Comparing the Nike Air Max 1 OG "Big Bubble" (2023) vs. "Anniversary" (2017) 

I am really liking the big bubble version the more I see it, especially the swooping mudguard on the side profile and the toe box. Great review as always Sean - was much needed.

Great comparison video! The anniversary version is looks way more better than the big bubble version. The 86 is too chunky and i don’t like the way the air unit is collapsing under weight.

The Big Bubble is nice, but I prefer the 2017 without hesitation. Thanks for the detailed comparison!

Not gon lie when the big bubble was first announced I was excited but I’m kinda happier I recently picked up a double up of 2017 pair

Based on the backstory, the Big Bubbles are the true OG 🤷🏿‍♂️🤣

The Big Bubble version looks as a whole new silhouette even with these minor differences!

Big bubble is a must have, no doubt

Been trying get the 2017 Anniversary pair for a while. I hit on the shock drop for the Big Bubble and can rest happy now. 😊

Im actually more of a fan of the Big Bubble. I like the bigger air unit and I like the toe box being slightly rounder considering I have wide feet. Both are super clean! Appreciate your review and comparison!

I actually like the anniversary pair more. But since they’re similar I think the one you can get for retail is the better one lol Thankfully I got mine on the recent shock drop!

The subtle shoe size printed on the sock liner of the big bubble is a nice touch

If I had to pick 1 for the collection, it’s big bubble just for the history. I like the shape of the anniversary pair better, but only need 1 of that colorway.

Reminds me of the recraft 90s. I’m sold I need a pair

The Anniversary Pair looks better but I can’t do that resale price. Big Bubble wins. Plus the Big Bubble is a must-cop…for the culture! 👍😂👍

The 86 is perfectly imperfect. That’s what I like about OGs

Always wanted a pair and I actually picked up the 2017 and I'm going to pass on the big bubble. Collection aside, I'm just getting what I like and I am not liking the OG. Nike did nail it and I like the backstory of course.

Haven't owned an AM1 but looking at both pairs the Big Bubble version stands out to me due to the slant and taller profile. Great review!

for me ( although i love air max 1s in general but hated the look of the heel always ) its definitely the 86s.. the overall shape looks better imo and it just flows a little bit better.

Big Bubble all day.

Both are sweet shoes and copped the big bubble.

Another difference between them is that the swoosh on the Big Bubble is slightly larger

Love both pairs. Both are necessary for the collection.

Wish I had anniversary but big bubble is more important to the air max story. Glad I hit on shock drop

The '86 version looks much better, the profile photo shows that the best.

gonna cop the big bubbles for sure ..but have to say prefer 2017 silhouette by far

If the anniversaries made me taller, then the big bubbles will make me humongous like a Titan. Lol 😅

The small bubble in the air max 1 made he prefer the 90, so seeing the big bubble looks amazing

OG Anniversary >> Big Bubble 🤷🏾‍♂️

Big Bubble for real OGs

As always, solid review Sean! Appreciate the work you do for the sneaker community.

nice comparison. got all the important hits 👌🏻. i’m more into the anniversary pair. i like the slim and sleeker shape compared to the wider and round profile.

Thanks for good videos. Love you bro. You are the best sneaker blogger.

I own many Air Max 1’s and of course the shape and fit for me is what keeps me collecting different colorways. The Big Bubble just adds a special place in my AM1 collection apart from the look. Having a piece Nike history is always 🔥 when done right.

Big bubble is far better and was a lo g time coming, maybe its my age having memories of the 86 from back when but im all in for anything that goes back to its roots

Anniversary pair will always be far superior in looks. You can’t argue that. It has the shape and cuts the way every AM enthusiast wanted. Its the 87. the big bubble is a cool feature. Nike really needs to implement the big bubble in AM models like the 93 or burst or 95. Big bubbles need to come back across the board.

Good close up footage mate.

enjoyed your comparo, keep up the great work sean. one of the major diff I found was on-foot w/ BB offset being more pronounced vs. OG Anniv pair - ride moves your foot into toebox but you get used to this w/ more wear. hope everyone that wants BB can cop. GL all...

lmao i’m glad you mentioned the laces on the anniversary pair. Mine come untied all the time when i rock them

Can't go wrong with either one imo still have my 2017 pair now I need the 86 big bubble

Excellent stuff, Sean. Was doing this comparison the other day. I suppose depends on your angle, but the Big Bubble has five visible air chambers/tubes. Initially I wasn’t sure about the Big Bubbles, they just seemed off, incoherent somehow after all the years of the AM1 ‘87 sole. That said, after a couple of weeks wearing them, I actually now just prefer the Big Bubble and my ‘87s’ bubbles sometimes seem too small to the eye. Funny how our perceptions change as we become accustomed to something. I feel Nike absolutely smashed it with the 86s 🔥

