History of Nike Air Max in Timeline

Nike Air Max is a line of athletic shoes distinguished by visible, gas-filled urethane pouches in the midsole, designed for cushioning. Introduced in 1986, the Air Max line was conceptualized by Tinker Hatfield, a designer who initially worked for Nike designing stores. The visible air cushioning is a key feature that sets Air Max apart.

1977: Air Technology Idea

In 1977, M. Frank Rudy, an aeronautical engineer, approached Nike with the initial idea and design for incorporating air technology into their shoes.

1978: Nike Air Tailwind Release

In 1978, Nike released the Nike Air Tailwind, which was the first shoe to feature air technology.

1986: Air Max 1 Release

In 1986, Nike released the first Air Max model, the Air Max 1. This shoe introduced the visible air cushioning system to the world.

1987: Air Max Line Advertisement with The Beatles' "Revolution"

In 1987, Nike initiated the Air Max line advertising campaign utilizing The Beatles' song "Revolution" in a TV commercial, marking the first instance of a Beatles song being used in television advertising.

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1988: Leather Air Max 1 Release

In 1988, a leather version of the Air Max 1 was released, following the initial release of the nylon and synthetic felt version in 1986.

1989: Air Max II Release

In 1989, the Air Max II, also known as the Air Max Light, was released, featuring a lighter design than the original due to the use of EVA foam in the forefoot midsole.

1990: Air Max 90 Release

In 1990, the Air Max 90, originally known as the Air Max III, was released featuring a white/black/cool grey with infrared colorway to highlight the sole's thickness.

1991: Air Classic BW Release

In 1991, the Air Classic BW, also known as Air Max IV, was released, with "BW" standing for "Big Window" due to its larger air unit in the sole.

1991: Air Huarache Sneaker

In 1991, the Air Huarache sneaker was released. In 1993, the design from the 1991 Air Huarache sneaker influenced the sock-like fit of the upper for the Air Max 93.

1993: Air Max 93 Release

In 1993, the Air Max 93 was released, introducing a 270-degree air unit and colored air units to the Air Max line.

1994: Air Max2 CB 94 Release

In 1994, the Air Max2 CB 94 was released. It was designed by Tracy Teague as a basketball shoe inspired by Charles Barkley.

1997: Air Max 97 Release

In 1997, the Air Max 97 was first released as a running shoe, designed by Christian Tresser and inspired by high-speed Japanese bullet trains and mountain bike frames.

1997: Yu-Gi-Oh! Manga

In 1997, the original Yu-Gi-Oh! manga portrayed 'Muscle' luxury brand athletic shoes worn by character Jounouchi Katsuya or Joey Wheeler and as the central story focus in the Muscle Hunters storyline arc.

1998: Air Max Plus Release

In 1998, the Air Max Plus, also known as Air Max TN, Air Max Tuned, or Air Max Tuned 1 (TN1), was released, introducing Nike's Tuned Air system (TN).

2000: Air Max III Renamed

In 2000, the Air Max III was reissued and renamed the Air Max 90, taking its name from the year of its original launch.

2005: Air Max Reference in "Hate It or Love It"

In 2005, The Game's hip hop song "Hate It or Love It" referenced the product and became a worldwide top 10 hit.

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January 21, 2006: Air Max 360 Launch

On January 21, 2006, Nike launched the Air Max 360, featuring Max Air throughout the shoe's midsole.

September 2006: Air Max 360 "One Time Only Pack" Release

In September 2006, Nike introduced a special 'one time only pack' which fused the Air Max 360 model with three classic Air Max shoes: the Air Max 90, Air Max 95, and Air Max 97.

2007: Air Max 97 Re-release in Italy

In 2007, the Air Max 97 was re-released in Italy for its 10th anniversary due to its popularity in the region, having originally released in 1997.

2007: Air Max Light Re-release

In 2007, the Air Max Light was re-released, and Nike has continued to release additional colorways since then.

2009: Air Max References in Hip Hop

In 2009, rappers Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame referenced the product in the single "Bricks" and the mixtape "Lebron Flocka James" respectively.

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2014: Declaration of Air Max Day

In 2014, Nike declared March 26 as Air Max Day.

March 2017: Air VaporMax Release

In March 2017, the Air VaporMax was released, marking the first Air Max shoe without foam or rubber in the midsole or outsole, utilizing entirely hollow air pouches instead.

2017: Air Max 97 20th Anniversary

In 2017, Nike celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Air Max 97, originally released in 1997, by releasing numerous colorways and collaborations.

February 2018: Air Max 270 Release

On February 1, 2018, the Air Max 270 was released. It was named for the 270 degrees of visibility in the Air unit and inspired by the Air Max 93 and 180.

2018: Shift in Air Max Marketing

In 2018, Nike changed the marketing strategy for Air Max designs, shifting away from running-focused marketing, which had been in place since the Air Max 1, towards lifestyle and casual wear.

2019: Air Max 720 Debut

In 2019, Nike debuted the Air Max 720, the second Air unit designed for lifestyle purposes, featuring a height of 38 mm at its highest point.

2019: Nike Air Max 200 Release

In 2019, the Nike Air Max 200 was released, featuring one of the largest visible Air units of its time and drawing design inspiration from natural phenomena.

2020: Nike Air Max 2090 Debut

In 2020, the Nike Air Max 2090 debuted, reimagining the Air Max 90 with futuristic elements and updated cushioning.

March 2021: "Satan Shoes" Controversy

In March 2021, Lil Nas X and MSCHF released "Satan Shoes," customized black Nike Air Max 97s with satanic themes and a drop of human blood, limited to 666 pairs, leading to controversy and a lawsuit from Nike.

2021: Nike Air Max Pre-Day Release

In 2021, the Nike Air Max Pre-Day was released, blending vintage aesthetics with sustainability by using at least 20% recycled materials.

2022: Air Max Scorpion Unveiling

In 2022, the Air Max Scorpion was unveiled, featuring a full-length Air sole unit designed with digital tools for maximum comfort.

2023: Return of the "Air Max 86 Big Bubble"

In 2023, Nike reintroduced the "Air Max 86 Big Bubble" with slight changes to the midsole and bubble sizing, referencing an earlier version of the Air Max 1.

2023: Air Max Pulse Launch

In 2023, the Air Max Pulse was launched, combining an urban silhouette with updated Air technology for lifestyle comfort.

March 26, 2024: Air Max DN Introduction

On Air Max Day, March 26, 2024, the Air Max DN was introduced, marking the debut of Dynamic Air technology and the 10th anniversary of Air Max Day.

2024: Nike G.T. Jump 2 Incorporation

In 2024, Air Max technology was incorporated into the second generation of Nike's high-performance basketball model, the Nike G.T. Jump 2, combining a large-volume Air Max unit with forefoot Zoom Air cushioning.

2025: Nike Air Max 95 'Muscle' Line Announcement

In the summer of 2025, Nike announced the release of the limited-edition 'Muscle' line of the Nike Air Max 95 in collaboration with the Yu-Gi-Oh! series.