Nike Air Max

Air Max is a revolutionary footwear cushioning technology created by sports athletics brand Nike. The idea of encapsulating Air into a midsole was first thought up by Marion Frank Rudy, an aerospace engineer. He presented his idea to Nike founder Phil Knight in 1977, who was very intrigued by the idea after testing a prototype running shoe. Air cushioning was used in Nike running footwear as far back as 1978 with the Air Tailwind running shoe. However, the Air was not visible as it was embedded into the sole.

Air Max didn’t come into the picture until 1987. Footwear designer Tinker Hatfield introduced the idea of making the Air cushioning visible to the eye, doing so on the Air Max 1 running shoe. At the time, running footwear was extremely plain, so he chose to do something completely different to align with the changing times of pop culture. Since then, a long history of running shoes have released, many named after the year they were released. These shoes are considered extremely important to sneaker culture as many collectors searched far and wide for limited editions and collaborations with Parra, Sean Wotherspoon, and atmos.

Since its inception, the visible Air revolution has expanded beyond running models – including sports like basketball. Many sneakers with a visible Nike Air bubble can be considered “Air Max,” but modified versions of the technology from over the years have launched with different names. The most popular retro Air Max sneakers are the AM 1, the Air Max 90, and Air Max 95. In recent history, newer models like the Air Max 270 have helped the Swoosh dominate the footwear scene. Most of Nike Running’s marquee performance shoes no longer rely on the revolutionary technology, opting for a combination of responsive foams, full-length Air units, and Zoom Air bubbles.

Nike’s modern offerings are more lifestyle-focused than before, leaving original designs from the game-changing family to enjoy proper retros, limited editions, and special collaborations.

Nike Air Max

Supreme x Nike Air Max Dn Sells Out Within Minutes

The Supreme x Nike Air Max Dn has sold out within minutes of the brand’s 11am ET launch time. The table is now set for...

By Sneaker News February 12, 2024
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Nike Blacks Out The Air On This Tuned Air Classic

While all eyes are on the Air Max Dn quite literally considering the shoe has taken over the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas this weekend,...

By Sneaker News February 10, 2024
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Nike Air Max Plus In Teal & White

Updated March 20th, 2024: The Nike Air Max Plus “Teal/White” is now available via Nike.com. Our “Where To Buy” section just below contains direct Nike.com...

By Matt Varga February 9, 2024
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The Nike Air Max Dn Appears In Calming “Sail” Colorway

Nike’s design team has lifestyle and innovation in mind for the Air Max Dn, bringing premier athlete-level analysis and engineering to footwear designed for those...

By Sneaker News February 9, 2024
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The Nike Air Max 95 Shines In “Photo Blue”

Updated February 26th, 2024: Official images of the Nike Air Max 95 “White/Photo Blue” have been updated. Though their popularity among sneakerheads has never waned,...

By Matt Varga February 9, 2024
2424

Official Images Of The Nike Air Max Dn “Panda”

Updated March 12th, 2024: Official images of the Nike Air Max Dn “Panda” have surfaced! These are confirmed to release in mens, womens, and grade...

By Sneaker News February 9, 2024
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The Air Max Dn Takes Over The MSG Sphere In Las Vegas

Nike is all-in on the newly revealed Air Max Dn, the next iteration of evolved Air. Featuring their striking new four-bubble heel unit made up...

By Sneaker News February 9, 2024
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The Serena Williams Design Crew Return With This Air Max 1 Tribute To Los Angeles

The Serena Williams Design Crew, established in 2021, consists of a group of ten up-and-coming designers with a mission to communicate diverse perspectives through a...

By Sneaker News February 9, 2024
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The Nike Air Max Plus Drift Gets A Chocolatey “Baroque Brown” Flavor

New flavors emerge on the looming Air Max Plus Drift, the modern take on 1998’s Air Max Plus model. Sean McDowell’s original design has aged...

By Sneaker News February 8, 2024
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