Nike's Air Max for the Masses: An Explanation of the Technology Behind the Shoe

Possibly the greatest innovation of what the world knows today as the sneaker has come in the form of air cushioning, by way of global business and style icon Nike, Inc. From the progression of leather from cotton and rubber Converse All-Stars to low-top basketball shoes to synthetic wear-resistant sneakers, the invention of the air pocket for comfort singlehandedly changed the way that shoes have been made ever since its first signature appearance 25 years ago in the Nike Air Force One. While other companies such as Brooks, Converse and Reebok have tried to emulate the company's invention with similar air cushioning setups, Nike's trademarked Air invention has continually been the standard for what consumers look for in casual use and sports performance.

The secret behind the Nike Air that has been in many of the sneakers using this particular setup is that the "Air" is many times pressurized gas. This pertains to Nike shoes under the Air Max division of products. Max Air is the lushest version of the Air technology, largely because shoes implementing Max Air utilize a large-volume Air pocket in the heel, forefoot, and/or the entire length of the shoe, directly under the foot. While Nike shoes with Max Air can be somewhat heavy (because of the extra design features that allow for that setup to be supported on the shoe for durability purposes), Air Max shoes often give more in comfort, so the sacrifice in weight is often made up in cushion.

If you are looking for a high-performance shoe in comfort and durability in high-impact sports, or if you're looking something to keep your sleds nice and comfy during casual activity, the Nike Air Max is best served for you. Many athletes who train use Air Max, as the higher volume Air bag allows for more impact absorption when feet make contact with the ground. Air Max shoes are also favorable to people with bigger frames because of the support that Max Air provides.

It's just not for performance purposes that the Air Max series has done so well. Ever since Nike's original Air Max shoe was released in the late Eighties, the Air Max running editions have been big on style and evolution. From basic mesh to leather to metallic mesh and special edition crushed velvet, and from the heel Max Air pocket to the addition of forefoot Air to midsole-less shoes built entirely on a thick pillow of pressurized Air, the Swoosh has ushered in new trends. In present time, Nike has issued exclusive Air Max combinations that combine the latest Air Max 360 technology with older generation-Air Max shoes, creating a hybrid retro look.