REVIEW: Nike Brings The Perfect Air Max For Those Who ‘Live to Play’ and ‘Play to Live’

The continuation of Nike footwear reviews comes with the latest edition being the Air Max 1 ’86 OG G NRG, a shoe that is perfect for those who “Live to Play” and “Play to Live” the game of golf.

Admittedly, I’m not the biggest fan of the Air Max, simply because I prefer less of a heel whenI wear a shoe for casual use. I prefer things like Nike’s long-lived Janoski, for example, but golf brings a different need.

Nike managed to get me a pair of what are likely a Top 5 golf shoe (in my opinion) in terms of looks. Are these available anymore? Not in this design, but you might be able to snag a pair on eBay, GOAT, or some other notable kicks aftermarket site. They’re no different than any other Air Max golf shoe, but looks are a different story.

First Impressions and Looks – 9.9/10

For me, these shoes check all the boxes: predominantly white and/or grey with flashy colors and designs. There is nothing I like more in a golf shoe, or a regular shoe than all-white or a light grey. Tie in some crazy colors and this paisley design, and you have me.

They’re also an ode to an old classic, being the ’86 Air Max. The following details the same shoe in the U.S. Ryder Cup colorway, and all but the final sentence is relative to this pair:

“A streetwear legend returns, this time to celebrate golf’s greatest team event where intercontinental bragging rights hang in the balance. It sports the vintage Air Max 1 details you love: Clean lines, no-sew overlays, unmistakable colors and melds them with an outsole ready for the links. Details throughout nod to this prestigious tournament.”

On the Course Performance – 8.9/10

I used these on both a hitting mat at the range and on grass on the course. I liked the stability these shoes give, but I still find myself a little uncomfortable with the slightly raised heel.

I felt like these were a good choice in being used as a turf shoe, but I don’t know how they’d fare in more wet conditions. Grip and balance were maybe an 8/10 on grass, and to be fair, I wouldn’t want to wear these in any situation where damage or marks or dirt could get to them. I don’t know if anyone else would, either.

However, if these are going to be your shoe for the year, be aware of the fact that these do not have spikes, and they are going to offer less grip than shoes that do, obviously. Even still, a dry day or a range session on a hitting mat are where I felt I had the most advantages and feel with these.

Comfort – 9.6/10

While I didn’t love  the raised heel, these were definitely more comfortable than other golf shoes I have reviewed. I still find that FootJoy traditions are the best in terms of an overall shoe, but the Air Max are more comfortable and feel more like a walking shoe. After 18 holes, even in a cart, these didn’t offer the foot pain that comes with wearing the Traditions, Air Zoom Victory Tour 3 NRG, or any of the other golf shoes I’ve tried recently.

The heel was my biggest complaint, but I felt like these were as comfortable, if not more comfortable, than other golf shoes.

They offer enough padding to offer support while not being overwhelmingly tight, which is a big advantage.

Durability – 9.3/10

It’s pretty early on for these: I’ve only worn them three times. Two range sessions and an 18-hole round weren’t enough to test real wear-and-tear, but as of this writing, there were no fraying stitches, no cracks or peels, and no truly visible signs or indications of damage.

Overall – 9.5/10

The look of these shoes, while subjective, is very unique and you’re unlikely to find many people with these. If being unique is what you like, then go for these, especially if you enjoy the Air Max. 

While grip and traction were not something I felt overwhelmingly with these, they are in no way a bad shoe. I wouldn’t put them in a situation where they would be exposed to that sort of climate anyway because I truly want to keep these in the best shape possible and these will be reserved for dry, cool mornings and not for the wet, dewey, rain soaked fall AM rounds that I often play.

I would suggest these to anyone, or any Air Max model, but like any shoe, I would try them on before buying. These are a unique look that Nike tends to equip with the Air Max more often than other models, it seems.

Cover Image via Joey Klender