Nike x Patta: The Story of The Wave Collaboration
Some pairs tell a story. Nike x Patta is one of them. A meeting between an Amsterdam boutique founded by two enthusiasts and the Beaverton giant, which gave birth to one of the most coveted packs in the contemporary sneaker market: The Wave. Designed around the Nike Air Max 1, this series celebrates both an iconic silhouette by Tinker Hatfield and the anniversary of a boutique that has become a cult brand. At The Last Step, you'll find the flagship editions of this collaboration, in colors designed for true connoisseurs.
The Origins of Patta: From Amsterdam to Global Sneaker Culture
The story begins in Amsterdam in the early 2000s, when Edson Sabajo and Guillaume Schmidt, two figures of the local hip-hop scene, decided to open a boutique to fill an obvious gap: there was then no serious point of sale for rare sneakers in the Netherlands. Patta was born in 2004 in a small Amsterdam boutique, and grew thanks to a close-knit community centered around hip-hop, skate culture, and urban fashion.
Very quickly, the brand moved away from simply being a reseller. Patta began to produce its own creations, sign collaborations with the biggest brands in the streetwear world, and carry out social projects to support talent from minority groups. This vision, both communal and creative, changed the game. In a few years, Patta went from a neighborhood store to a respected international player, with a legacy that extends far beyond footwear.
What makes Patta unique is this constant link between culture, the street, and fashion. Every pack, every drop, every collaboration carries this signature. And this is particularly evident in the work done with Nike since the mid-2000s.
Nike x Patta: A Collaboration Almost 20 Years in the Making
The first pair born from the Nike x Patta collaboration dates back to 2006. A Nike Air Max 1 "Cherrywood" which marked the beginning of a long series. Since then, Patta and Nike have multiplied their joint releases, almost always around the Air Max 1 silhouette, which perfectly matches the DNA of the Amsterdam boutique.
Why this silhouette rather than another? Because the Air Max 1 is an absolute classic. Launched in 1987, it was born from Tinker Hatfield's idea of exposing the famous visible air unit in the heel, inspired by the Centre Pompidou and its industrial architecture. This Nike Air Max was unlike anything else in sports at the time. Patta, which has a real cult following for this pair, has made it its favorite canvas. Over the years, we've seen Lucky Green, Chlorophyll, Black versions, and of course, the famous "Wave" ones that we're discussing here.
This continuity is no accident. It reflects a true complicity between Patta and Nike, and a fine understanding of what makes a collaboration strong: respect for the original model, and an interpretation that remains true to the spirit of the invited brand.
The Wave: A Pack Designed to Celebrate Patta's Anniversary
In 2021, Patta celebrated its 17th anniversary. To mark the date, the Amsterdam team conceived an ambitious pack: The Wave. The idea was simple and beautiful, to sculpt a Nike Air Max 1 with unprecedented shapes, featuring a wavy mudguard that, as its name suggests, evokes waves. This interpretation profoundly modifies the silhouette, without distorting it. That's the subtlety of the project.
Three main colorways make up the initial pack: Noise Aqua, Monarch, and White. Other versions would follow, including the famous Chlorophyll, a direct tribute to a cult Air Max 1 colorway. Each edition incorporates the model's codes – branded tongue, Air sole, mesh and leather upper – but elevates them thanks to the sculpted "waves" mudguard.
The result? An instantly recognizable shoe. On foot, the sensation differs slightly from a classic Air Max 1. The waves of the mudguard add dimension, attract the eye, and create a design that works equally well with jeans or cargo shorts. Many enthusiasts consider The Wave to be one of the most beautiful reinterpretations ever made of Tinker Hatfield's silhouette. It's hard to argue with them.
Nike x Patta Silhouettes
The collaboration is not limited to a single model. Over the years, the two brands have worked on several Air Max silhouettes and beyond, each with its own vibe and streetwear vision.
Nike x Patta Air Max 1
This is the historic model of the collaboration, the one that started it all. The Air Max 1 Patta is identifiable at first glance thanks to its lateral Waves from the 2021 pack. The range comes in several cult colorways: Chlorophyll, Noise Aqua, Monarch, White, Black, Hyper Crimson, Rush Maroon, and the recent The Next Wave Dark Russett. The construction takes up the codes of the Tinker Hatfield model with a branded tongue, Air sole, mesh and leather upper, enhanced by the wavy mudguard.
