Air Max
Nike Air Max is the sneaker family built around the visible Air unit: the air cushion in the sole that you can see from the outside. Since the first Air Max in 1987, Nike has released dozens of versions, from the Air Max 1 to the 90, 95 and 97. They combine all-day cushioning with a recognisable retro look, for women and men.
The history of Nike Air Max
Nike had been using Air cushioning since the late 1970s, but hidden inside the sole. Designer Tinker Hatfield was inspired by the Centre Pompidou in Paris, a building that shows its structure on the outside, and cut a window into the midsole. That is how the Air Max 1 arrived in 1987, the first sneaker with visible Air.
It was followed by the Air Max 90 with its bright red ‘Infrared’ accents, the Air Max 95 by Sergio Lozano, inspired by human anatomy, and the Air Max 97 with full-length Air, among others. Every year on 26 March, the release date of the Air Max 1, Nike celebrates Air Max Day.
Design and technology
At the heart of every Air Max is a unit of pressurised gas that absorbs impact and springs back. On the Air Max 1 and 90 that visible unit sits in the heel; on later models the Air extends further, and on the 97 it runs under the whole foot. Uppers range from suede and mesh to leather, often built from layered panels.
Popular Air Max colorways
On WOOVIN the Air Max 1 is the most searched-for version right now, in these colorways:
- Air Max 1 ’87 Patta ‘Waves’ White Hyper Crimson – white with bright red and the wavy edge along the bottom of the upper that marks the Patta collaboration.
- Air Max 1 Premium ‘Cave Stone’ – light beige and stone tones.
- Air Max 1 ‘Athletic Department’ – white and cream with dark green and navy accents.
- Air Max 1 Premium ‘Dirty Denim’ – a denim look in shades of blue and grey.
What is the difference between Air Max and the Air Force 1?
Both have Air cushioning, but on the Air Force 1 it is hidden in a thick basketball sole. Air Max models come from running, are lighter and put the Air on show. Hatfield also gave the Air Jordan 3 a visible Air unit, but in a basketball shoe.
How does the Nike Air Max fit?
Most Air Max models, such as the 1 and 90, fit true to size. The Air Max 95 and especially the 97 are snugger around the foot; many wearers go half a size up on those. If you have wide feet, that extra half size is worth considering on every model.
Buy Nike Air Max at WOOVIN
On WOOVIN you will find Air Max sneakers for women and men, from the classic 1 and 90 to the 95, 97 and collaborations. If all-day comfort is your priority, choose a model with more visible Air; for a slim retro look, the Air Max 1 is the logical pick. Filter by version and size to see what is available.
