The company struck again in 2006 when the 360 was released. Nike released the Air Max 2003 with a full-length Air Unit cushioning and lightweight design. Then in 2003, the sneaker was revolutionized again. Unlike previous designs, this Air Max had a chunkier style and a bigger Air Unit. Throughout the years, Nike has released numerous models showcasing the Air Unit window. The visible Air Unit window on all Air Max sneakers came to life. Influenced by the Parisian buildings built from the inside out, Hatfield designed a sneaker to show the inner workings of the shoe. He created the Air Max shoe in 1987 after a trip to Paris, where he found inspiration from viewing creative architects. The idea of putting air in the shoe was developed and designed further by architect and sneaker designer Tinker Hatfield.

Let's rewind to 1978, when Frank Rudy, a NASA engineer, had the idea to put air in a shoe. Keep reading to learn more about the history of the Nike Air Max, current models, and upcoming releases available on eBay.Ī long line of Air Max sneakers preceded the 270 version. Worn first by Kevin Durant, the 270 is now worn by many. It became the biggest heel volume on record. Not only that, but this Nike sneaker had the tallest Air Unit ever at its release because of its 32 mm Air Unit. Inspired by the Air Max 93 and Air Max 180, the 270 brings a 270-degree visual of the famous Air Unit in the shoe's sole. Released on February 1, 2018, Nike provided sneaker fans and general customers with a shoe strictly created for casual, lifestyle wear with the Air Max 270. Nike has plans to continue producing new Air Max models for lifestyle/casual wear, while the older models will continue to be the focus of special editions, collaborations, re-issues, and more.The 270 Nike Air Max is one of the brand's latest models in the line. Air Max, as a cushion, has been mostly phased out of running footwear, but it is still in use in basketball and training. Nike continues to make newer models such as the Air Max 270 and Air Max 2090. The most popular Air Max sneakers are the Air Max 1, the Air Max 90, Air Max 95, and Air Max 97. Any sneaker with a visible Air bubble is considered “Air Max”, however it is more appropriately used to refer to running sneakers. Visible Air was used across all sports models such as basketball, training, and much more. Air Maxes are considered to be extremely important to sneaker culture as many collectors searched far and wide for limited editions and collaborations with Parra, Sean Wotherspoon, and atmos.Īir Max is certainly not specifically for running shoes. Since then, a long history of Air Max running shoes have released, each named after the year it was released. So, the Air Max 1, the first sneaker with visible Air, debuted in 1987. 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. 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.

However, the Air was not visible as it was embedded into the sole.Īir Max didn’t come into the picture until 1987.

Air cushioning was used in Nike running footwear as far back as 1978 with the Air Tailwind running shoe. He presented his idea to Nike founder Phil Knight in 1977, who was very intrigued by the idea after testing a prototype running shoe. The idea of encapsulating Air into a cushion was first thought up by Marion Franklin Rudy, an aerospace engineer. Air Max is a revolutionary footwear cushioning created by sports athletics brand Nike.

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