Nike Air Max price comparison

Air Max is the name for Nike shoes with a visible, air-filled cushioning unit in the sole. Pressurised gas inside a polyurethane chamber spreads impact forces and springs back. The 1987 Air Max 1 was the first to show the air cushion through a window in the heel. Later models made the unit bigger: the Air Max 97 with a full-length air cushion, the Air Max 270 with an especially tall heel unit, and the Air Max DN with a four-chamber system.

Today, Air Max models are mainly lifestyle sneakers. They are only of limited use for serious running, because modern running shoes are lighter and use foams with more energy return.

The model number usually refers to the year of release; fit and looks differ considerably.

The Air Max 97 and Plus are often described as narrow. If you have wide feet, you'll often want half a size up in these. The Air Max 90 and 1 usually fit true to size. For all models, there should be about one centimetre of space between your toes and the tip of the shoe so your foot doesn't hit the front as it rolls through.

The Air chamber can burst under heavy strain, from sharp objects or after many years of storage. A burst unit can't be repaired in any meaningful way. If you buy older "deadstock" pairs – unworn shoes from previous years – bear in mind that foam and glue age even without being worn. New goods bought from a commercial retailer in Germany are covered by the two-year statutory warranty.

Check whether an offer is for the main model or a simplified version: models such as the Air Max SC, Air Max Alpha Trainer or Air Max LTD carry the name but use different materials and smaller Air units than an Air Max 90 or 97, for example. That's not a drawback, but it explains price differences. For collaborations and older retros, it's worth checking the style code on the box and label. And because Nike releases many colourways afresh each season, prices of older colourways often drop significantly – the price history shows you when the timing is right.