The Evolution of Nike Air Max Technology, Past, Present and Future

Sneaker culture is constantly changing and evolving in front of our very eyes, therefore it wouldn’t be far from the truth to state that we’re a community that obsesses over the latest releases and the hottest news. While we’re often rushing to be the first to promote the newest drop or get our hands on today’s high heat release, we thought for once we’d take a look at something that’s been around for over 30 years.

Nike Air Max technology. It’s one of the best things to ever happen to the world of sneakers and has immortalised silhouettes from as far back as the 1980s. Originally created by an ex-NASA engineer, the technology offers unrivalled comfort and totally revolutionised the world of sneakers when it was first introduced all those years ago. For the first time ever, we’re delving back into the archives and documenting the evolution of Air Max technology.

While not strictly an Air Max model, there’s no way we can document the saga without mentioning the Nike Air Tailwind OG. Originally launched in 1978, the Tailwind was the first ever Nike sneaker to utilise Air technology. Frank Rudy (ex-NASA engineer) approached Nike founders Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman with the concept, of which they originally believed to be crazy. After heavy negotiations and a whole load of prototypes, the Nike Air Tailwind launched exclusively to participants of the Honolulu Marathon in 1978.

A model that needs no introduction is the Air Max 1. Designed by the legendary Tinker Hatfield, the AM1 was the first ever Nike sneaker to feature visible Nike Air technology. Inspired by the Pompidou Centre in Paris, the OG Air Max 1 is easily one of the best sneakers of all time, and still holds grail status for many collectors across the world today.

Two years after the launch of the Air Max 1 came a successor in the form of the aptly-titled Nike Air Max Light. Through a refined design process, Nike reduced the weight of the model considerably, making it a much better choice for athletes. Since then, the model has held host to various high-profile collaborations and remains highly desirable!

1990 saw the legendary Air Max 90 launch, a model that’s still one of the most popular sneakers of all time today. Debuting in the iconic “Infrared” colorway, the AM90 displayed a more angular look than ever before, and a larger Air Max unit under the heel for improved performance. Notable design features include a cropped Swoosh logo and range-specific Air Max branding used for the first time.

The Nike Air Max BW launched in 1991 in the OG Persian Violet colourway, showcasing a larger Air Max window than ever before (BW actually stands for Big Window). The clean colour-blocking used here holds a special place in the heart of many sneakerheads, with the silhouette even used by Skepta for his 2018 collaborative release (although this was the hybrid Air Max 97/BW version).

As the first ever Nike Air Max model to feature an Air unit that reached all the way down to the outsole, the Air Max 180 was a big deal technology-wise. The OG Ultramarine colourway has seen various re-releases and is always popular with sneakerheads, while the silhouette was recently dressed in vibrant pink for a collaboration with Japanese fashion house Comme des Garçons.

Using a unique blow-moulding technique, Nike launched coloured Air Max units for the first time ever in 1993 on the Air Max 93. The pair mirrored the design of 1991’s hugely successful Nike Air Huarache and featured the same sock-like fit. The OG Dusty Cactus colorway is still a classic today and has been used on many other silhouettes since.

The Air Max 94 is easily one of the lesser-seen models in the Air Max family, and we’re not exactly sure why! While it’s nothing ground-breaking, the AM94 is essentially a hybrid model that combines the Air Max Light with the Air Max 93. Originally debuted in “Court Purple”, the model has remained difficult to track down despite certain collectors longing for a pair.

The Air Max 2 launched shortly after the AM94, and is one of the only silhouettes in the Air Max family to have never seen a re-release. As one of the last ever Tinker Hatfield-designed models, the legendary Nike employee’s signature touch can be seen from start to finish. Highlights include a speckled mudguard and different coloured Air units.

Just like 1987’s Air Max 1, the Air Max 2 was given a refined sibling in the form of the Air Max 2 Light. After a few adjustments, the silhouette proved way more successful than the OG design, and has seen multiple high-profile re-releases since.

A favourite for many Nike fans is the Nike Air Max 95, and it’s not hard to see why. Designed by Sergio Lozano, the AM95 was reportedly inspired by human anatomy, and was developed for the trail-running market in Oregon. This is perhaps the most important design milestone for the Air Max brand, as Nike totally removed all the familiar characteristics of the shoes for a revamped and futuristic-looking update.

