Nike Air Max sneakers have a legacy that dates back nearly 40 years. Read on to discover the history, cultural influence, and function of various Air Max models, starting with the Air Max 1 and ending with the newest Air Max DN. By the end, you’ll be able to find one (or more) pairs of kids’ Air Max sneakers they’ll love.
Nike Air Max 1
History of the Air Max 1
Nike created the ‘Air’ technology of the original Air Max 1 in the early 1980s but had trouble communicating to the public what the technology was or did. To aid the public’s understanding, Nike wanted to expose the ‘air’ element. But, many early prototypes weren’t ready to go to market, so Nike sent designer Tinker Hatfield to Paris for design inspiration. While there, he was inspired by the Centre Pompidou. This building is different because it doesn’t hide structural elements like pipes, ventilation, or escalators. This building renewed a sense of vigor in Hatfield to return to headquarters and start sketching new designs. Eventually, one of his designs featured a cut-out in the midsole that exposed the ‘air’ technology, and that became the shoe we know today. The Air Max 1 was released in 1987 and has remained a must-have shoe for many sneakerheads.
Function of Air Max 1
Nike Air Max 1 are great for walking or as lifestyle sneakers since they are designed to absorb the shock from each step. If you’re looking for a running shoe, the Air Max 1 isn’t the best option. Nike creates many shoes that are better suited to running.
Are Air Max 1 Sneakers In Style?
Air Max 1 is a staple shoe for sneaker lovers. It's seen as a piece of sneaker history; therefore, it will always be in fashion. Recently, though, with the popularity of retro sneakers, these shoes have seen a significant resurgence, even among the general public. The Air Max 1 is a unisex shoe, which only adds to their popularity. Adding a pair of these sneakers to a collection would be a good investment, as they are always in style.
Celebrities That Wear Air Max 1
- Eminem
- Kevin Hart
- Shakira
- LeBron James
Nike Air Max 90
History of the Air Max 90
Originally named the Air Max III when it was released in 1990, it was relaunched to the public in 2000 and renamed the Air Max 90. Like the Air Max 1, this shoe was designed by Tinker Hatfield and is made of a mix of leather, fabric, foam, and rubber with a pouch of compressed gas that gives the sneaker its ‘air’ component. Reactions to this sneaker were positive when it debuted, with people saying the shoes “look fast”.
Are Air Max 90 Sneakers In Style?
The Air Max 90 is often considered one of the most popular Air Max sneakers besides the original Air Max 1. Air Max 90 sneakers have seen a resurgence lately with the revival of 90s style. But, Air Max 90 sneakers have been and always will be a staple sneaker for sneakerheads, so they’re worth having in rotation.
Celebrities That Wear Air Max 90
- Serena Williams
- Rihanna
- Drake
Nike air max 97
History of the Air Max 97
Designed by Christian Tresser and released in 1997, the Air Max 97 has a distinct look from its predecessors. A noticeable difference is that the air unit is visible not just in the midfoot; it’s seen running the entire shoe length. Additionally, there is an eye-catching wavy design along the shoe's upper; there is a commonly held belief that these shoes were inspired by Japanese bullet trains, but that’s not the case. The sneaker's design was actually inspired by ripples made in water.
Function of the Air Max 97
Air Max 97 sneakers were initially designed for running. The air unit and foam midsole cushion each step and give the springiness runners need, while the mesh and synthetic upper offer the wearer comfort and durability. These shoes are best for short distances, as long-distance runners will likely require a different level of support.
Are Air Max 97 Sneakers In Style?
Air Max 97 sneakers have been trendy in recent years. Collaborations with celebrities and a resurgence of 90s fashion have made these shoes' popularity skyrocket. This has affected the price of the Air Max 97. While the original Air Max 97 price has remained relatively unchanged, some supply chain issues have caused a slight increase.
Celebrities That Wear Air Max 97
- LeBron James
- Travis Scott
- Tom Holland
- Hailey Bieber
Nike Air Max 270
History of the Air Max 270
The Air Max 270 was designed by Dylan Raasch and released to the public in 2018. The goal was to design a shoe that “redefined the look of Air”. This sneaker looks very different from other Air Max sneakers and reflects the newer era of Air Max. It contains a larger 270-degree air unit that wraps around the shoe's sole from the midfoot around the heel and to the other side of the midfoot. This is intentional, as it was designed to look vastly different from its predecessors' rubber and air components. This shoe is an excellent blend of technology and style, creating the perfect lifestyle sneaker.
Function of the Air Max 270
Some ask, “Why is the Air Max 270 so expensive?”. The creation of this sneaker required a significant investment in research and development, which is reflected in its price point. The resulting sneaker is lightweight while offering impressive impact protection, making it great for casual runners or people who spend a lot of time on their feet. It should be noted that Air Max 270 air units can pop when punctured directly. Choosing a different shoe is advised if the wearer tends to bang their heels on sharp objects.
Are Air Max 270 Sneakers In Style?
While this shoe is more popular and does not have the same resonance as the older Air Max styles, it should be noted that the shoe was Nike’s best-selling shoe in 2021. Many wearers love these shoes because of the cushion they give each step and their supportive fit.
Celebrities That Wear Air Max 270
- Lucy Hale
- Miranda Kerr
- Kevin Durant
NIKE AIR MAX DN
History of the Air Max DN
Nike wanted to replicate the feeling their older Air Max models gave people. In 2021, Nike suddenly gave the green light to create a new Air Max model. Reggie Hunter was under a one-year time restraint to create a new sneaker. Typically, Nike takes two to three years to create a new sneaker. He was invigorated by this timeline and used it to create a new twist on the Air Max models released in the late 80s. The result was a sneaker that had tubes running horizontally along the shoe's heel to the midfoot. These horizontal tubes were seen initially in the Air Max models of the early 2000s but were overshadowed by the more popular Air Max 95 and 97.
The name is also a departure from fellow sneakers in the Air Max line. The ‘DN’ in Air Max DN stands for “dynamic motion”.
Function of the Air Max DN
As its name states, this sneaker is meant to respond to your body by propelling the wearer forward after each step. Nike wanted to take the original intent of the Air Max models from the 80s, which were intended for performance runners, and give them a 2021 revamp. The result is a shoe that’s excellent for short-distance runners, walkers, or those who stand for long periods.
Are Air Max DN Sneakers In Style?
The Air Max DN came out on March 26, 2024. The design is a nod to the early 2000s sneakers, which have seen an uptick in popularity over recent years. Its newness and nod to early 2000s shoes inevitably make it a stylish pick.
Celebrities That Wear Air Max DN
- Billie Eilish
- Drake
- Sha’Carri Richardson
- Spike Lee
Now that you know the Air Max sneakers' history and function, you’re prepared to buy them their new favorite pair of sneakers. If you want to browse the full selection of Nike Air Max sneakers, here are the links to the Big Kid Air Max, Little Kid Air Max, and Toddler & Baby Air Max sneakers.
Nike Air Max Sneakers
