instagram. Explore the SNKRDUNK App and use the welcome code from the banner below before making your first purchase. Additionally, if you want to try a pair out, visit our stores in Singapore and Japan!

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