Nike Air Max Day 2023 & The History of Air Max

For those who didn’t already know, March 26 is Nike Air Max Day — the day we rejoice all issues Air Max. This 12 months, Nike is celebrating 36 years because it first debuted the unique Air Max sneaker. And identical to different Air Max Days, Nike plans to launch a brand new mannequin (dubbed Nike Air Max Pulse) to rejoice. 

To honor the event, let’s check out the historical past of Nike Air Max sneakers, together with the model’s hottest collections thus far. 

Whereas the very first Air Max shoe got here out within the late ’80s, Nike began utilizing the Air technology virtually 10 years earlier with the ’78 Air Tailwind. With a bit of genius from NASA engineer Frank Rudy, Nike included cushioning air expertise within the midsole and revolutionized the sneaker world. 

After a number of years of perfecting the design, the primary official Air Max 1 shoe debuted in 1987. There was one large distinction between the Nike Air Max 1 and the precursor Air Tailwind: the window within the sole that makes the air expertise seen to all. This inside-out design has turn out to be a staple for all subsequent Air Max sneakers. 

The Air Max 1 was an unbelievable success — a lot in order that Nike included that cushioning expertise right into a strolling shoe in 1988 and quite a few working shoe designs all through the ’90s. With every iteration, Nike labored to create a lighter, extra snug, and extra progressive design. 

The last decade began with Nike’s iconic air expertise window displaying solely contained in the heel of its sneakers. However because the years handed, it expanded alongside your complete size of the shoe, making a streamlined look. To ring within the new century, Nike launched the 1999 Air Max Deluxe, with daring colorways, fascinating prints, and a Foamposite heel. 

After at the least one new launch yearly for over a decade, Nike slowed its Air Max production within the 2000s. It launched the Air Max 2003 and the Air Max 360 three years aside. Each have been calmer variations of the colourful, colourful sneakers of the ’90s and provided a modern silhouette. True to its identify, the Nike Air Max 360 featured an air unit with visibility from each angle. It even had a strip of purple, paying homage to the OG Air Max 1. 

After an eight-year pause, Nike returned with a bang, presenting the Nike Flyknit Air Max in 2014. (That is additionally the 12 months we began celebrating Air Max Day!) The design introduced again some coloration with its vibrant orange and inexperienced fluorescent touches. And the breathable flyknit materials provided extremely consolation.

Then got here 2017 and the rise of the ever-popular Nike Air VaporMax. With its holistic design, the air unit acts because the shoe’s whole sole. Nike dubbed it the top of Air — and rightly so. 

Nike completed the last decade robust with fashions just like the Air Max 270 and 720. 

Nike selected to rejoice the thirtieth anniversary of its Air Max 90 mannequin with a new-and-improved model: the Air Max 2090. It has the identical DNA as its predecessor — just like the mudguard and heel brand — however the 2090 mannequin has 200% extra air. 

The 2021 and 2022 Air Max releases additionally pushed limits whereas drawing inspiration from previous designs. And the pattern looks like it’s going to proceed into 2023. 

There’s lots of hype surrounding Nike’s 2023 launch, known as the Nike Air Max 1 ’86 Massive Bubble. Because the Air Max 1 got here out in 1987, not 1986, this design is definitely a recreation of one of many early Air Max 1 iterations. As you’ll be able to think about, we’re fairly enthusiastic about this new model — which is much more unique than the enduring Air Max 1. 

So, what precisely is that this revolutionary air expertise impressed by NASA engineering? It’s pressurized air saved inside a versatile pouch within the shoe’s sole. 

Whereas it’s a reasonably easy concept, it completely revolutionized modern-day sneakers. The air cushion retains the shoe light-weight whereas additionally offering uncompromised consolation. And it offers next-level vitality absorption. So with each step you are taking, the Air cushion absorbs the influence, so that you get continued help and further consolation — even if you happen to’re working a marathon. 

The unique Nike Air Max 1 was marketed as a working shoe with an progressive air pocket meant to cushion the fixed influence when working. However consolation and help aren’t only for trainers — your toes want help everytime you’re in movement. 

In order that’s why Nike instantly launched the primary Air strolling shoe in 1988 and continued to design each informal and trainers. And now, you will get both Air Max type — or perhaps one pair of every!

There have been loads of completely different Air Max trainers over the previous 4 many years, however one working shoe stands out from the remaining: the top of Air, Nike Air VaporMax. 

After its preliminary launch in 2017, the Air VaporMax has undergone a number of variations. However every one has the progressive rubber-pod sole stuffed with Air expertise particularly designed for final influence absorption when working. 

It’s been six years because the Air VaporMax got here out, and this sneaker remains to be topping the charts as one of many prime sneakers. One of many favourite kinds is the VaporMax Flyknit, which contains stretchy, breathable, and light-weight materials. And never solely is it snug, however these sneakers are eco-friendly. They’re comprised of 40% recycled supplies, and Nike even used post-consumer waste to create the rubber particulars. 

There’s additionally the Air VaporMax Plus, which doesn’t have the flyknit materials, nevertheless it has one thing simply pretty much as good: a compression-molded kind for elevated sturdiness when working. And this working shoe seems to be superior, with the floating cage wrapping across the shoe, giving retro vibes. The perfect half? Loads of colorways for men and women. The Air VaporMax Flyknit working shoe can also be accessible in large child sizes.

A preferred 2023 trend pattern — with each sneakers and garments — is bringing again a little bit of retro. And the Air Max informal sneakers aren’t any exception. 

Nike initially launched the now-trending Air Max 90 in 1990. However with its iconic silhouette and basic colorways, the Air Max 90 has been a favourite since its conception. Over time, it’s made a number of appearances in several iterations, most lately with the 2020 and 2022 releases. 

As a substitute of getting the seen air items all alongside the only, the Air Max 90s simply have the normal three home windows within the heel. And that provides it the enduring look we all know and love. And for all the women on the market, you will get the normal women’s Air Max 90 casual. Or you’ll be able to choose the comfy-chic Air Max 90 SE Mama, full with a removable allure. 

Holding with the retro theme, the Nike Air Max 97 is at present trending — once more. Its distinctive wave sample on the aspect of the informal shoe makes it appear like you’re always in movement. And the full-length air unit provides a delicate however stylish contact. 

This light-weight shoe is available in a number of impartial tones — like black, white, and beige. However there are alternatives with some coloration, just like the Air Max 97 Terrascape, which even has coloration specs within the air unit. And did we point out it was comprised of 20% recycled supplies?

One other standard informal sneaker is the Air Max 270, launched just some years in the past. It has a novel and voluminous air unit on the heel that appears virtually like a foot pillow, giving 270 levels of visibility (therefore the identify). With the additional cushioning and breathable mesh material, it makes for snug put on. 

With 35-plus years of historical past, Nike Air Max has solidified itself because the sneaker to have. Whether or not you’re an athlete or somebody simply on the lookout for an ultra-chic and cozy shoe, there’s a perfect Air Max shoe for you.