Apron Records x Air Max 180 is Already a Sneaker of the Year Contender

One of Tinker Hatfield’s greatest creations, the Air Max 180, is being treated to a Dark Atomic Teal and Off Noir-Alabaster makeover courtesy of Steven Julien’s Apron Records. The London-based music label has been thrown the keys to the silhouette, which is due for a resurgence in 2025, and they’ve knocked it out of the park with a mixture of textures, thoughtful details, skilful colour-blocking, metallic hits, and clever story-telling.

We’re only two months into the year, but we’re amongst those who are calling it early. These will be a sneaker of the year contender, and the reception they’ve received online days after being teased by the brand is enough to prove it. We haven’t seen folks this excited about an Air Max 180 since the Comme Des Garcons release in 2018, so expect these to be highly sought-after and hard to come by when they release.

There’s no release date for the Apron Records x Air Max 180 at the time of publishing this article, but if typical sneaker roll-out schedules are to be followed, we’d expect a date, time, and list of retailers in the next few weeks. For now, let’s take a closer look at the sneaker and the brand behind it!

Apron Records x Nike Air 180 release information:

• Colorway: Dark Atomic Teal/Off Noir-Alabaster
• SKU: FZ3309-300
• MSRP: USD$150
• Release date: 2025
• Where to buy: Nike

Founded in 2014 by Steven Julien (FunkinEven), Apron Records started as a bold, futuristic house, techno-style label but has more recently delved into a modern new jack swing, fusion, and soul sound. It’s become a breakthrough platform for emerging artists including Greg Beato and Shanti Celeste, but if you want to find out where the label started sonically, check out Steven Julien’s 2016 Fallen LP. Today, they’re masters at blending streetwear with music, and this Nike Air Max 180 could be their best work yet.

The sneaker is highlighted by a moss-like Dark Atomic Teal coloured upper in hairy suede and leather. This has been contrasted by a black midsole and snakeskin-like heel counter with a metallic panel and aged yellow-tinted Nike Air unit. We’re a bit unsure about the cow print pattern in opposing colours on the left and right shoe (pink and khaki) but the terrycloth shoelaces and razor blade lace dubrae with the Apron Records logo is a tasty nod to the brand’s aesthetic.

While no release date is set for the sneaker yet, the Apron Records x Nike Air 180 will likely come in a special box as displayed in the on-foot image below.

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