Nike x Patta Air Max DN8
The most contemporary drop pushes the collaboration towards a distinctly futuristic line. The Nike Air Max DN8 Black and Metallic Silver concentrates all the current hype, accompanied by the brighter SP "White" version. Technical construction, minimalist aesthetic, Dynamic Air sole. A shoe that stands out from the collection's classics.
Nike x Patta Air Max 90
The Air Max 90 Patta plays on chunky constructions and bold palettes, with the Waves integrated into the midsole. We find the Sapphire, Cyber Green, Particle Grey, and Black Particle editions, each with a strong character. Ideal for fans of a more imposing everyday presence.
Nike x Patta Air Max Plus
Rarer, the collaboration on the Air Max Plus takes the form of the FC Barcelona Culers Del Món edition. A piece designed for collectors, which mixes the codes of the TN with a football-culture project rarely seen on this model. Limited edition, imposing visual presence.
Nike x Patta Air Huarache
The Nike Air Huarache 20Y24 x Patta Black celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Amsterdam brand with a dark and technical reinterpretation of the Huarache. For those who want a Patta far from the beaten track of sports and classic Air Max, this is the most singular piece in the catalog.
Nike x Patta Colorways Available at The Last Step
Here is a coherent selection from the most striking drops
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Air Max 1 - Waves range: Chlorophyll 20th Anniversary, Noise Aqua, Monarch, White, Black, Hyper Crimson, Rush Maroon, The Next Wave Dark Russett
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Air Max 90: Sapphire, Cyber Green, Particle Grey
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Other recent drops: DN8 Black Metallic Silver, SP White
Very fast availability: some products sell out within hours of being listed online
How to Wear Nike x Patta
The Air Max 1 Patta goes perfectly with black technical joggers and a light windbreaker for a very Amsterdam sneakerhead look.
For a more casual street look, opt for raw straight-leg jeans and an oversized hoodie; the Waves will do the rest.
In summer, we recommend loose cargo pants and an oversized t-shirt in neutral colors like cream to highlight the pair. The more technical DN8 requires a more neutral background like shell pants and a streamlined jacket. For a sharper streetwear look, the Monarch with its burnt orange tones works in contrast with a total beige outfit.
Delivery, Sizes, and Returns
In terms of fit, the Air Max 1 Patta runs true to size, unless you have wide feet, in which case it's better to go up half a size. All our pairs are authenticated by our experts before shipping, without exception. Delivery is express within 24 to 72 hours in metropolitan France, and returns are free if the size doesn't suit you. Click and Collect is available in our three boutiques.
Discover Other Nike Air Max Models
If you want to broaden your search, check out our Nike Air Max 1 collection, which includes all versions of the historic silhouette. For an overview, All Nike Air Max brings together all available models. Fans of recent drops will go directly to the Nike Air Max DN8, and heritage enthusiasts to the Nike Air Max 95. The Nike collection opens the door to everything else, and also discover the entire collection of sneakers available on our site.
FAQ: All You Need to Know About Nike x Patta
How long has Patta been collaborating with Nike?
The first Nike x Patta pair, an Air Max 1 Cherrywood, was released in 2006. Since then, the link between the two brands has spanned almost twenty years, with highlights in 2010, 2017, and especially 2021 with the Wave pack celebrating the Amsterdam boutique's anniversary.
Which Air Max should I choose for my first Nike x Patta?
For a first Patta, the Air Max 1 Wave remains a safe bet. The Noise Aqua is an excellent entry point, more discreet than the Chlorophyll but already very distinctive. If you're looking for a more current shoe, the Nike Air Max DN8 Black and Metallic Silver is the ultimate contemporary option.
How does a Nike x Patta Air Max 1 fit?
The Air Max 1 Patta fits true to size compared to a standard Air Max 1. If you have wide feet or a high instep, take half a size up for more comfort. The engineered mesh is slightly less stretchy than a classic Nike Air Max 1, which is something to anticipate.
Which Nike x Patta models are the most sought after worldwide?
The Air Max 1 Wave Chlorophyll is at the top, closely followed by the Monarch and the Black version. For recent drops, the DN8 Black Metallic Silver and the 90 SP Sapphire generate the most hype. These products sell out quickly and are resold well above retail on the secondary market, generation after generation of collectors.
How to verify the authenticity of a Nike x Patta?
At The Last Step, every pair is inspected by our experts before shipping. We check the stitching, interior labels, material quality, weight, and packaging. So you don't have to do anything on your end when you order from us; that's our job and our strength.