NIKE AIR VAPORMAX


Behind the Design

Less Air. More efficiency. Behind the design of the Nike Air VaporMax.

The translucent Air Sole is supposed to look almost like you're floating

Tom Minami
Where previous Air Max models filled the sole with as much air as possible, the VaporMax focuses on using less air, more efficiently. Using pressure maps of the foot, the designers were able to pinpoint the exact amount of Air as well as Air placement needed to support a runner's stride. Building on that technology, the team designed a tread pattern that behaves like small pistons. "As you step down, each lug gets pushed into the Air unit, ramping up the pressure", Elder explains. "As you step off, the pressure releases, creating that springy bounce."
Building on that technology, the team designed a tread pattern that behaves like small pistons. "As you step down, each lug gets pushed into the Air unit, ramping up the pressure", Elder explains. "As you step off, the pressure releases, creating that springy bounce."