Nike Air Max Shoes - A Story of Amazing Staying Power

Mention the word 'Nike', and the first thing most people think of is basketball shoes…thanks to the amazing career of professional NBA athlete Michael Jordan. But if you talk to anyone with in-depth knowledge of the athletic shoe industry, you'll soon discover that the Nike Air Max is the king of athletic shoes. And it isn't even a basketball shoe! This running shoe, introduced in 1987, is one of the most enduring and successful athletic shoe models ever produced. Designed with a large air cushioning unit at the heel, the Nike Air Max has amassed a huge following that includes devotees from every walk of life. Avid runners prefer the Air Max for its soft cushion of air which minimizes foot discomfort resulting from the pounding effects of extended running.  

But what is amazing is the almost cult-like status the Nike Air Max has attained for two decades with the Hip-Hop culture. And if you thought the Air Max appealed to the hip-hop world just for their stylish look, think again. Serious hip-hop dancers in the early days found the Nike Air Max and its air cushion soles were easier on the feet for hardcore dancing. The shoes later took on a less-practical and more-status symbol appeal to an entire generation of young people worldwide. And the appeal still continues to this day, as evidenced by the emergence of a specialized market of custom Nike Air Max models from various designers around the world. Today, there are literally dozens of variations and models of this wildly popular running shoe.

As of 2010, I see no let up in the shoe's worldwide appeal. Just released for the twentieth anniversary of the Air Max 90 is the Nike Air Max 90 Premium Gorge Green…yes, even shoe manufacturers are going green. By the way, if you are in the minority of the human race that has never never worn a pair, I would encourage you to give them a try, as they are definitely comfortable. And the 'not my style' excuse doesn't really work with a shoe that has so many variations of color, fabric, and marking. So the next time you're walking downtown, take a closer look at the shoes passing by. You might be surprised at just how many of them are Nike Air Max.

Click here to check out a blog dedicated to blinged-out collectible Nike shoes.