Nike Air VaporMax 360 "History of Air" Looks Back to 2006

With the Air VaporMax 360‘s rollout in full swing, Nike has presented the hybrid silhouette in a familiar “History of Air” colorway. First seen in 2006, the “History of Air” palette was used to launch the Air Max 360 — the shoe that inspired the Air VaporMax 360. It was also accompanied by rare hybrid takes on the Air Max 1, Air Max 90 and more.

Uppers present an accurate mix of soft grey tones and a wavy design pattern with silver overlays towards the forefoot. The HOA’s pièce de résistance however, was its sparkling red mudguard and tongue & throat overlay, both of which are present here in true-to-the original fashion.

Although the upper’s core elements are indeed similar to the original 360, there are a few notable differences to be had as well. The most obvious of these is the new Swoosh, which swaps the Air Max 360’s original flat white iteration for an iridescent silver version, trimmed with thick black thread. The tongue badge states “VaporMax 360” instead of “Air Max 360,” and the four eyestays have been brought up to date as well, trading in their standard “2006” hit spaced across each eyelet for a “2020” embellishment.

A layer of grey Cushlon separates the upper from the midsole, which is a crystal clear VaporMax cushioning unit. This arrives in place of the 360’s true full-foot Air cushioning system, a technological innovation that literally and figuratively served as the base for all heel-to-toe Max setups to follow. Although the style is unmistakably more advanced, the “History of Air” also gives off slight shades of Tinker Hatfield‘s Air Max 1 “University Red” from 1987 for a cheeky nod to the first-ever silhouette with visible Air cushioning.

The Nike Air VaporMax 360 “History of Air” will release at retailers like Noir Fonce on January 30 for $225 USD.

If you’re looking for more Max news, check out how the legendary Air Max 97 “Silver Bullet” was made into a golf shoe.