During the Nike Fall 2010 Basketball Showcase, emphasis was placed on the Nike Hyperfuse and the state-of-the-art “Fuse” material used to construct the upper. Fuse is an all-new one-piece material specifically engineered to give athletic shoes a lightweight advantage without compromising performance integrity. Essentially a stronger version of mesh, Fuse combines the breathability of mesh and the strength of an all-leather upper to give Fuse the ability to contain a foot while keeping it cool.
We’ve already seen Fuse on a basketball shoe and also a Trainer – the Nike Trainer Mid 1.2 Fuse – and now this first look at the Nike Air Max 2011 reveals use of Fuse on the upper as well. The Air Max 2009 and Air Max 2010 primarily featured Flywire and mesh-like materials on the upper but for the Air Max 2011, the third overall shoe with Full-length uncaged 360 Air Unit, Fuse has taken over the spotlight. For running, the two most important aspects of a great running shoe is breathability and lowered weight, and Fuse can offer just that. Combined with the 360-Air, the Nike Air Max 2011 Fuse could be Nike’s best Air Max running shoe to date. Continue reading for a better look at this upcoming shoe and let us know what Air Max shoe – 2009 vs. 2010 vs. 2011 – has the best overall design. via NT.