A retro Nike sneaker is about to take on the look of the most beloved Batman villain.

A new edition of the Nike Air Max 180 has immediately drawn comparisons to the Joker for its use of lime green and purple. Most of the suede and neoprene sneaker arrives in black, but its accenting colors invoke the Joker’s famous wardrobe. The outsole extends to the midsole’s arc over the heel Air Max unit in lime green to match the laces and Nike Air heel logo, while the heel stabilizer and tongue “180” mark arrive in purple. A portion of the outsole also arrives in translucent purple beneath the Air Max unit, and capping off the sneaker is a white suede Swoosh.

Sneakerheads regularly give a “Joker” nickname to sneakers making use of green and purple, but Stray Rats and New Balance invoked Batman’s nemesis in official fashion for a 2019 993v3 collaboration.

The Air Max 180 made its debut in 1991 and was the brain child of two legendary Nike designers, Tinker Hatfield and Bruce Kilgore. The idea was to make Air Max technology more visible then ever, and a blow moulding process allowed it to take up more territory through the heel. Urethane was also used for an outsole for the first time on the model, while neoprene helped provide a snug fit.

Just this year, Nike brought back the Air Max 180 with a one-to-one recreation of its original proportions for the first time in the “Ultramarine” colorway. The return of the “Concord” edition was also relished, as it was worn by Michael Jordan in a photoshoot for the 1992 Olympic “Dream Team.”

The Nike Air Max 180 “Joker” doesn’t yet have a firm release date but is expected to release before the end of 2024 with a price of $150. This post will be updated as more information becomes available.

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About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

Every year since 2004, Nike has partnered with the Oregon Health & Science University Doernbecher Children’s Hospital for a special collection of sneakers designed by patients with proceeds benefiting care costs for families in need. To date, the partnership has raised $37 million for the hospital, and for the 20th installment, the figure will increase with a new set of six shoes and a special Air Jordan 20 sneaker auction celebrating every Doernbecher Freestyle contributor thus far.

This year’s collection includes an Air Jordan 6 Retro designed by Jillian Beagley, a 14-year-old patient who received a liver transplant at 11. Her design includes mismatched left and right shoes, numerous interchangeable Velcro patches and toe boxes which wear away to reveal a new color underneath. “Give life” embroidery is featured on the toe as a tribute to her liver donor.

9-year-old Sophia Jenkins, who has osteosarcoma, designed her own Nike Sabrina 2. The parasport athlete referenced things that bring her joy and comfort, like her fuzzy blanket which is replicated on the liner. Smiley faces and flower graphics represent some of her favorite stickers, and the shoe also comes packaged with DIY friendship bracelets.

Tima Sviridenko, an 11-year-old patient with X-linked lymphoproliferative Disease 1, designed the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41 in honor of his cat, Murka. His pet is referenced throughout the shoe, including at the tip of the Swoosh logo as a reminder to “hang in there.” Even the outsole of the Zoom Pegasus 41 has been altered to include a paw print.

Connor Kassing Fernández’s positive attitude toward surgery and chemotherapy is highlighted on his Nike Air Max Dn design, which includes his “paso a pasa” (step by step) motto on the glow-in-the-dark outsole in both Spanish and English. The upper of the shoe is adorned in some of the 14-year-old patient’s favorite things including sunrises, quesadillas and music notes.

The Nike Air Max SNDR was the shoe of choice for Quin Nims, 10, who was diagnosed with an anorectal malformation. Nims covered the Air Max SNDR in blots of color she says represent “splashes of joy and power” to create what she calls the “happiest shoes that I can think of.” The shoe features an updated mudguard with a dragon-inspired spike look that’s even textured to look like the magical creatures.

Ja’Kai Taylor designed the Nike Air 180 with nods to his Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. The lightning bolt-covered shoe features a fully glow-in-the-dark outsole and a gradient fade inspired by video games. The shoe’s Swoosh is given a bubbly look inspired by his love for juice boxes, while the lightning bolts reference the electronic glucose monitors he wears.

Each sneaker in the Nike “Doernbecher Freestyle 20” collection will come in new pop-up shoeboxes. An exact release date for the group has not been announced, but Nike says it will launch globally this winter on SNKRS and from select retailers. Readers can preview the collection below and find more information at nike.com.

