When Tinker Hatfield traded in his corporate architecture career and stepped into the Nike offices, no one in their wildest dreams could have predicted the influence he would go on to have in shaping the brand’s future.
It was that very architectural background that actually served as an unlikely point of inspiration for what would go on to be known as the Air Max. The Georges Pompidou Centre, a controversial building found in the Beaubourg area of Paris, would become Hatfield’s muse when crafting his first shoe.
The building’s deconstructed appearance, which purposely flaunted the inner workings that would traditionally be hidden by architects, would go on to shape Hatfield’s vision, paving the way for the exposed Air window now exclusively synonymous with the Swoosh brand.
With such an eclectic and acclaimed back catalogue, it’s near-enough impossible to single out one standout shoe. Instead, we’ve run through some of the greatest Air Max silhouettes that helped redefine the sneaker world as we know it today.
What is the best Air Max shoe?
- Nike Air Max 1
- Nike Air Max Plus
- Nike Air Max 90
- Nike Air Max 95
- Nike Air Max 97
- Nike Air Vapormax
- Nike Air Max 93
- Nike Air Max 270
- Nike Air Max BW
- Nike Air Max 98
1. Air Max 1
This. This is where it all began. Hatfield’s original creation was the first to put Nike’s groundbreaking Air technology out there for all to see, and nothing has been the same since.
Initially, Hatfield says there were some concerns about whether or not the air bubble looked structurally sound, and whether that risked putting potential customers off. There were also whispers that his initial sketches may have been a little too ‘out there’. Safe to say, those worries were quickly dispelled.
2. Air Max Plus
More commonly known as the Nike TN (Tuned Air), the Air Max Plus was dreamt up by Sean McDowell, who had encountered a moment of inspiration as he stared out at Palm Trees in front of a fading sky.
The shoe’s signature faded hues proved to be a particular challenge in its development, though once overcome, marked another big win for Nike’s innovation capabilities. It also looked pretty spectacular too. With cult status in the UK and France, especially, the TN easily makes our list as one of the greatest Air Max trainers.
3. Air Max 90
While the Air Max 1 gets the plaudits for putting the Air movement on the map, it’s most likely the 90 that was responsible for making it a household name. Now one of the most popular and successful shoes of all-time, Nike delivered a masterclass in living up to the hype generated by it’s game-changing predecessor.
The then-named Air Max III took everything great about the previous model and dialled it all up a notch. The robust design becomes more dramatic, the varied overlays accentuated and even the air bubble received an enhancement upon its release.
4. Air Max 95
The Air Max 95 marked the most notable departure from the traditional design to date, was the first to incorporate visible air cushions in the forefoot and introduced air pressure tech which helped the shoe fit the curvature of the wearer’s foot.
Sergio Lozano stepped in to help with the aesthetics, which are inspired by human anatomy—the midsole representing the spine, eyelets representing ribs and the layered panels a nod to muscle and flesh. The 95 is also where the brand’s relationship with hip-hop really took off, after The Game referenced the shoe in the track Hate It or Love It.
5. Air Max 97
From Parisian construction to Japanese transport, by 1997 Nike, namely Christian Tresser, had turned to Tokyo’s bullet trains to influence a brand new, revolutionary chapter in the Air Max story.
For the first time, a full-length air unit sat underfoot to define a silhouette that has seen it’s popularity skyrocket once more in modern times. The Silver Bullet reissue proved a hit with modern sneakerheads, though it’s the grailed Sean Wotherspoon 97/1 that deserves a huge amount of credit when it comes to that renewed interest.
What is the function of Air Max?
Nike Air technology features a flexible, but tough membrane filled with pressurised air. The air compresses on impact, before immediately returning to its original shape, offering a lightweight cushion to the wearer.
These air bubbles are strategically positioned in the areas of the foot that require the most protection, meaning maximum comfort.
Previously used to create space helmets, former NASA engineer, M. Frank Rudy, helped develop the tech and tailor it to Nike’s footwear offering, altering shoe design forever.
Are Air Max running shoes?
Despite comfort being a major factor in just about every pair of Air Max that’s ever been released, it’s probably best to look elsewhere when it comes to choosing a sturdy pair of running shoes.
If you’re wanting to stick with the swoosh, then the likes of the React Infinity, Alphafly and Vaporfly have all proved popular runners for the brand.
Are Air Max true to size?
Generally speaking, modern Air Max tend to run true to size, though anyone with a wider foot may want to consider ordering half a size up.
