With a reinvented cushioning system, the Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit Explorer Men's Running Shoe delivers a lightweight, bouncy ride for a gravity-defying sensation underfoot and Flyknit fabric for a snug, flawless fit. Colours from the original 1995 Air Max shoe highlight a heritage of revolution. Lightweight Cushioning Air cushioning provides maximum impact protection from heel to toe. Carved-out sections in the sole help keep the shoe incredibly flexible and lightweight. Flawless Fit Flyknit fabric offers a snug, sock-like fit that wraps your foot in lightweight, breathable comfort. Secure Lockdown Flywire technology—strong, lightweight cables that hug the midfoot—integrates with the laces for secure lockdown and stability. More Details Overlays at the toe and heel add structure for a stable feel Rubber pods on the sole for durability Weight: 236g (men's size 8) Offset: 10mm BEHIND THE DESIGN The Air VaporMax represents a new era in Nike innovation."It's changed our whole philosophy on how we design for Air", says Cushioning Innovation Designer Zachary Elder. With the VaporMax, the designers wanted to truly capture the feeling of"running on air". The designers started by restructuring the Air unit so they could attach it directly to the upper."That was the biggest challenge", says Tom Minami, Senior Footwear Designer—but it was worth it."Without any midsole or sockliner, you get to feel the Air in a whole new way". In previous Air Max models, the goal was to fill the sole with as much Air as possible, but with the VaporMax, the focus is on using the Air efficiently."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". After the seven-year journey from ideation to release, Elder and Minami are excited for what's to come."I'm super-proud of the product", Elder says."This new approach is going to be a huge turning point for Air—and for Nike". Nike Air Max Origins Nike's revolutionary Air-Sole unit made its way into Nike footwear in 1978. In 1987, the Nike Air Max 1 debuted with visible air in its heel, allowing fans more than just the feel of Air-Sole comfort—suddenly they could see it. Since then, next-generation Nike Air Max shoes have become a hit with athletes and collectors by offering striking colour combinations and reliable, lightweight cushioning.