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After Amsterdam retailer Patta celebrated its 20th anniversary this year by bringing back the fan-favorite “Chlorophyll” Nike Air Max 1 collaboration, it looks like the boutique will keep its Swoosh momentum going by applying a familiar design to a new sneaker.

Talk of a Patta x Nike Air Max 90 “Wave” first surfaced in early October, and now Patta co-founder Edson Sabajo has shared a first look at the new design. The collaboration repurposes the concept from Patta’s Air Max 1 “The Wave,” which was released in a total of six different styles throughout 2021 and 2022. Sometimes nicknamed “Waves,” the shoes feature a bumpy wave-like pattern on their mudguard. 

Like Patta’s work on the Air Max 1, the Air Max 90 revamps the traditionally linear mudguard for a wavy look. The pair shared by Sabajo features a white-and-silver style with accents reminiscent of the classic Air Max BW “Persian Violet” colorway. The Air Max 90’s mesh appears to match the same material Patta used on the “Wave” Air Max 1, and other panels look more premium than the model’s standard fair. Patta’s logo, designed by artist and fellow Nike collaborator Piet Parra, appears on the tongue.

Patta and Nike’s partnership began in the mid 2000s, long before sneaker collaborations were ordinary. Their first joint release was 2006’s “Homegrown” Air Max 90, making the upcoming “Wave” style a full circle moment for both parties. Collaborations have included Air Jordans and obscure Nikes, but the retailer is best known for its work on the Air Max 1 and Air Max 90 silhouettes. Along with the retro of the “Chlorophyll” Air Max 1, 2024 saw Patta release the Air Huarache 20Y24 hybrid sneaker.

According to early reports, a number of Patta x Nike Air Max 90 “Wave” styles will be released similar to the output of the Air Max 1. 

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Nike Previews Its Key Sneaker Releases for Fall 2024 Through Spring 2025 [Photos]

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Update: Sept. 11, 2024 at 3:20 p.m. ET:

As reported by FN in July, Patta’s Nike Air Max 1 “Chlorophyll” collaboration will return soon to help the Amsterdam retailer celebrate its 20th anniversary.

The collaboration’s rerelease was confirmed last week by Nike, which shared more details behind the revitalization of the Air Max 1 collaboration.

First launched in 2009 in honor of Patta’s 5th anniversary, the store’s “Chlorophyll” Nike Air Max 1 now makes a comeback for Patta’s 15th year in business. According to Nike, the duo focused on accurately replicating the look and feel of the original pair, right down to the same fabric found on the ’09 iteration. Changes are mostly subtle and include a new insole featuring the €20 bill and a special 20th anniversary shoebox.

“The original ‘Chlorophyll’ project was almost like a first album: there was a lot of energy, a lot of ideation in there, and the product was just very organic,” Patta co-founder Guillaume “Gee” Schmidt said in Nike’s press release. “With this release, we stick to the essence of the shoe, which really stands the test of time. It’s just an amazing moment to bring back a shoe that’s so coveted, that’s so loved by the sneaker community and the community at large.”

With over 10 collaborations between them and six Air Max 1s alone, Nike says Patta is not only its longest but its most impactful Air Max collaborator. 

Once so scarce that ’09 pairs were surpassing sales of $2,000 on StockX, the Patta x Nike Air Max 1 “Chlorophyll” is finally returning to retail. The collaboration will launch exclusively from pattaxnike.com and Patta stores on Sept. 13. The Patta store in Lagos, Nigeria will offer early access on Sept. 12. Retail pricing is $160.

What We Originally Reported on July 14, 2024

Amsterdam, Netherlands-based sneaker and streetwear retailer Patta celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and to mark the occasion, it looks like it will be revisiting one of its most popular Nike collaborations.

Originally reported by Nike Air Max-centric leaker account @bubblekope in November 2023, Patta is lined up to release a “Chlorophyll/Chlorophyll/Matte Silver” Nike Air Max 1 with style code HF1012-300 during fall 2024.

The colorway description is similar to Patta’s Nike Air Max 1 collaboration from 2009, which featured a “White/Chlorophyll/Matte Silver” colorway and has gone on to become one of the boutique’s most desirable collaborations. Due to the variation in the style code, some early speculation theorized that Patta could be releasing a new “2.0” version of the sneaker with small changes. Now, a potential first look at the ’24 iteration has surfaced courtesy of Patta itself.

