The secret of Nike Air Max success? A passion for science! Since its inception, its design has aimed to revolutionise the sneaker experience, continuously evolving Air technology in innovative ways with each new release.
To better understand the swoosh adorned shoes worn today, it is first necessary to explore the history of Air technology. That's why you'll find the full Nike Air Max timeline below:
'Next to the Air Jordan line, the Air Max is the most important and significant piece of sneaker culture that exists.'
Zack Schlemmer
1978 - Air Technology
In 1978, Air technology was used for the first time in a sneaker. 'Nike Air' is made of compressed air in a robust and very flexible bag, offering more flexibility and spring. And this without compromising the structure. The Air units retain their given shape, offer elasticity, lower impact and keep the sneaker tight and light to boot.
Incidentally, the revolutionary idea of adding air to a sneaker came from former NASA engineer Frank Rudy. The Air Tailwind was released in 1978 in very limited quantities for the Honolulu Marathon.
1987 - Nike Air Max 1
Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the Nike Air Max 1 was the first sneaker to offer a window to the inner workings of the sole. The lateral thinker was inspired by the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris.
Designing a sneaker that makes its Air Technology visible - that was the brilliant idea. There are now so many great Air Max 1 collaborations that it's hard to choose just one.
1988 - Air Walker Max
A similar design, yet very different. The Air Walker Max comes with a different Swoosh design, some overlays and a special entry.
1989 - Nike Air Max Light
Like the Air Max 1, but less heavy - so Nike has optimised its successful silhouette with EVA foam for a brand new feel.
1990 - Nike Air Max 90
Of the classics, the Air Max 90 is one of the most popular. Originally called the Air Max 3, the Air Max 90 completely revamped the Air Max sneaker for the new decade. Today, the Air Max 90 is still one of the most popular sneakers in the world.
1991 - Nike Air Max Classic BW
An incredibly important element to the greatness of Air Max is the fact that there are so many OG colours that are iconic today. Such is the case with the Persian Purple OG iteration of the Nike Air Max BW.
The Nike Air Max Classic BW was originally a slimmer version of the Air Max 90 with a larger Air Window. (BW = Big Window) Most recently, the Nike Air Max BW has been updated with a full length Air sole borrowed from the Air Max 97.
1991 - Nike Air Max 180
Time to get playful? The Nike Air Max 180 was the first Nike sneaker to feature Air technology on its outsole. It was in many ways a departure from the tried and tested formula of the early Air Max.
1992 - Air Max ST
Probably only known among collectors and real Air Max fans today: The Air Max ST from '92. New again: The design of the Air Window!
1993 - Nike Air Max 93
The Nike Air Max 93 was blow moulded and took the design of the Air Max 180, giving us coloured air units, sock-like fits and more air.
1994 - Nike Air Max 94
The Air Max 1994 enters uncharted territory on our journey through Air Max history and is sometimes overlooked by even the most avid sneaker collectors - it's not as well known as other models.
Essentially, the design is a mix of the Nike Air Max Light and the Nike Air Max 93.
1994 - Nike Air Max 2
The Air Max 2 is a model that was also designed by Tinker Hatfield. Here he has introduced several Air Chambers with different strategic print. The special leather overlays and the different coloured Air units in the heel together form an incredible design.
1994 - Nike Air Max 2 Light
We know it, don't we? Nike has also developed a lighter version of the Air Max 2. In contrast to the 1, the Air Max 2 Light even proved to be more popular than its predecessor.
1995 - Nike Air Max 95
Another highlight: the Nike Air Max 95. Designed by Sergio Lozano, the sneaker was developed with the human anatomy in mind and its design is inspired by running shoes on rainy days. The Air Max 95 represents an important milestone in the Nike Air Max timeline.
1996 - Nike Air Max 96
A chunky design. The Nike Air Max 96 is clearly in the style of the Air Max family. The minimal branding, the layered upper and the chunky sole are reminiscent of many design elements we still know today. Today, the Nike Air Max Triax 96 is best known.
1997 - Nike Air Max 97
Finally, a full-length Air Max. The Nike Air Max 97, designed by Christian Tressler and inspired by drops of water making ripples in a pond, is still a favourite of the sneaker community today. While the OG colour is referred to as "Silver Bullet", the shade was actually inspired by the silver hue shine of a mountain bike.
1998 - Nike Air Max 98
So if any Air Max shoe exemplifies 90s fashion, it's the Nike Air Max 98. A mismatched design and bold contrasting colours make the 1998 kicks one of the most striking releases in Nike Air history.
1998 - Nike Air Max Plus
Florida, the place where Sean McDowell first imagined his sneaker, taking inspiration from the beach. Palm trees swaying, the colour of the sunset and the holiday feeling are translated by the design of the Air Max Plus. Today also known as the Tuned Air, the so-called 'shark kicks' are still absolute bestsellers!
In 1999, another version of the silhouette was released with the Nike Air Tuned Max. In 2021, it was reissued again, with many references to the OG.
1999 - Nike Air Max Deluxe
The Nike Air Max Deluxe is inspired by the European rave culture that peaked in 1999. The upper is completely covered in digitally printed neoprene. Like a rave, the trance-inspired sneakers were created to be loud, vibrant and youthful at the same time.
2003 - Nike Air Max 2003
The first major release of the 00s was a breath of fresh air after the chaotic aesthetic of the late 90s. The Nike Air Max 2003 is monochrome, clean and shapely. A slimmer alternative, that is.
2006 - Nike Air Max 360
The Nike Air Max 360 is a performance silhouette based on an Air unit that is visible from every angle. Hence the name '360'! A sporty design, incredible comfort and colours steeped in history. Some design elements are still an inspiration for some Air Max sneakers today.
2017 - Nike Air Vapormax Flyknit
The sophisticated future Nike hinted at with the Air Max in 2003 finally arrived 14 years later, in the form of the Vapormax Flyknit. But it was worth the wait! The Vapormax is a Kathy Gomez design and it was the first time that the Air Unit alone formed the sole of the sneaker. Combined with a Flyknit upper, the feel and fit of the Vapormax is unique.
2018 - Nike Air Max 270
In 2018, Nike looked back to the designs of the early 90s to draw from history and inspire forward-thinking ideas. The result: a sporty sneaker with a large Air Unit in the heel that has generated a lot of interest in the new Air Max generation.
2019 - Nike Air Max 720
The sequel to the 270: the space look of the Air Max 720 and the biggest Air unit yet. Through its details, it forms one of the most exciting sneakers of the 21st century.
2020 - Nike Air Max 2090
The modern Air Max 2090 is inspired by the legendary Air Max 90, where past meets future. The reworked Air damping makes the comfort here almost a little bit better. The upper with its translucent elements looks great and all in all we get a futuristic look that convinces.
2020 - Nike Air Max Zephyr
Nike takes another step forward with the revolutionary Air Unit and combines familiar elements with new details to create this special design.
