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

The Nike Air Max Plus Drift Goes “Yin Yang” With Black And White

Nike has often relied on the clean-cut two toned white and black to color up nearly every sneaker in their catalog. Long before the Dunk...

By Sneaker News February 8, 2024
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Official Retailer Images Of The Nike Air Max Dn “White/Silver”

The Nike Air Max Dn continues to surface in new colorways ahead of its Air Max Day 2024 debut, now tapping in with a clean...

By Andrew Rizzo February 8, 2024
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Fall Tones Arrive Early On The Nike Air Max 90 “British Tan”

As consistent a model as ever, the Nike Air Max 90 is looking forward to warm-weather with a facelift that calls back to its handful...

By Matt Varga February 7, 2024
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The “Smokey Mauve” Air Max 90 Futura Arrives In Time For The Valentine’s Day Gifting Season

A modernistic refresh on the mainstay, the Air Max 90 Futura is getting a pink-heavy update with its own women’s-only “Smokey Mauve” look. Consistent with...

By Matt Varga February 6, 2024
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A Smokey Mauve Dawns On The Nike Air Max Flyknit Venture

The Nike Air Max Flyknit Venture may have gained some competition in its titular line in recent weeks, but nonetheless stands out by combining plenty...

By Matt Varga February 5, 2024
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Available Now: The Nike Air Max Drift Plus Continues to Shine In “Volt”

Among the fresher editions to the Nike catalog, the Air Max Plus Drift stands out as a real highlight. True to that theme, the newly...

By Matt Varga February 2, 2024
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Nike’s Latest Air Max Plus Drift Surfaces In “Grey Sunset”

At this point it’s been well documented that the Nike Air Max Plus will play a key role in the Beaverton brand’s slate of 2024...

By Andrew Rizzo February 2, 2024
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The Nike Air Max Plus Drift Is Ready For The “All Day” Grind

1998’s Air Max Plus is informing much of 2024’s Air Max initiatives like the all-new Air Max Dn and the updated Air Max Plus Drift,...

By Sneaker News February 1, 2024
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Subtle Orange Accents Adorn The Latest Nike Air Max Plus

The Nike Air Max Plus has set the table for a big 2024, appearing in a variety of inline treatments to kick off the new...

By Andrew Rizzo February 1, 2024
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