Patta co-founders Edson Sabajo and Guillaume “Gee” Schmidt shared today a joint Instagram post alongside Nigerian singer Tems. On foot, both Sabajo and Schmidt were wearing a version of the Patta x Nike Air Max 1 “Chlorophyll,” although it’s not immediately clear if it was the ’24 iteration. However, in the same photo, Tems was holding a Nike shoebox emblazoned with chlorophyll green and 20th anniversary text — a possible giveaway at the box’s contents. 

During its 20-year run, Patta has created numerous coveted footwear collaborations with brands including Converse, Nike and New Balance. Most recently, it worked with Nike on a “Running Team” collection highlighted by the Air Huarache 20Y24 hybrid sneaker.

The not-so-subtle teaser seems to all but confirm that Patta is indeed rereleasing its “Chlorophyll” Nike Air Max 1 in some form this year. As of now, the collaboration is expected to arrive sometime during fall ’24. Check back for further updates soon.

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Nike’s iconic Air Max 95 sneaker has its 30th anniversary coming up next year, and the brand’s plans for the big celebration are already beginning to trickle out. In addition to a rumored Nike SB x Air Max 95 reworking and an update to graffiti artist Stash’s coveted collab, new information suggests the sneaker will also be returning in a form that closely matches its original 1995 look.

Multiple reports indicate that the original Nike Air Max 95 “Neon” colorway will be remastered with a big bubble makeover in 2025. The treatment refers to the sneaker’s signature visible Air units in the forefoot and heel. Since the original release in ’95, the size of the bubbles has decreased considerably, which changed both the look and feel of the classic shoe. The change wasn’t only seen on the Air Max 95; many of Nike’s 1990s-era Air Max shoes experienced similar fates.

The reason for the shift in Air sizing is sometimes chalked up to Nike’s 14-year push to eliminate use of a greenhouse gas known as SF6. In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, Nike in 2006 began using nitrogen in the Air pockets instead of SF6. The brand has never confirmed the connection between this change and the size of the Air units, and the use of a different element doesn’t necessitate a change in the shape of the units, but that hasn’t stopped internet speculation over the last decade-plus.

In 2023, Nike commemorated its annual Air Max Day holiday with the release of a “Big Bubble” Air Max 1 ’86. Rather than amplify the size of the Air Max 1’s existing Air unit, this ’23 iteration referenced a rarely seen original Air Max 1 from 1986 which featured a longer visible window.

Now, the Nike Air Max 95 “Neon” will reportedly return to its original Air bubble sizing with its own “Big Bubble” release in ’25. Sole Retriever adds that the shoes, which have a SKU of HM4740-001, will be released in April at a retail price of $180 following an Air Max Day launch for the first big bubble Air Max 95, a “Lost Sketch” colorway.

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Just days after rapper Ludacris broke out giant Nike Air Force 1s to throw the ceremonial first pitch for the Atlanta Braves, another first pitch moment is making headlines, and this time it’s Olympic gold medalist and Nike-sponsored gymnast Jordan Chiles who once again finds herself in the fashion news.

After stepping out Thursday at the US Open in Nike Shox R4 sneakers, Chiles followed up Friday throwing the first pitch at Citi Field as the New York Mets hosted the Cincinnati Reds. Clad in a black Mets jersey and a pleated Nike tennis skirt, Chiles switched up from her go-to Shox R4s to debut a previously unseen pair of Nikes.

The new Nike Air Max sneakers featured a black mesh base with large synthetic silver overlays and three oval pods near the front. A large visible Air Max bubble can be seen at the heel, and there’s also a new Air Max logo on the tongue.

Chiles shared closer looks at the unreleased Nike Air Max sneakers on her Instagram, teasing that she and Nike were “bringing something new to New York Fashion Week.” 

Then, on Saturday, Chiles walked the runway for the Kim Shui spring 2025 show. On foot, the Olympian once again wore her trusty white-and-silver Nike Shox R4 sneakers — and other models followed suit. 

In May, prior to her and Team USA’s gold medal-clinching journey in the Paris Olympics, Chiles told WWD that Nike sneakers are a staple of her casual wear. “My shoes are always my final products,” she said. “I still typically wear Nike for that sort of thing.”

