You've seen the bubbles. Whether it’s a scuffed pair of beaters on the subway or a pristine set of "Silver Bullets" at a high-end fashion gala, Nike’s visible air technology is basically the heartbeat of global sneaker culture. It’s weird to think about now, but putting a hole in a shoe was considered a fireable offense back in the eighties. Most people think all Air Maxes are created equal, just different shells over the same gas-filled bag. That's wrong. Dead wrong.
The reality of different types of Air Max is a story of engineering failure, hip-hop appropriation, and a persistent obsession with "bigger is better." From the narrow, track-focused heels of the late 80s to the massive, 720-degree wrappers that look like space equipment, the evolution isn't linear. It’s messy.
The Architecture of the Air Max 1 and the Scared Executives
It all started because Frank Rudy, a former NASA engineer, had an idea that sounded like a prank: putting air in shoes. Nike hid the technology inside the sole for years. Then came Tinker Hatfield. He was an architect by trade, and he’d just visited the Centre Pompidou in Paris. He saw that building with its guts on the outside—the pipes, the stairs, the glass—and thought, Why not do that to a sneaker?
Nike’s marketing department was terrified. They actually thought people would worry the bubble would pop if they stepped on a thumb tack. But when the Air Max 1 dropped in 1987, it changed everything. It wasn't just about the cushioning. It was about seeing the "magic" work. If you find an original pair today, the "Big Bubble" version is the holy grail. Nike actually had to shrink the window in 1988 because the cold weather made the large units crack.
The Air Max 90 followed a few years later. It’s bulkier. It feels more like a tank. The "Infrared" colorway isn't just pinkish-red; it was designed to make the air window look even larger than it actually was. It’s a trick of the eye. This is where the line moved from "performance running" into "lifestyle staple."
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When the Bubbles Went Full Length
By the mid-90s, the design team was hitting a wall. How do you make air more impressive? You put it everywhere.
Sergio Lozano designed the Air Max 95, and he didn't even care if it was a running shoe at first. He looked at the walls of the Grand Canyon and the human anatomy. The ribs on the side? Those are based on a ribcage. The mesh? That's skin. The midsole? That’s the spine. It was the first time we saw different types of Air Max units in the forefoot. It felt aggressive. It felt like the future.
Then 1997 happened. Christian Tresser looked at mountain bikes and Japanese bullet trains. He gave us the Air Max 97, the first shoe with a single, continuous bubble from heel to toe. Honestly, it’s not the most comfortable shoe in the world—it’s kind of stiff compared to modern foam—but the silver reflective 3M piping made it an icon in the Italian "Silver" underground scene and the UK garage world.
The Modern Monsters: 270s, 720s, and Beyond
If the 90s were about performance, the 2010s were about pure height. Nike realized people weren't really running in these things anymore. They were standing in line for coffee or going to clubs.
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The Air Max 270 was the first "lifestyle-first" Air Max. It wasn't meant for a marathon. It was meant for comfort while walking. The heel is 32mm tall. It’s massive. Then they did the 720, which has the tallest air unit in history at 38mm. It’s basically a bouncy castle for your feet. Is it overkill? Maybe. But in the world of different types of Air Max, "too much" is usually just enough.
You also have the Vapormax. This one is polarizing. There’s no midsole. Your foot sits directly on top of these giant lugs of air. It sounds like a horse trotting when you walk on hardwood floors. Some people hate the noise; others love the feeling of walking on nothing but pressurized nitrogen.
Materials and the "Tech" Side of the Bubble
It’s not just about the air. The uppers change the whole vibe.
- Flyknit versions: These make the shoes feel like socks. Great for summer, terrible if it rains.
- Leather and Suede: Mostly found on the 1s and 90s. This is for the "heads" who want that classic look.
- SE and Ultra builds: These are often lighter, cored-out versions. If you want an Air Max 95 but find it too heavy, the Ultra is the way to go.
What You Should Actually Buy
Don't just buy what’s trending on TikTok. Think about your foot shape. If you have wide feet, the Air Max 90 or the Air Max 95 are generally more forgiving. The Air Max 97 and the Plus (often called the TN) run notoriously narrow.
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The TN is a whole different beast. It uses "Tuned Air," which involves these little rubber hemispheres inside the bubble that regulate the pressure. It’s the "bad boy" of the family, heavily associated with the graffiti and "eshay" cultures in Australia and the banlieues of Paris. It’s sharp, loud, and usually has a plastic cage that looks like palm trees.
Maintaining the Magic
Nothing hurts more than a foggy bubble or, heaven forbid, a puncture. Real talk: if you pop an Air Max, it's over. There’s no "fixing" it. You’re just walking on a flat piece of plastic. To keep them alive, keep them out of extreme heat. Don't leave them in a hot car in July. The glue will melt and the air units can actually de-laminate.
Cleaning is a whole other thing. Use a soft brush for the mesh. Use a toothbrush for the tiny crevices around the air window. And for the love of all things holy, don't put them in the dryer. The heat is the enemy.
Identifying Your Fit
- For Daily Comfort: Go with the Air Max 270 or the Pulse. They have the most "squish."
- For the Office: A neutral-toned Air Max 1 in leather or suede looks surprisingly professional under trousers.
- For the Statement: The Air Max Plus (TN) or the 97 in a metallic finish.
- For the Gym: Honestly? Don't. Most Air Maxes are lifestyle shoes now. Grab a pair of Air Max Alpha Trainers or actual Nike Free runs instead. Your ankles will thank you.
Actionable Next Steps for Collectors
If you’re looking to start a collection or just buy your next pair, start by checking the SKU (stock keeping unit) on the inside tag. This helps you verify that you’re getting the right "OG" colorway versus a "Recrafted" version. Research the specific "drop" dates on sites like SNKRS or StockX, but be wary of resale prices. Many different types of Air Max restock frequently in "General Release" colors, so you don't always have to pay a premium.
Verify the air unit's clarity before buying used. If the bubble is cloudy or yellowed, it’s a sign of oxidation and age, which means it might be prone to cracking soon. Always press down on the heel; it should be firm but have a distinct "give." If it feels like a rock, the air has likely leaked out over the years. Keep your rotation varied—wearing the same pair every single day compresses the air unit faster than letting them "rest" between wears.