AIR ICONS COLLIDE Past and future icons of Air collide to create the Nike Air VaporMax Plus Women's Shoe, a commanding new street sneaker. It features the classic Air Max Plus design lines up top and the revolutionary Air VaporMax cushioning down below. Benefits Suede, leather or textile construction for comfortable containment VaporMax cushioning is flexible, lightweight and responsive Clear rubber pods on the sole for durability BEHIND THE DESIGNThe 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. 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 the in 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 OriginsNike'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 color combinations and reliable, lightweight cushioning. Style: AO4550;Color: Bleached Coral/Metallic Platinum/Pure Platinum; Size: 10.5; Gender: Female