As of publishing, the apparent name of this model is the Nike Air Max Muse. A previous Nike model known as the Air Max Muse was a budget-friendly sneaker from 2015, although it does not appear that there’s any connection between the two shoes despite sharing a common name. Readers can expect more updates on this new Nike Air Max sneaker soon.

Two of Nike’s footwear categories are expected to combine in 2025 with an inter-brand collaboration between Nike SB and Nike Sportswear. 

Featured in this project is the Nike Air Max 95, a retro running shoe originally released in 1995 which celebrates its 30th anniversary next year. A number of special Air Max 95 launches are planned to commemorate the model’s three-decade run, among them an update courtesy of Nike’s skateboarding arm. Although images of the updated sneaker have yet to surface, more details are emerging which paint a picture of what can be expected in ’25.

The Nike SB x Air Max 95 will reportedly release in a “Summit White/Photon Dust/Cool Grey/Cactus Flower/Gum” colorway, which some have dubbed “Cactus Flower” for short. With a SKU of HF7545-100, it’s not yet known what specific changes will be present on this version of the Air Max 95, but Nike SB’s previous work on other pre-existing Swoosh models could foreshadow what’s in store.

By and large, Nike SB’s most popular reworking is the Dunk Low Pro SB. Introduced in the early 2000s, the Dunk Low Pro SB represented Nike’s latest attempt to enter the skate market following missteps such as the Choad model. After noticing that skateboarders had taken a liking to the standard Nike Dunk, which was first released as a basketball sneaker in 1985, the Nike SB team gave the shoe new life. It added elements like pillowy padding to the Dunk’s tongue, durable structure and Zoom Air cushioning to make the ‘80s design more suited for skating.

Another notable re-engineering from the Nike SB camp came in 2023 when it collaborated with Jordan Brand on an Air Jordan 4. The classic 1989 basketball shoe, made famous by Michael Jordan himself, was given numerous tweaks including a refined shape, softer underfoot foam and more flexible materials. The Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 was one of the year’s most popular sneakers and is rumored to be released in 2025 in new colorways.

Along with this new Nike SB x Nike Air Max 95, fans can expect a reissue of the model’s original “Neon” colorway in ’25. The iconic style, pictured above, was last released in 2020. 

There are currently no confirmed details for this Nike SB x Nike Air Max 95, but the pair is expected to arrive next year at a retail price of $175.

Men’s Welterweight Boxing bronze medalist Omari Jones took to Champions Park in Paris, France as part of the 2024 Olympic Games in a pair of Nike Team USA Air Max sneakers.

Jones, who controversially lost to Uzbekistan’s Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev in the semifinals by way of a split decision during Tuesday night’s matchup, was in good spirits as he brought forth a casual look in a blue Ralph Lauren tracksuit. Posing not too far away from the Eiffel Tower, Jones showcased his Nike Team USA Air Max sneakers, which were created specifically for the Olympics. Designed in a red, white and blue colorway, the shoes come equipped with Nike’s specialized advanced technology which, per the brand, is designed with optimal comfort and performance in mind.

The silhouette also includes a breathable upper, and a rubber outsole durable enough for running, jumping, stopping on a dime, and long-distance walking. Additional stylistic details include a white lacing system that provides a nice contrast to the bold red and blue colors. The sneakers also feature a navy blue swoosh and blue coloring on the heel and toe, with the Nike Air cushioning technology visible in the back part of the sole.

Many Olympic athletes and attendees have been opting to wear comfortable sneakers for their various events. In fact, the Women’s USA Rugby Team wore these exact same shoes in late July when they posed with their medals outside of the Eiffel Tower after earning Bronze in a historic match against Australia. Additionally, Simone Biles along with her fellow Olympic gymnast teammates were spotted in all-white Air Max sneakers at the end of the Olympic trials when they learned they were headed to the international games.

Former Olympic athlete and gold medal winner Michael Phelps is another one who got in on the USA-themed sneakers trend yesterday, showcasing a simple pair of all-white sneakers with three ultra-thin red and blue stripes that were seemingly the reissued Adidas Rotterdam 00 soccer shoes.

The Olympics started on July 26 and will continue through August 11.

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Nike Air Max 1 Shoes

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Updated August 5, 2024: This guide on the best Nike Air Max shoes was updated with new sneaker models to shop for summer and fall.

