The Evolution of Nike Air Max

By Blog Contributor

Since legendary Nike designer Tinker Hatfield put the brand’s revolutionary air technology on display in 1987, the Air Max has earned a devoted following that includes sneakerheads, athletes, pop stars and, most recently, the fashion elite. Rita Ora rocks them on- and offstage, and Beyoncé has been spotted in a pair (in Liquid Gold, of course). Fashion Week attendees count on the sneaker for walking comfortably from show to show, and minimalist-style-queen Phoebe Philo pairs them with understated separates. The sneaker is majorly cushioned, incredibly innovative and super fly—a solid streetwear staple. March is Nike Air Max month and to celebrate, we’re looking back at a few iterations of the game-changing sneaker.

1987: Air Max 1
The shoe that started it all.

1990: Air Max 90
A bigger visible air window is introduced, along with a bright shade of red, later known as “infrared.”

1993: Air Max 93
The heel is wrapped with 270 degrees of visible air, affectionately known as “the bubble.”

2006: Air Max 360
Visible air runs throughout the midsole.

2015: Air Max 2015
Seamless mesh and a sculpted midsole make the shoe lighter and more flexible.

2017: Air Max 270
Inspired by Air Max styles from the early ’90s, today’s update features a light mesh upper and newly engineered air unit for greater impact absorption.

SHOP: Nike Air Max

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1987: Air Max 1 The shoe that started it all.

1990: Air Max 90 A bigger visible air window is introduced, along with a bright shade of red, later known as “infrared.”

1993: Air Max 93 The heel is wrapped with 270 degrees of visible air, affectionately known as “the bubble.”

2006: Air Max 360 Visible air runs throughout the midsole.

2015: Air Max 2015 Seamless mesh and a sculpted midsole make the shoe lighter and more flexible.

2017: Air Max 270 Inspired by Air Max styles from the early ’90s, today’s update features a light mesh upper and newly engineered air unit for greater impact absorption.