The Technology Behind the Nike Zoom Air

And the Air Goes Zoom...

Sandy Dover, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Sep 7, 2007 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

Much of the emphasis placed on Nike's reputation is in the form of commentary made on its groundbreaking technologies and concepts. Let alone the use of its patented Air, Shox, and Free technology, Nike has been able to make its technologies notably identifiable to the public. Much of the talk revolves around the use of its premium Air patent, Zoom Air.

While visible Air soles and wraparound Max Air soles seem to be the most recognizable, Zoom is the hermit of the three. Unlike the aforementioned, Zoom Air is that way (though it has visible forms) because of its innate complexities, which help make it viable and productive. Produced by a network of thread, plastic and pressurized gas, Zoom Air works by using stress of the shoe's wearer, absorbing it, and refracting the same stress which helps the Zoom insert retain its shape and buoyancy, allowing for quick responsiveness in performance venues.

While originally and briefly known as Tensile Air (which was used in former NBA star Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway's first signature shoe, the Nike Air Flight One), Zoom Air quickly moved to other feature shoes such as the Air Jordan (where it is still primarily used), and was incorporated in double-stack Zoom units for extra support, responsiveness, and cushioning.

The best thing about Zoom Air is that it is very low-profile in shoes and normally helps the wearer's feet rest closer to the ground, which allows for a better feel for court sports such as basketball and tennis, as well as football training and running. In those particular sport situations, Zoom Air users usually tend to be lighter athletes, as the Air inserts themselves cater to athletes whose weight wouldn't bottom out the cushioning and ruin the shoe, but this is dependent more upon the shoe model and the frame of the particular athlete.

If there is a critical point of Zoom Air, it's that Nike may not make enough shoes with it. Because of its performance benefits to most wearers and its durability, Zoom Air seems to be the way to go for just about any shoe. Many times if a shoe is totally worn out, the Zoom Air units that lay beneath the insole are often still intact and in good enough condition to be used again, if reinsertion were an option for the wearer.

If the feet need a pick-me-up and the pocket is full of cash (because shoes with Zoom can get expensive), try out a Swoosh-ed sneaker and look for tread marks and smoke, because it moves quickly.

Published by Sandy Dover

For the past decade, writer/artist Sandy Dover has been an emerging entity and established veteran in the arts & publishing and media industries, in which he is known broadly as a featured columnist for resp... View profile

Did You Know

Zoom Air works by using stress of the shoe's wearer, absorbing it, and refracting the same stress which helps the Zoom insert retain its shape and buoyancy, allowing for quick responsiveness in performance venues.

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The Technology Behind the Nike Zoom Air

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