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

Is The Stash x Nike Air Max 95 Returning On Air Max Day 2025?

With Air Max Day 2024 now in the rear view mirror, and Nike and its collaborators waste no time building anticipation for next year’s event....

By Andrew Rizzo March 27, 2024
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Are You Prepared To Feel The Unreal With The Air Max Dn?

Nike Ever since Air Max came into the picture in 1987 with the Air Max 1, Nike has been dedicated to perfecting...

By John Kim March 26, 2024
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Where To Buy The Air Max Dn

Every year on March 26th, Nike celebrates arguably its biggest brand holiday on the calendar- Air Max Day. While previous editions have carved out space...

By Matt Varga March 25, 2024
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The Nike Air Max 1 “University Of Oregon” By Division St. Releases At Noon

Just when you thought Nike’s Air Max Day lineup was fully set, another significant pair joins the fray. The Beaverton brand plans to release an...

By Andrew Rizzo March 25, 2024
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The Nike Air Max Scorpion Does Its Best Easter Egg Impression

Nike’s Air Max category has shifted in a completely new direction since the Scorpion debuted back in 2022. The bulbously, full-length Air unit with Flyknit...

By Sneaker News March 24, 2024
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The Nike Air Max Plus Drift Continues Its Run In “Light Silver/Barely Volt”

Will the Nike Air Max Plus Drift become the Tuned Air line’s most popular upgraded model? Currently, all indications point towards a resounding “yes.” It’s...

By Andrew Rizzo March 22, 2024
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Where To Buy Nike Air Max 1 ‘86 “Royal”

The Nike Air Max 1 ’86 “Royal” drops March 22nd in women’s sizing, ranging from W5 to W15.5. They will retail for $150, with a...

By Matt Varga March 21, 2024
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The Nike Air Max Plus “Orbit” Revolves In Saturn Gold/Red

The Nike Air Max Plus just keeps delivering banger after banger. The model looks poised to surpass the buzz generated for its 25th anniversary last...

By Andrew Rizzo March 21, 2024
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The Unstoppable Run Of The Nike Vapormax Plus Continues

Typically overlooked in the annals of Air Max is 2017’s Vapormax Plus, a top seller for Nike that continues its run with little to no...

By Sneaker News March 21, 2024
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