Top Nike Air Max Shoes of 2024

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Nike’s Air Max shoes are a masterclass in what the brand’s sneakers do best: blend technological innovation with fashion, resulting in performance-level comfort for daily wear. Not only does Nike commemorate the game-changing silhouette with its own Nike Air Max Day holiday, but the Nike Air Max 1 Shoe has also been crowned one of Footwear News’ Greatest Shoes of All Time — and the heritage shoe deserves all the fanfare.

Sneaker fiends love a throwback (like the newly re-issued Air Max ’86) and Air Maxes have a lot of history. They’ve been around since the late ’70s, and with that history comes 35 years of new Air tech and sneaker design. The original Air technology — what you might see as the small, clear pocket in the midsole — was designed by a NASA engineer. As legend has it, the former engineer Franklin Rudy brought this bag of pressurized air to Nike, and Nike eventually dropped the first Air sneaker in 1978 at the Honolulu Marathon. Nike continues to evolve the Air Max line with new colorways, fits, and performance technology for athletes and style stars alike.

Last Air Max Day, the Swoosh surprised fans by dropping the Air Max Dn which featured new Dynamic Air technology. Dn still falls under the Air Max category, however, rather than Air units, it employs two pressurized champers with Air unit tubes, which are tuned to provide higher pressure at the heel, and lower pressure toward the toe. It results in an unprecedented smooth stride that adapts with your step as air flow responds to your transitions.

Of course, Air Max sneaker design originated from Nike designer Tinker Hatfield. Hatfield is credited with designing sneakers such that Air technology was visible in the midsole. Those exposed air pockets make for a bouncy response when the foot hits the ground — it’s flexible, so it moves under pressure and then restores its original form on release. Nike Air units are virtually indestructible, too, which means you can put all the pressure in the world on it, and it won’t budge.

The shoe’s Air tech and fashion-forward aesthetic are hugely popular among sneaker lovers of all kinds, and many new iterations of the sneaker sell out as soon as they launch. Whether you’re a long-time Air Max fan looking to grow your collection or you’re a novice looking to step your toe into classic Nike hertiage, look no further than our roundup of the best Nike Air Max shoes of 2024.

Nike Air Max 1 Shoes

Year released: 1987
Size range: Men’s 2.5 to 15; women’s 5 to12
Special features: Visible air pocket
Celebrity fans: Lady Gaga, Sydney Sweeney, Camila Cabello
Popular collaborations: Concepts, Patta, atmos
Best for: Budding and veteran sneakerheads

On Sale 39% off

$90.97 Buy men’s at nike

$111.97 Buy women’s at Nike

The Nike Air Max 1 is the shoe that started it all. Although it wasn’t the first Air Max ever, it was the original Tinker Hatfield design that put Air Maxes on the map. Hatfield was inspired by French architecture that made its innards (like plumbing) visible on the outside of the building, which is why the iconic Air pocket is a staple in the shoe’s outward design.

Today, the iconic sneaker reigns as one of the Greatest Shoes of All Time, according to Footwear News. “They were always done in amazing colors and materials,” said Derek Curry, owner of Sneaker Politics, on the evolution of the Air Max. “The sleek timeless design makes it easy to wear with just about anything. The AM1 was released in a color option that was unheard of at that time and it changed the way that Nike showed off their technology. Air became a movement and still is a big part of sneaker culture to this day.”

What testers say: “I hurt my foot and ankle and didn’t like the looks of most of the recommended orthopedic shoes. These sneakers not only look good but they are very comfortable! I am able to wear them without a heel pad and without pain for hours.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $111.97

Nike Air Max Plus Shoes

Year released: 1998
Size range: Men’s 6 to 16
Special features: Tuned Air
Celebrity fans: Kendall Jenner, Sophia Richie, Vanessa Hudgens, Kaia Gerber
Popular collaborations: Paris Saint-Germain, Swarovski
Best for: Athleisure

$180 Buy men’s at nike

$135.97 Buy women’s at Nike

Nike Air Max Plus sneakers are a mainstay in A-lister sneaker rotations, but they’ve been around the block since 1998. The wavy caged uppers come inspired by palm trees and beachy waves with synthetic uppers and airy mesh that feels firm-yet-breathable during long walks and workouts. The Air Max Plus also uniquely features stabilizing Tuned Air technology, along with TPU accents that protect your toes and arches.

