Nike Highlights the Evolution of Visible Air

Following its first appearance on the Nike Tailwind in 1978, runners and athletes from around the world were familiar with the benefits of Nike Air’s cushioning technology at least 10 years before its reintroduction on the Nike Air Max 1 in 1987.

Although most may credit famed Nike designer Tinker Hatfield for the success of this project, it was only when Nike’s Director of Cushioning Innovation, David Forland joined the team in 1985 that its advantages and potentially groundbreaking benefits became clear. The initial idea of making invisible air visible could have been considered laughable, but the duo’s unique vision helped transport the advantages of Nike Air Technology from a feeling into a benefit that was visually supported — each consumer could now see, by way of transparent panels across the sole of each shoe, exactly how such advancements in footwear design would support their physical requirements.

We have always been fully aware of what Air Max is, but how aware have we been to the trials and tribulations endured to achieve such success? Click here to read the compelling story of how David Forland and Tinker Hatfield increased “the sensory perception of walking on air” in The Evolution of Visible Air.