The year 1987 was a monolithic one for Nike.
It was then that the iconic athletic brand first released its visionary AIR technology. When beloved designer Tinker Hatfield suggested making the AIR bubble visible in the heel of a sneaker, it was a done deal and the Air Max made its mark on history.
That same year, Nike also debuted a line of sneakers made for everyday wear. These shoes defined the brand's new "cross-training" genre and included the Nike Air Trainer 1.
Want to rock a shoe that's as comfortable and well-cushioned as it is practical? These might be the answer you're looking for, but it's important to ensure a good fit. Today, we're sharing how to size your women's Air Trainers to feel just right.
What Is the Nike Air Trainer 1?
When the Nike Air Trainer 1 hit shelves in 1987, it was Nike's first-ever cross-training shoe. As such, it represented the brand's first foray outside of the basketball niche. Athletes such as football player Bo Jackson and tennis star John McEnroe wore Air Trainer 1s on and off the court, demonstrating how versatile the silhouette could be.
In fact, the story goes that Hatfield came up with the shoes' design after visiting the gym one day. While there, he noticed that people were bringing two different sets of shoes with them to the locker room. One set was for running and the other was for weightlifting.
He decided to create a line of shoes that could do it all. Even if you weren't an athlete, you could still don your Air Trainer 1s around town with confidence.
Even though nearly four decades have gone by since its first release, the Air Trainer still looks and feels relatively unchanged. The suede, nylon, and leather materials are extra-durable, and the unique colorways make them as stylish as they feel. In 2022, the brand reissued many memorable styles, including the green, black, and white Chlorophyll Colorway that McEnroe wore on the tennis courts.
Breaking Down the Look
The most recognizable part of the Nike Air Trainer 1 has to be the strap that runs along the midfoot. This simple accessory defines the look of these cross-trainers and makes them easy to spot amid a sea of competitors. Each pair also features the unparalleled Nike AIR midsole, so you know you're going to stay comfortable on your feet.
You'll also find a unique lateral outrigger in the forefoot, giving the shoes a slightly chunky look and feel. That look is compounded by the shoe's oversized heel counter, which adds a little height in the back.
Throughout the years, these sneakers have cemented their place as one of the best shoes for everyday wear. If you're sporting them for a day on the town, you might prefer a more neutral tone, such as the Light Bone-Summit Colorway. However, these shoes are far from basic.
You can also find the Air Trainers in plenty of bold, eye-catching colors. These work well in a place where you want to stand out and turn heads, such as the gym. For leg day, switch to a more vibrant pair, like the Los Angeles Rams Colorway.
No matter which style you choose, the midfoot strap is still there, along with the Nike AIR midsole, slightly futuristic profile, and plush cushioning you've come to expect from Nike sneakers. Some models even include other special touches, such as a zipper around the heel or exposed AIR cushioning on the bottom.
How Do Women's Styles Fit?
For both men and women, the Nike Air Trainer 1 fits mostly true to size. However, some wearers may want to size up half a size to ensure a roomier fit. This is especially the case if have narrow or standard-width feet.
If you prefer to leave your sneakers untied or loosely tied, then you should be safe ordering your true size. Due to its boxy profile, this shoe might seem like it would fit big when you first take it out of the box. However, the interior cushioning fills up most of the shape, cradling your foot and preventing it from sliding with each stride.
For this reason, some wearers find that they're too tight and need to size up. If they feel big on your feet instead, it's likely due to the width, rather than the length. Especially in the women's styles, these shoes tend to be a little wide in the toebox, but aren't any longer than normal.
Yet, this shouldn't deter you from giving these sneakers a try. The spacious toebox simply means you have plenty of space to move your feet, whether you're playing contact sports or simply strolling around the grocery store. Plus, you can always tighten the strap around the midfoot if you prefer the sneakers to fit a little tighter.
Sizing For Your Feet
While you should find a perfect fit by sizing your Nike Air Trainer 1s up by half a size, this approach doesn't work for everyone. If possible, measure your foot at home or visit a shoe store to let a professional tell you your precise number.
Then, you can size up from there. It can also help to think about how your other cross-training sneakers feel, especially ones with a similar profile and low-cut upper. Other brands have released sneakers that match closely with the Air Trainers, such as the Adidas Pure Boost.
Buy Your Nike Air Trainer 1 Sneakers Here
The Nike Air Trainer 1 is an everyday shoe that you'll find yourself reaching for time and again. Plush without being too heavy or rigid, they're ideal for any sport or activity you want to engage in.
If you're searching for a women's style, we recommend sizing up. The midfoot strap can make the shoes a little tight, and you want to ensure plenty of space for your feet to breathe.
Want to skip the line and save money? Buy your Air Trainers with us! You can shop our full Nike collection right from your computer, so get started today!