What testers say: “Amazing! I have feet issues and I find these to be very comfortable to wear. I can walk and wear them all day. I now own three pairs of them and will continue wearing them. I love these sneakers so much.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $135.97

Nike Air Max 1 ’86 Premium Shoes

Year released: 2024
Size range: Men’s 6 to 16
Special features: Waffle outsole,
Popular collaborations: Paris Saint-Germain, Swarovski,
Best for: Walking and running

$150 Buy now at nike

This particular “Royal Blue” colorway dropped ahead of Air Max Day 2024 in honor of the OG shoe. Its Parisian-inspired upper detailing calls back to elements of the first-ever “Air Max Day” sneaker released over 10 years ago — but this time boasts rubber waffle outsoles, padded collars, and revamped air unit windows with enhanced durability.

What testers say: “Super dope shoe. Love the big bubble and love the color way. I get lots of compliments when I’m sporting these. As far as sizing, they are true to size. Grabbed a 11.5 women’s, which equates to a 10 men’s.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $150

Nike Air Max DN Shoes

Year released: 2024
Size range: Men’s 3.5 to 10.5; women’s 5 to 12
Special features: Dynamic Air
Best for: Walking

$160 Buy Now at nike

Meet the newest addition to the Air Max family. The Air Max Dn was the star of Air Max Day 2024 because it flipped Nike’s heritage shoe silhouette on its head. Debuting entirely new Dynamic Air technology, it swaps Air units for dual-pressure tubes that offer reactive and adaptive cushioning. Pressure is focused on the heel, while air levels underfoot shift and soften as you step. The shoe’s futuristic design makes it a sleek style statement, too, so you can enjoy optimal comfort and energy return whether you’re walking to the coffee shop or launching into a sprint.

What testers say: “LOVE! When I buy sneakers, my choice is based on function first, then looks. The Dn check all the boxes! Working in the industry as an athlete, I’m walking the floors on average eight hours daily and these do exactly what I need them to do — while looking cute in the process.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $160

Nike Air Max 90 Shoes

Year released: 1990
Size range: Men’s 6 to 15; women’s 5 to 12
Special features: Waffle sole
Celebrity fans: Lady Gaga, Kendall Jenner, Emrata, Scarlett Johansson, Kylie Jenner
Popular collaborations: Kaws, Huff, Off-White, Atmos
Best for: Wearing every single day

$130 Buy men’s at nike

$130 Buy women’s at Nike

The Nike Air Max 90 is one of, if not the, most wearable Air Maxes around. They originally dropped in 1990, and they’ve maintained that retro runner vibe ever since. The Air Max in the heel keeps your feet supported, and the padded collar and tongue makes sure that no fabric rubs on your feet throughout the day.

What testers say: “These shoes are a classic! I’m probably on my sixth or seventh pair of these since the 90’s. They still feel and look great!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $130

Nike Air Max 270 Shoes

Year released: 2017
Size range: Men’s 6 to 15; women’s 5 to 12
Special features: 270-degree Air unit
Celebrity fans: Lucy Hale, Anya Taylor Joy, Morgan Stewart, Kaley Cuoco
Popular collaborations: Travis Scott
Best for: Athleisure

On Sale 14% off

$136.97 Buy men’s at nike

$160 Buy women’s at Nike

While most Air Maxes were designed with sport in mind, the Nike Air Max 270 was always made to be a lifestyle shoe. It’s one of Nike’s newer Air models, and its 270-degree Air unit gives the whole back of the shoe a different look. The knit upper is stretchy and flexible, making for a fit that feels good all day long. Lean into their athleisure design by pairing them with joggers or graphic hoodies.

What testers say: “Nike Air Max 270s are one of my favorite shoes for style, comfort, and fitness. This is the third pair in my collection and I’ll probably wear them for the rest of my life!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $136.97

Nike Air Max 97 Shoes

Year released: 1997
Size range: Men’s 3.5 to 15; women’s 5 t o 12
Special features: Full-length Air cushioning
Celebrity fans: Hailey Bieber, Vanessa Hudgens, Halsey, Kaia Gerber
Popular collaborations: UNDEFEATED, Skepta
Best for: Serving vibes

On Sale 15% off

$148.97 Buy men’s at nike

$142.97 Buy women’s at Nike

The Nike Air Max 97, born in 1997, got its wavy mesh and synthetic design inspiration from super-fast bullet trains. It was the first Air Max with full-length Air cushioning along the bottom of the foot. The Air pockets sit below a foam-cushioned midsole and above a durable rubber outsole.

