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.
FAQs
Air Max shoes are identified by their midsoles incorporating flexible urethane pouches filled with pressurized gas, visible from the exterior of the shoe and intended to provide cushioning to the underfoot. Air Max was conceptualized by Tinker Hatfield, who initially worked for Nike designing stores.
Why are Air Max 90 so popular? ›
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the Air Max 90 and 95 are renowned for their comfort and performance. The Air cushioning technology not only enhances the visual aspect but also provides superior cushioning and support for wearers.
Are Nike Air Max 95 still popular? ›
Our verdict. Even I couldn't deny that the Nike Air Max 95 is Air Max royalty. One of the most popular trainers in the world, it has been subject to numerous rereleases. On my conducted lab tests, I confirmed that today, it's still the strong, well-designed, comfy-as-hell sneaker that we all love.
Does StockX sell fake shoes? ›
StockX is a legitimate, trustworthy current culture marketplace that tries its best to make sure that each product is authentic. Although some fake items might slip through the system, StockX prides itself on its verification process which makes buying rare and collectable products safer for both buyers and sellers.
How do you check if shoes are real or fake? ›
Inspect the stitching, glue marks, and overall build quality. Genuine sneakers exhibit meticulous attention to detail, while counterfeits often reveal sloppy craftsmanship. Pay close attention to the materials used, such as leather, suede, or mesh, and compare them to known authentic examples to spot any variations.
Why Nike Air is so expensive? ›
Quality of Materials and Craftsmanship
These sneakers are meticulously crafted using premium materials to ensure durability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. The attention to detail and the use of high-grade components add intrinsic value to the Nike Air Mags, warranting their elevated pricing.
Why are Air Max pros so expensive? ›
Apple ALWAYS sets the price tag higher and higher because of product placement and because of a thing called perceived quality.
Are Air Max 90s uncomfortable? ›
Are they comfortable? Not the most comfortable style for me. They do fit slightly narrow but going up a size would make them too long – Additionally, the sole doesn't provide as much “bounce” compared to some other Nike silhouettes.
Are Air Max 90 still in style? ›
Whether on the streets or in sports, the Air Max 90 remains a staple for sneaker enthusiasts and fashion-conscious individuals alike, delivering a timeless aesthetic that effortlessly transitions between various outfits and occasions.
What is Air Max best for? ›
Support: Air Max shoes are designed to provide support and stability to the foot. This can be especially beneficial for people with flat feet or overpronation issues. Durability: Nike Air Max shoes are known for their durability and are built to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
The reputation and popularity of the Nike brand contribute to the perceived value of their products, allowing them to command higher prices. Design and Innovation: Nike Air Max sneakers often feature innovative designs and technologies, such as the visible air cushioning unit.
How old are Nike 95s? ›
The Nike Air Max 95 is an iconic sneaker known for its unique design and innovative technology. It was first released in 1995 and was designed by Sergio Lozano [3]. The shoe featured air cushions on both the heel and forefoot, which allowed the shoe to mold to the curvature of the foot.
Why are Air Max 95s called 110s? ›
When Nike's Sergio Lozano-designed Air Max 95 debuted in 1995 it was dubbed the “110” by its avid UK fanbase, a nod to its retail price in British pounds.
Is there an app to check if Nike shoes are real? ›
Use CheckCheck App to authenticate your sneakers by our team of experts who can help authenticate your sneakers by the photos you submit.
Can you check Nike serial number? ›
Nike tags can be used to identify the exact year and season the garment was released. A serial code normally placed on a smaller label amongst the wash tags is the first point of call. The first four characters of the 6-12 character Nike serial code designates the year and season.
