The 25 Best Nike Air Max Sneakers Of All-Time

We took a look back at all of our favorite sneakers that use Air Max Technology. The result? The 25 Best Nike Air Max Sneakers of All-Time...

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From the Air Max 87 all the way to the Air Max 2012, Nike's had our back (or better yet, our feet) in terms of good looking comfort. Nike's Air Max Technology employs the type of cushioning at the sole of the shoe that could only be produced by the Earth's most valuable combination of gases — Air. However, getting consumers to understand that there is air cushioning and absorbing impact as they stride can be quite difficult; it is for this very reason that Tinker Hatfield decided to literally expose the "guts" of the sneaker, after being inspired by the transparent nature of the Centre Pompidou in Paris, France. Thus, not only is Nike Air Max Technology comfortable, it's also aesthetically pleasing.

The Nike Air Max lineage runs deep and it comes in many forms. Whether a sneaker implements Air Max, Air Max2, Total Air or Tuned Air, the concept and appearance is similar and easily recognizable. Upon learning that the latest addition to the Air Max family would be dropping soon — the Nike Air Max 2012 — we took a look back at all of our favorite sneakers that use Air Max Technology and tried to decipher where they stood within the test of time. The result? The 25 Best Nike Air Max Sneakers of All-Time...

25. Nike Air Max CW (Sensation)

24. Nike Air Speed Turf Max

Nike Air Speed Turf Max Blue/White

Released: 1995

Remember Dan Marino? You know, one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL; or, do you remember his kicks, the Air Speed Turf Max? Consisting of a chunky midfoot strap and 360-degree Air Max unit in the heel, the Air Speed Turf Max is a '90s football sneaker that enthusiasts are literally petitioning to come back (thanks to Nike, it'll see a retro release come Summer 2012).

23. Nike Air Max2 Uptempo

22. Nike Air Max Deluxe

21. Nike Air Max 120

20. Nike LeBron 9

19. Nike Air Max 96

Picture of Nike Air Max 96

Released: 1996

Though a heavily underrated classic, the Air Max 96 is now one of the most exclusive and sought-after originals. With different tunings of its bags set at 25 PSI and 5 PSI, the 96 provided supreme stability and comfort throughout the heel. Who'd like Nike to hold off on another Air Max 95 retro and bring these back instead?

18. Nike Air Max 93 (Air Max 270)

Nike Air Max 93 (Air Max 270)

Released: 1993

First known as the Air Max 270, due to its much-hyped 270-degree Air unit, the AM 93 provided more air and therefore greater protection. The shoe was also manufactured by a new process called "blow moulding," in which gas was injected through an external tube so that plastic could be formed into a mold. Also being the first Air Max with a colored Air unit and neoprene sock liner, the 93 proved that Nike was certainly pushing the envelope when it came to runners.

17. Nike Air Max TN (Air Max Plus)

Nike Air Max TN (Air Max Plus)

Released: 1998

The Air Max Plus was the first running shoe to utilize Nike's Tuned Air Technology, which consisted of a system of individual pods that "tuned" to different areas of the foot. With a plastic toeguard at the front end and a sweet color gradient on the upper, the Plus was a smash in the UK hip-hop scene.

16. Nike Air Griffey Max II

Nike Air Griffey Max II

Released: 1997

Being the first in the Griffey line to feature Air Max cushioning all around and to showcase the Swingman logo, the Air Griffey Max II helped to even further bolster Griffey's popularity — on and off the field.

15. Nike Air Max BW

14. Nike Air Max LeBron 8

13. Nike Air Max Penny II

12. Nike Air More Uptempo

11. Nike Air Max 2011

10. Nike Air Griffey Max I

9. Nike Air Max Penny I

8. Nike Air Max 180

7. Nike Air Force Max

6. Nike Air Max2 CB 94

5. Nike Air Max 97

4. Nike Air Max Uptempo

3. Nike Air Max III (Air Max 90)

2. Nike Air Max I (Air Max 87)

1. Nike Air Max 95 (Air Total Max)