A Design Breakdown of the Nike Air Max Series

From '87 til infinity.

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Complex Original

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In 1987, Tinker Hatfield came up with a crazy idea: He wanted Nike sneakers to have visible Air, and so the Air Max 1 was born. 2014 will mark the 27th anniversary of Hatfield's idea, with the Air Max 2014 releasing today. 

Not only did Air Max give a plush ride during runs, it showed what sneaker cushioning could do for a runner. Over the past 27 years, Nike has evolved Air from being a tiny pocket to being a full 360-degree experience. The Air Max series has found its way from the running trail to the basketball courts and here's why: A Design Breakdown of the Nike Air Max Series.

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Nike Air Max 1

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Air Max 90

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Nike Air Max 180

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Air Max 93

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Air Max 95

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Air Max 97

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Air Max 2003

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Year Released: 2003

The 16th installment in the Air Max line, the Air Max 2003, didn’t see a new evolution of technology or even a new upper development. It was the execution of a very simple upper that accented the Air Max technology. The combination of the two brought together a dynamic look that was as bold as it was comfortable.

Air Max 360

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Air Max 2009

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Nike Air Max 2014

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