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 sneakers under the line are the AM 1, the Air Max 90, and Air Max 95. 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. In 2024, two new models entered the family with the Nike Air Max Plus Drift and Nike Air Max Dn, the latter silhouette receiving a massive spotlight in the first half of the year as it made its official debut.

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

Perforated Leather Appears On The Nike Air Max 1 “Glacier Blue”

While most Nike Air Max 1 options for Fall 2024 revolve primarily around familiar color blocking and materials, Nike’s never been afraid to break the...

By Andrew Rizzo June 25, 2024
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“Wolf Grey” Takes Over The Nike Air Max 1

The Air Max 1 may not be in the same Y2K class as the Zoom Vomero 5 or New Balance 1906R, but the all-grey aesthetic...

By Matt Varga June 24, 2024
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Raffle List For The HUF x Nike Air Max 1

The Pear Green and Brilliant Orange HUF x Nike Air Max 1 colorways are set to release broadly on June 22nd for $160 in men’s...

By Andrew Rizzo June 21, 2024
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Nike Is Ready To Unload A Fresh Batch Of Air Max 1s For Fall 2024

It’s hard to argue with the classics. Newer propositions may reach higher highs than staple shoes like the Air Max 1, but you can never...

By Matt Varga June 21, 2024
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Nike’s Latest N7 Collection Launches With The Air Force 1 & Air Max 1

First launched in 2009, Nike’s N7 program has aimed to commemorate the First Nations experience through two main channels; the N7 fund, directly giving back...

By Matt Varga June 21, 2024
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The Nike Air Max 1 Does A “Grinch” Impression

If Nike ever decides to release a “Grinch” Air Max 1 colorway, it might look something like this. Slap some red laces on these joints...

By Andrew Rizzo June 13, 2024
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The 2024 Nike N7 Collection Features The Air Max 1

The annual Nike N7 collection is soon to be revealed, highlighting athletes of Indigenous backgrounds who are demonstrating positive change within the community. Through its...

By Sneaker News June 8, 2024
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OG Color Blocking Appears On The Nike Air Max 1 “Light Army”

With the upcoming HUF x Air Max 1 drop at the forefront of sneakerhead consciousness, Nike has been quietly crafting a compelling selection of new...

By Andrew Rizzo June 7, 2024
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Jacquemus Unveils Their Nike Air Max 1 ’86 Collaboration In Never Before Seen Colors

Jacquemus has managed to be equally honorific and irreverent of classic Nike footwear designs with its daring re-imaginations. From the J Force 1 with its...

By John Kim May 31, 2024
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