Zack Schlemmer 
Nike’s most advanced Air Max shoe ever is finally here. Debuted almost a year ago at Nike’s Innovation Summit 2016, the VaporMax has been one of the most anticipated models in the footwear realm ever since. With its official release quickly approaching, the shoe that sits on nothing but Air is already making the rounds in the press and promotion circuits, and we were lucky enough to try out a pair last night in New York City on a special media trial run. After an introduction discussion with two of the shoe’s designers, Kathy Gomez (VP Nike Innovation) and Andres Harlow (VP/Creative Director of Nike Running), and the run itself, we learned a few new facts about the VaporMax. Here’s a little insider information you probably didn’t know about the amazing new sneaker.
Two of the brains behind the VaporMax, Andres Harlow and Kathy Gomez
The VaporMax Was Extensively and Obsessively Tested
Whether in the Nike laboratories or on the trails in Colorado during preliminary wear-test runs, the VaporMax was tested for all conditions and scenarios to assure maximum performance and durability. In fact, the number of miles the model was collectively ran in would be over five trips around the Earth!
The VaporMax Is a Unisex Shoe
Have you noticed that there are no men’s or women’s specific colorways for the VaporMax? That’s because it was designed as a true unisex model, intended to be worn by either sex. It’s something we’ve seen in a few previous Nike Running models like the Flyknit Racer, but still rarely done.
The Pure Platinum Launch Colorway Is A “Reset” Of Nike Running’s Color Palette
Referencing past iconic colorways that helped define an era of color trends for Nike Running models like the “Infrared” Air Max 90 and “Silver Bullet” Air Max 97, Creative Director of Nike Running Andres Harlow stated that the simple Pure Platinum launch colorway for the VaporMax is meant to be a “reset” for the current era. Instead of weighing the shoe down with neon or multicolor combinations, the Pure Platinum colorway is meant to enhance the shoe’s light and airy feeling. Expect more fresh and clean looks like this on other Nike Running models in the near future.
The VaporMax’s Air Units Are Extremely Fine-Tuned
With all the tweaks and reiterations throughout the design process, it was a long and arduous task to get the amazing full-length Air unit of the VaporMax perfect. Even a one millimeter change in any area of the chambered Air system could totally change the feel of the cushioning. The VaporMax is a like fine-tuned race car!
Fit And Feel
After lacing up the VaporMax and taking it for a test drive of my own with a 2.5 mile run around NYC, I was overall very impressed with its performance. The large Air bag in the heel is extremely soft and bouncy. Running shoe companies are always trying to give their shoes the feeling of running on clouds, and the VaporMax was by far the most cloud-like cushioning I’ve ever experienced. I will say that the fit was a little strange, and I speak as someone who has never had any problems with the fit of a Nike running shoe before. The midfoot/arch area is very narrow, which is fine for me personally, but should be a warning sign for anybody with wide feet. Because of the bouncy cushioning and minimal upper, they also do not offer a large amount of support. This shoe would not be recommended for anybody that needs extra support for their ankles or pronation/supination. You can think of the overall frame and shape as a track spike that’s sitting on an amazing Air system.
Upcoming black/dark grey colorway
