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All sneakers are sacred, but there’s none quite like the Nike Air Max. They’ve had more reincarnations than we can count - from colour variations to improvements in technology - so it’s no surprise that Air Max Day is a big deal worldwide. To celebrate, we’re giving away a pair of the Nike Air Max 270 sneakers on 26th March 2018*. All you have to do is follow @THEICONICMEN on Instagram and keep your eyes glued to the feed for updates!
In the meantime, here’s everything you need to know about the most iconic Air Max styles over the years – as if you didn’t already know...
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Nike Air Max 1
Year: 1987
Known for: Having the first-ever visible heel unit
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
Inspiration: Pompidou Centre, Paris
Benefits: Increased Air unit provided a more cushioned landing than previous designs
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Nike Air Max 90
Year: 1990
Known for: Its head-turning Infrared colour palette
Benefits: A bigger and better Air unit
Nike Air Max 180
Year: 1991
Known for: Having 180 degrees of visible Air cushioning
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield and Bruce Kilgore
Did you know: The AM180s were the silhouette of choice for the first, and rarest, Kanye West sneaker collaboration
Nike Air Max 93
Year: 1993
Known for: Having an Air unit that wraps the back of the heel
Inspiration: Plastic milk jugs and blow-moulding technology
Benefits: Bouncier cushioning and an improved bootie fit
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Nike Air Max 95
Year: 1995
Known for: Visible Air cushioning in the forefoot and the heel
Designed by: Sergio Lozano
Inspiration: Human anatomy and bone structure, as well as 90’s rap music
Benefits: Aside from cushioning, 3M Scotchlite tape provided runners with added visibility at night
Did you know: It was the first Nike design to feature the Swoosh logo so small on the heel
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Nike Air Max 97
Year: 1997
Known for: Heel-to-toe visible Air cushioning
Inspiration: Japanese high-speed bullet trains
Benefits: Full-length Air cushioning plus 360-degrees of reflective 3M Scotchlite taping for even more safety
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Nike Air Max Plus
Year: 1998
Known for: Its Tn branding, multi-windowed midsole with Tuned Air technology, thermoplastic exoskeleton and gradient colour design
Designed by: Sean McDowell
Inspiration: Sunsets on Florida Beach
Benefits: Superior cushioning that didn’t compromise stability
Did you know: People are so obsessed over this design they have it completely tattooed over their foot
Nike Air Max 2003
Year: 2003
Known for: The lightweight, carbon-based fibre upper developed by Japanese company Teijin
Designed by: Sergio Lozano
Inspiration: Track spikes and automobile parts
Benefits: Waterproof without adding weight
Nike Air Max 360
Year: 2006
Known for: Its foamless 360-degree Caged Air unit
Benefits: Provides the highest level of cushioning
Did you know: It has the largest Air sole ever constructed
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Nike Air Max Zero
Year: 2016
Known for: Its highly breathable, engineered mesh upper
Benefits: Enhanced ventilation and superior cushioning
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Nike Air VaporMax
Year: 2017
Known for: Its lightweight sock-like outsole that’s connected directly to the top of the Air unit
Benefits: Flyknit and Flywire technology provides support and stability while the 360-degree Air unit adds bounce and cushioning
Did you know: The minimalist engineering makes it feel like you’re literally standing on air
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Nike Air Max 270
Year: 2018
Known for: Blending sport performance technologies with a lifestyle-focused design
Benefits: Form-fitting mesh upper with 270 degrees of visible Air cushioning
Inspiration: Early 90s Air Max designs
Did you know: This style features the tallest Air Max heel unit yet - more bounce to the ounce
Suddenly feeling like your collection isn't quite up to scratch?
*One lucky person will win a pair of the Men’s Nike Air Max 270 sneakers in Green. Competition ends 02/04/18. Terms and conditions apply.
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