If you've come across this post, I'm guessing you've also read the first two parts of our Nike Air Max Timeline, right? If not, then go read them now! There you can learn a lot about the history of Nike's legendary Air Max series! In our third part we're going to take a look at the rest of the timeline and the latest Nike Air Max models!
Let's go:
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. Few sizes are still available:
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.
Did you like our Air Max Timeline? Find more Air Max stories in our Sneaker News.