The Evolution of Nike Air: From Tailwind to Air Max Dn, and Which Air Max to Buy

Quick answer: Nike Air started in 1978 with the Tailwind, a running shoe with a hidden air bag in the sole. In 1987, the Air Max 1 made the air visible through a window in the heel. Since then, Nike has added forefoot Air (Air Max 95), Tuned Air (Air Max Plus), a full Air sole (VaporMax), and now Dynamic Air in the Air Max Dn, where air moves between tubes as you walk.

Want the short version on what to buy? Pick the Air Max 90 or Air Max 1 for classic style, the Air Max 95 or 97 for bold retro looks, the Air Max Plus for an edgy street look, and the Air Max Dn if you want Nike's newest, smoothest Air feel.

For almost 50 years, Nike Air was a sealed bag of air that stayed in place. It cushioned well, but it felt the same with every step. The Air Max Dn changed that with Dynamic Air, a set of tubes where air can shift as you move.

• Firmer back tubes: The tubes under the heel are set firmer, so they support you when your heel hits the ground.
• Softer front tubes: The tubes up front are softer. As you roll forward, the air shifts, giving a smooth rolling feel that older Air Max units don't have.
• What you feel: A smooth, bouncy step from heel to toe, instead of the firmer, steady feel of classic Air Max units.

JD Expert Question: "As a collector, is the feeling of air moving in the Air Max Dn just a gimmick, or does it really change how the shoe feels?"

JD Expert Answer: You can feel it. Most people notice the Dn feels smoother when they walk, with less of the stiff, platform feel some older Air Max models have. It's not a dramatic bounce, but over a long day it can make walking feel easier. If you love the look and firm feel of classic Air Max, though, the 90 and 95 are still great everyday choices.

• The history fan: Go with the Air Max 1 or Air Max 90. Their visible Air windows are classic and easy to style.
• The comfort seeker: Try the Air Max Dn. If you walk a lot and find classic retros a bit stiff, its Dynamic Air feels smoother.
• The early adopter: The Air Max Dn8 stretches Dynamic Air across the whole foot for the most Air under you in the Dn line.

The story began with Frank Rudy, an aerospace engineer who pitched the idea of trapping air inside a shoe sole for cushioning. In 1978, Nike released the Tailwind, and it ran at the Honolulu Marathon. Back then, the air bag was hidden inside the sole, so runners had to trust the feel.

• Why it mattered: Foam slowly flattens with use. Air was a new way to keep cushioning feeling fresh for longer.

Designer Tinker Hatfield took inspiration from the Centre Pompidou in Paris, a building that shows its inner parts on the outside. The result was the Air Max 1, with a window in the heel that showed off the Air unit.

• Why it mattered: For the first time, you could see the cushioning. Visible Air became part of the style.
• Why it still matters: The Air Max 1 and the Air Max 90 that followed are still among the most popular classic sneakers today.

In 2024, Nike launched the Air Max Dn, one of the biggest changes to Air Max in years. It uses Dynamic Air, with four Air tubes under your foot.

• How it works: The back tubes are firmer and the front tubes are softer. As you step, air moves through the system, so the cushioning adjusts as you roll forward.
• How it feels: Many shoppers say the Dn feels smoother and less like a platform shoe than bigger-Air models like the Air Max 270.

After the Dn, Nike released the Air Max Dn8 in 2025. It stretches Dynamic Air across the full length of the foot.

• What's new: The Dn8 uses eight Air tubes, four in the heel and four in the forefoot, for a smooth, cushioned ride from heel to toe.

• Air Max 90: The classic everyday pick, with a visible heel Air window and easy-to-style looks. Fit: True to size for most people. Shop Air Max 90.
• Air Max 95: Bold layered design and visible forefoot Air. Fit: True to size, but a bit snug; go up a half size for wide feet. Shop Air Max 95.
• Air Max 97: Sleek, wavy lines and full-length visible Air. Fit: Runs narrow; many people go up a half size. Shop Air Max 97.
• Air Max Plus (Tn): Edgy street style with Tuned Air. Fit: Snug; go up a half size if you have wide feet.
• Air Max Dn: Nike's newest Air feel, with Dynamic Air for a smooth step. Fit: True to size for most people.

Most Air Max models fit true to size, but a few run snug:

• True to size: Air Max 1, Air Max 90, and Air Max Dn.
• Consider a half size up: Air Max 97 and Air Max Plus, plus the Air Max 95 if you have wide feet.
• Kids' sizes: Many Air Max models come in grade school (GS), little kids' (PS), and toddler sizes. Leave a little growing room.

• What was the first Nike shoe with Air? The Nike Tailwind in 1978. The first shoe with visible Air was the Air Max 1 in 1987.
• What is the most comfortable Air Max? Many people find the Air Max Dn and Air Max 270 the most cushioned, while the Air Max 90 is a comfy classic.
• What's the difference between Air Max Dn and Dn8? The Dn has four Dynamic Air tubes. The Dn8 has eight, running the full length of the shoe.
• Is the Air Max 90 or 95 better? The 90 is cleaner and easier to style. The 95 is bolder, with Air in both the heel and forefoot.

If you love sneaker history, start with the Air Max 1 or Air Max 90. If you want a bold retro statement, go for the Air Max 95, 97, or Plus. If comfort and new tech come first, the Air Max Dn is the one to try.

• Ready to shop? Browse the full Nike Air Max collection at JD Sports online and in stores.

1. Nike Product Information: Official details on Nike Air, Air Max units, and Dynamic Air in the Air Max Dn and Dn8.
2. Brand History: The story of Frank Rudy's Air idea, the 1978 Tailwind, and Tinker Hatfield's Air Max 1.
3. Design History: How the Centre Pompidou in Paris inspired the visible Air window on the Air Max 1.
4. JD Sports Fit Feedback: Sizing and comfort feedback from JD Sports store teams across North America.