Another infrequently seen addition to the Air Max family is the Air Max 96. The bulky-looking design resonates well with many, although for one reason or another the silhouette never really took off, perhaps due to the overwhelming success of the AM95 a year earlier.

Another year saw another Air Max release, with 1997 hosting the launch of the OG Air Max 97 “Silver Bullet”. Designed by Christian Tresser and inspired by a Japanese Bullet Train, the AM97 is simply one of the best-looking Air Max ever. The clean lines and streamlined design continue to turn heads even now, and the OG colorway remains ever-popular with sneakerheads across the globe.

The Air Max 98 followed straight on from where the 97 left off, however this time around things are a lot chunkier. The OG AM98 showcases a well-built design that uses colour-blocking to create a timeless look. Famously revitalised by Supreme in 2016, the silhouette saw a wider re-release in 2018 for a 20th anniversary celebration.

Fresh off the back of the AM98 launch, Nike quietly released the Air Max Plus that same year. Designed by Sean McDowell after he drew inspiration from shadows cast by palm trees while on holiday in Florida, the pair sparked a whole new generation of sneaker enthusiasts. More commonly known as the Nike TN (or Tuned 1), the pair resonated with the youth instantly and is now synonymous with music, fashion, and so much more.

Once again connecting with youth culture, the OG Air Max Deluxe was inspired by European rave culture, with vibrant colours and wild sweeping graphics making these a pair that will instantly stand out from the crowd. The model recently saw a 20th anniversary re-release and was also used by UK grime artist Skepta for a collaborative model in 2018.

While the early 2000s saw some questionable Air Max releases, the first significant model of the new millennium was the Air Max 2003. Designed by Sergio Lozano (the man behind the AM95), the 2003 model displayed a more mature and refined look compared to the wild-looking releases of the late ‘90s. Yet to see a re-release, the Air Max 2003 is rarely seen these days.

One of the most revered Air Max silhouettes of all time is the Air Max 360. First launched in 2006, the model was designed so that the Air units were visible from every angle and it was highly-engineered for performance. The AM360 has never seen a re-release in it’s OG form, and it’s rumoured that someone at Nike accidentally discarded the original mould for the sole, meaning it will never be produced again. The closest we’ve seen so far is a hybrid release in the form of the Air VaporMax 360!

After a long hiatus when it came to Air Max releases, 2017 finally saw the release of the Air VaporMax, and it was a serious glimpse into the future. Designed by Kathy Gomez, the Nike Air VaporMax showcases a free-standing sole unit that is 100% Air. Combined with the Flyknit upper, this was the lightest Air Max sneaker ever produced. Now one of the most popular Nike releases of recent years, the VaporMax has seen a whole heap of high-heat collaborations including those with Acronym, Cactus Plant Flea Market and Comme des Garçons.

While 2017 was all about the future, for 2018 Nike turned back to the past and delved into the archives for the launch of the Air Max 270. Inspired by ‘90s designs, the AM270 originally launched in the “Dusty Cactus” colorway taken straight from the Air Max 93. While it wasn’t so well received with die-hard sneakerheads, the AM270 went down a treat with the lifestyle market and remains one of the Swoosh’s best-selling sneakers today.

The Air Max 720 from 2019 took all the best features from the Air Max 270 and repurposed them into a space-age looking design that held the host to the tallest Air Max unit of all time. The futuristic looking pair first launched in the OG colorway that drew inspiration from the Northern Lights, with successful collaborations with Undercover and Odell Beckham Jr. coming shortly after.

Combining Air Max technology with React technology hinted at Nike’s forward-thinking ability to create groundbreaking combinations, as was proven with the Air Max 270 React. Initially released in mid-2019, the OG “Bauhaus” colorway was an instant hit, with the silhouette even being used by Travis Scott for his recent “Cactus Trails” release.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Air Max 90, this year Nike released a brand-new silhouette honouring all the best aspects of the AM90 in the form of the Air Max 2090. The model showcased the same cropped Swoosh logos and cassette Air unit surrounds that made the 1990 classic all the range back then. To top it all off, the OG release was a “Duck Camo” colourway.

If one thing is for certain with Nike, it’s that the brand will continue to innovate. The label has built its entire brand identity on constantly evolving and updating technologies to create top-of-the-range footwear. While the Air Max series owes a lot to the past, Nike has never been afraid to let go and totally start fresh. Here at The Sole Supplier we can’t wait to see what’s in store for us in the future from the Air Max series!