These are definitely both sneakers

First, awesome, up close views and great narration on this comparison vid, man! Top notch. One thing to get blunt about tho: no need to call synthetic suede that when it's felt. We need to adjust to just calling it what it actually is: Felt. The entire upper is a full synthetic build, every aspect of the sneaker is and felt is part of that equation. Other minor commentary added: anniversary pairs were packaged with 2 sets of laces so while the stouter laces are unique to that 2017 release there is an alternative (or should be in each pair's box...). Personally, I prefer the common midsole look from the side but get the appeal and vibe of the 86 styled pair. I want both 😂

Dope video, but I had preferred you had mentioned/tagged every version in the comparisons. Sometimes the Anniversary pair is on the left, other times it is on the right. But it is not always very clear. What I miss in this video is the comparison in wearing them. I find the current Air Max 1 always a bit small in shape, which I feel after wearing them a full day. How's that compared to the Big Bubble version? Different fit?

I personally like the texture and lines on the 2017 version but I need the 2023’s just cause the box 🤦🏻‍♂️

The big bubble one basically makes the 2017 a “GR” with no backstory now I guess ?? 🤷🏻‍♂️ But both are cool, and you can’t go wrong with neither nor. But I love that the retro is actually a 1 for 1 now, not just an “inspiration”

Another solid review - thank you for the great work!

One thing I dont like about the toebox mesh on the 2017s dark lines appeared where it creases just after a matter of hours wear that would not come out with scrubbing or even bleach. Air Max 90 mesh does not suffer like that.

That Great Wall of Sean is getting bigger. When I started watching your videos there was only one row lol.

It would be funny to wear one of each and see who notices your shoes don’t match. 😊😂

I have air max 90,97. I'm yet to get the AM1.. can't wait to get the big bubble. Hopefully this one the exposed air unit doesn't crack like the original one did.

big bubbles are cooler than regular model

Even though they look similar to the eye, they are totally 2 different shoes.

I'm gonna go with the anniversary 2017 version. Nike changed the big bubble a few months later for a reason. Not just the bubble but the shape. The 2017 are more refined. Big bubble looks unfinished and like a kids shoe.

I have the 2017 version. All history/ backstory aside I think it's a better looking silhouette.

No word on sizing a fit? Or did I miss that?

2017 better for sure. Going to cop the big bubble though for the history and will use them as beaters. Will prob swap the thinner big bubble laces into my 2017 pair since I agree with you they are better laces

Hey on your next video try reviewing on the Air Max CB 94 they’re awesome

2017 for me! ❤

I found the 2017 pair to be on the big side and didn’t like the pointy toe box.

I really dig the big bubble pair apart from the smooth midsole. Something about smooth polyurethane just feels like a plastic toy or something

@Sean Go - since you have the 2 versions, does the ‘Big Bubble’ feels higher when you wear them in the heel? I have plantars and I usually add additional padding in the heel to elevate my heel slightly. If this ‘Bib Bubble’ feels higher, then I may not need to add the additional padding. Thnx

The big bubble wins. The old model looks like a women's espadrille or wedge vs the OG looks like a running shoe

Big bubble fits bigger than the anni right? or the same? I'm size 10 in the Anni pair

I love both

"86 midsole material is also much softer.

How can you be a purist and like a retro over the real OG lol?

there is another air max 1 '86 university red releasing.

🗣Dope vid

What are the differences between Mens and Womens for these shoes?

Big 🫧 is 🔥

I’d prefer the Anniversary pair because of the horizontal cut between the red suede and midsole, and now you pointed out that cut on the Big Bubble I cannot unsee 🫣

Isn’t the 2023 a Golf shoe rather than a running? I like whatever my pockets can afford lol. The anniversary is going for 300 & better.

What about the suede quality?

Is it the march or september 2017 (looks more like the march)?

Which pair is more comfortable to wear

Do you think the prices will go up later?

I know I know, this will not go over well but why should we care about this shoe.? I know it's supposed (37 yrs ago) bring back some nostalgia for some but how many of you were even born during the 70's I mean you had to have been in the teens to remember. Myself i'll stay with the new stuff. Sorry, just saying

2017 shape for sure. Story is nice, OG of not...but looks like a chinese knock-off to me😅.. nice for the collection of the shelf if you have some money left to spend, but 2017 for me.

Comfort comparison?

Iconic yes, but some of the most uncomfortable I’ve ever worn.

Anniversary have better aesthetics and structure than big bublle..

I do not like the big bubble version! The shape is terrible! 2017 all day for me!

where is the on feet look?

Big bubble is way nicer

2017 all day. Not even close.

Nike is the only company that 5 versions of supposedly the same show can be different. They have no consistency..

awful video without the graphic indication of wich one is the anniversary and one the big bubble. Useless comparison

the big bubble looks sheep

👍🏻👏🏻👌🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️😍😍😍😍