Nike's 2018 ON AIR contest began last March with workshops in six major cities across the globe with the goal of a local designer creating a new version of a classic Air Max silhouette that represents each particular city. Finally, the winning designs are being released this week, and we have New York City's representative, the Air Max 98 ON AIR "La Mezcala".

Designed by Queens photographer Gabrielle Serrano, the "La Mezcala" is meant to embody the diversity of the city and its population, reflected in the midfoot panel's skin tone gradient. The shoe's grey base calls out to the concrete jungle, with the grey cracked leather mudguard and overlays specifically representing the sidewalks that line the city's blocks. The blue and green accents that hit the laces, swoosh branding and Max Air unit pay tribute to the water surrounding the city and the Statue Of Liberty, the iconic symbol that welcomed generations of people of all colors and cultures who have sailed into this country to begin a new life.

The Air Max 98 ON AIR "La Mezcala" will be available on Saturday, April 13th @ 10:00am in-store only on a first come first served basis. Any remaining pairs will be released online pending availability.

Photos by Evan Kaucher