Nike's Air Max 360, the eighth installment in the Air Max series, gives new meaning to the phrase "light in the soles." According to 31-year-old Swiss-born Nike designer Martin Lotti, 100 percent air (the revolutionary 360-degree air bubble) and a foamless construct make the 13-ounce runner the lightest Max shoe ever. More important, the aero-sole will not collapse like foam-only your mama gives you such comprehensive and long-lasting support. "Mile 1 will feel exactly the same way as mile 500," assures Lotti. The meticulousness that went into the sole is also applied to the design of the upper. Lotti pays homage to original Air Max designer Tinker Hatfield with a detailed timeline graphic on the sock liner. "It alludes to what the inspiration of the shoe was and looks into the future at the same time," says Lotti. He promises that the Air Max 360's sole will be incorporated to increase the performance value of shoes to come. "Nike always uses the saying, ‘There is no finish line,'" he says. That is a mission statement full of hot Air (and that is a compliment).

The History of Air Max
Eight shoes that have defined the Air Max series and redefined footwear
Home // SNEAKERS // FEATURES // Rarified Air