Women's Nike Vapormax

The men’s and women’s Nike Air Force 1 was the first sneakers to bring Air Max to the hardwood. The technology has stood the test of time, and is still used today in running shoes like the men’s and women’s Nike Zoom.

Air Philosophy

Ever since legendary Nike shoe designer Tinker Hatfield debuted the Air Max 1 in 1987, revealing the pocket of air behind Nike’s latest sports technology, the philosophy of the Air Max line has always come down to one thing: more Air. 

The Nike Air Max 95 brought Air tech into the forefoot, while the iconic Nike Air Max 97 incorporated Air technology throughout the entire sole. The designers following in the wake of Hatfield saw the trend and ran with it: more Air equals more hype. Sneaker culture couldn’t get enough Air underfoot.  

The Next Generation of Air

With so much legacy of upping the Air, the designers of the Nike VaporMax decided to change the game. Instead of trying to add more and more Air to their sneaker, they set out designing the VaporMax with the sensation of air in mind. They didn’t want to just add Air, they wanted people to feel like they were walking on clouds. 

To do this, the VaporMax reimagined Air Max technology. Instead of using one large Air bag as a cushion, the design of the VaporMax divides the Air into separate bags that function like pistons underfoot, propelling your foot forward at every stage of your stride. The VaporMax also cut out the traditional layer of foam that stood between your foot and the Air cushioning. Instead, the VaporMax features a Flywire upper that’s fused directly to the sole, so each step feels like walking on air. 

Air for Everyone 

The design of the Nike VaporMax was so distinct, functional and new that it instantly became a Nike staple. With both men’s and women’s Nike VaporMax, everyone can take part in the Air movement and experience the unparalleled sensation. While the revolutionary Nike VaporMax still has yet to stand the test of time, all signs point towards icon status. Soon it might be standing alongside the likes of the men’s and women’s Nike Cortez or the Nike Air Max 1.