What testers say: “It feels like I’m walking on clouds! I love these shoes! They are trendy, chic and SO comfortable.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $142.97

Nike Air Max Excee Shoes

Size range: Men’s 6 to 15; women’s 5 to 12
Celebrity fans: Sophia Richie
Best for: Arch support

$95 Buy men’s at nike

$76.97 Buy women’s at Nike

The Nike Air Max Excee sneaker is similar to the 90, but with bigger proportions and more support. It comes in a ton of colors, but the all-white and all-black versions are great for styling with everyday outfits (or wearing to jobs where you have to stand all day). Some reviewers say these tend to run a half to a full-size small, so keep that in mind when placing an order of your own.

What testers say: “There are classic athletic shoes with great arch support. They are a little snug across the ball of my foot but still very comfortable. I plan to wear them for everyday walking and travel. When purchasing any Nike athletic shoes I always order a half size larger than my normal size 9.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $76.97

Nike Air Vapormax 2023 Flyknit Shoes

Size range: Men’s 6 to 15; women’s 5.5 to 12
Special features: Flyknit uppers
Celebrity fans: Alessandra Ambrosio, Vanessa Paradis
Popular collaborations: Off-White, Acronym
Best for: Walking

$210 Buy men’s at nike

$210 Buy women’s at Nike

You can’t go wrong with any Nike sneaker for walking, but there’s something especially great about moving in the Nike Air Vapormax 2023 Flyknit. Sneakerheads and athletes alike were ecstatic when these first dropped back in 2017, because Nike introduced them as the first-ever shoe to feature a full-length Air unit, making them extra bouncy and comfortable. That, in combination with the stretchy FlyKnit upper, makes them a great candidate for long walks and exploring new cities.

What testers say: What’s not to love? These shoes are comfortable, styluish, practical, and super wearable for hours on end. I’m not a huge Nike fan, however these had me from first look. It’s like walking on clouds.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $210

Nike Air Max Dawn Shoes

Size range: Men’s 3.5 to 10.5; women’s 5 to 12
Special features: Pull tab and heel clip
Popular collaborations: Who Decides War
Best for: Wearing to work

On Sale 24% off

$87.97 Buy now at nike

The Nike Air Max Dawn carries on elements of retro track-and-field Nike running sneakers, with slightly elevated heels and narrow toes. The Air pockets are low-key, making for an understated construction that’s easy to wear every day. Their clean construction and modern appear allow them to go with everything — team them with trousers or jeans and a plain white tee.

What testers say: “I’m obsessed with these shoes! This is my first day wearing them, and I’ve already gotten so many compliments. The comfort level is also impressive — not cushiony but very supportive with no areas that cause pain. Love them and highly recommend!!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $87.97

Nike Air Max Scorpion FlyKnit Shoes

Year released: 2022
Size range: Men’s 3.5 to 15; women’s 5 to 16.5
Special features: “Point-loaded” Air unit, Flyknit chenille upper
Best for: Street style

$250 Buy now at nike

The Nike Air Max Scorpion FlyKnit looks like it belongs to the future, and, in some ways, it does. If you thought the VaporMax had a lot of air, the Nike Scorpions dwarf them. It’s big. It’s dramatic. And sneakerheads can’t get enough.

What testers say: “The best Air Max sneakers I have ever owned! This last pair is now my third pair. I have achilles tendinitis with a spur heel and the design of this shoe does wonders for me! I also will add that they are very stylish. Looking forward to more color combinations in the near future.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $250

Nike Air Max Portal Shoes

Year released: 2024
Size range: Men’s 3.5 to 10.5; women’s 5 to 12
Special features: Platform sole, quilted upper
Best for: Walking

$110 Buy now at nike

This large-and-in-charge Nike Air Max shoe is the first platform sneaker in the Air Max line up with towering, Y2K-inspired soles that stack atop signature Air units at the heel. They read more luxe than sporty, with soft, quilted uppers, cool oval midsoles, and clean contrasting that pairs seamlessly with anything in your wardrobe.

