Nike has produced Air Max shoes for over three decades, and the designs keep improving. Some of the most recent trending pairs pay homage to the more classic designs while incorporating a touch of modern colors.
But where did the Air Max technology and design originate?
The History of Nike Air Max
The origin of this iconic shoe began in 1978 — years before the first official Air Max shoe debuted. The ’78 Tailwind incorporated Air technology, but there was no “window” to show the air cushions like the Air Max shoes of today.
It wasn’t until nearly 10 years later that Nike released the Air Max 1, complete with the window in the sole to show off the air cushion. Nike designer Tinker Hatfield took inspiration from the Parisian Centre Pompidou and created the inside-out design that shows the shoe’s inner workings.
The Air Max 1 was, of course, a massive hit. And Nike spent the last several decades producing various iterations of the Air Max shoes, consistently improving and rethinking the air cushion design and placement.
What Is Nike Air Max Technology?
Nike Air Max technology involves the process of encapsulating air and putting it in the shoe midsole. This idea came from NASA engineer Frank Rudy, who was working on designing helmet air cushions in 1979. He applied that technology to shoes and revolutionized shoe design.
These air cushions are made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a plastic with enough elasticity to absorb pressure from the feet while retaining its shape. They’re made with a blow molding process, commonly used in aerospace design to create hollow plastic parts.
Each air unit is then filled with dense gases that can’t leak from the plastic. Nike places these units in the shoe midsole. Some Air Max shoes — like the Air Max 360 — have air units in the entire sole, while others — like the Air Max 90 — only have a unit in the heel.
No matter the placement, air cushions provide increased support and comfort. They can also enhance performance, as they conserve more energy than traditional shoe cushions. Because of their durability, cushioning, and versatility, Air Max shoes work for everything, from athletics to everyday use.
Most Popular Nike Air Max Shoes
Over the years, there have been dozens of Air Max shoes, but a few stand out for their colorways and unique design.
Nike Air Max 270
Nike released the Air Max 270 in 2018, the first shoe specifically designed for casual wear. It has a similar silhouette to the Air Max 93 and 180. But what makes it stand out from its predecessors is the unique heel air cushion that gives 270 degrees of visibility — hence the name.
These shoes come in various colorways, from bright red to green and pink. Some pairs are mostly white but with a color accent on the bubble-like heel.
Air Max 90
The Air Max 90 was one of Nike’s earliest designs. But now, with all things retro coming back in style, the Air Max 90 is trending yet again. It has a chunky silhouette with the small window in the sole that initially made the shoes so popular. You can find the Air Max 90 in various colorways, from all-white to the vibrant colors of the Air Max 90 Futura shoes.
Nike Air Max 97
Just like the Air Max 90, the Air Max 97 is trending again. This 1997 shoe’s notable wave-like design mirrors motion or water ripples. The design took inspiration from a silver bullet train, and the colorways represent that. They generally come in neutral colors, like silver and black.
Sneakers That Never Go Out of Style
It’s been more than 40 years since Nike first incorporated air cushions in a shoe. And yet we still can’t get enough of them. To get your hands on the hottest pair of Air Max shoes available, check out our selection of Nike Air Max shoes at JD Sports.