What testers say: “While these may not be the usual type of shoe I go for, the Air Max Portals did not disappoint. Super comfortable shoe while also being super stylish. The perfect go-to shoe to pair with jeans for a night out or to pair with a sundress for a more casual day look.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $110

The History of Air Max Sneakers

The Nike Air Max sneaker line has only grown taller and wider since Nike first launched the original Tailwind back in 1979 and since Tinker Hatfield designed the original Air Max 1 in 1987. Franklin Rudy, a former NASA engineer, brought the Air pocket technology to Nike, but it was Hatfield who put it on display. Hatfield designed the Air Max 1 to not just use Air technology but actually to show it off. In his design, you’d be able to see through a window into the pocket of air built into the shoe. That visible air pocket is what most people will recognize today.

Over the years, the Air Max 1 has been played with, reimagined, and redesigned, and other Nike designers have used the Air pockets in their own ways. Sergio Lozano, for example, designed the Air Max 95 to look like a human skeleton overlayed with muscle tissue, and he dropped Air pockets into both the front and back of the shoe. Today, the uppers are getting remade to be stretchy and flexible, made with recycled fabrics, or done over with collaborations from some of fashion’s best minds.

What to Look For in Nike Air Max Sneakers

• Fit: When assessing comfort and fit, pay attention to the feel of the Nike Air Max shoes on different parts of your foot. For example, you should have enough room between your toes and the toe box to flex and spread out your toes comfortably without feeling jammed. Additionally, look for a Nike Air Max sneaker with an upper that resembles your foot shape and doesn’t rub or pull. Nike’s Air line tends to fit on the narrow side, so if you have wide feet, take a half size up.
• Material: Air Maxes span the range of upper materials, so it’s buyer’s choice. For a casual shoe to wear to work, you can go with a synthetic leather, suede, mesh, or a combo. For walking and other athletic endeavors, look for FlyKnit uppers.
• Usage: Many of these shoes were originally designed for running, and you can still get in a good workout with most of them. However, Nike has leaned into Air Max sneakers as lifestyle shoes in the past few years. We recommend them mostly for low-impact movement like walking.
• Foot type: If you have any foot conditions, such as flat feet or high arches, make sure to look at the construction of the shoe. For example, the Air Max Excees are great arch-support shoes, while the Air Max 270 and the Air VaporMax Plus shoes are excellent walking shoes for plantar fasciitis.

How We Selected and Reviewed the Best Nike Air Max Sneakers

For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.

To select the best Nike Air Max sneakers, our editors polled our sneaker community, tested many styles over time, and scoured online reviews to compile real customer feedback. The result is a researched list of 12 of the best Nike Air Max sneakers for men and women. Many of them are classic, year-round favorites, but we closely vetted new iterations to ensure that we gave our readers the best selection of Nike Air Max sneakers. And since no shoe is perfect, we were also transparent about some of the things that give us pause or specific conditions you should definitely not use each model in. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Authors

Christine Flammia writes about style, grooming, and more; she is the former associate style editor of Esquire and is currently pursuing a PhD in communications at Columbia. When Flammia is not at school, she can be found in the gym testing the latest and greatest Nike workout sneakers. And when she’s in school, it’s AF1s all day.

Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She updated this guide for the best Nike Air Max Shoes in 2024 with new releases to shop from the Swoosh.

Nike is going back to school by offering an Air Max sneakers for 11 different universities across the country.

The Nike Air Max Solo “NCAA” pack will release next week for schools in the primarily in the SEC and Big 10. The schools represented in the assortment are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Oregon, Oregon State, Penn State, Tennessee and Texas. Each is treated to a colorway with their respective colors and a transparent mesh base serving as the shoe’s base. The university’s name then appears on the tongue, while it’s logo is printed on the insole.

Inspired by two different Air Max classics , the Air Max Solo comes in at an approachable $110 and features a breathable mesh upper with synthetic leather overlays. Air Max cushioning appears in a window at the heel inspired by the Air Max 180, while the heel cup above serves as the connection to the Air Max 90.

Last year, Nike released a collection of Pegasus 40 sneakers for a wide range of NCAA programs, as well as all 32 NFL teams. Adidas is also known for releasing sneaker packs for its own roster of programs, with this year’s assortment yet to be revealed.

The Nike Air Max Solo “NCAA” pack will release August 8 through Nike’s website. The school’s represented will likely stock the shoes as well, and pricing is set at $110.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.