Nike Air Max 270

Nike Air Max 270

Nike Air Max 270: everything you need to know

Nike releases a new model nearly every year. In 2018, this was also the case and Nike launched the Nike Air Max 270. Worldwide these trainers are one of the most popular trainers the Nike collection carries. But why are they so popular? And what makes this shoe different from all those other Nike trainers? Before you head to the (online) shop and purchase a pair, it’s nice to be well-informed and that is why this is what you want to know about the Nike Air Max 270.

Birth of the Nike Air Max 270

On February 1st , 2018 Nike released its newest model: the Nike Air Max 270. It’s all in the name: these trainers have an Air Unit that is 270 degrees visible. The Nike Air Max 270 was created by adding elements of the ‘older’ models together.

For example, the trainers’ sole was inspired by the Nike Air Max 93 and the Nike Air Max 180. In 1991 Nike released the Air Max 180 that had a sole that was visible for 270 degrees. The Air Unit on the Nike Air Max 180 was completely free, but had foam layer around the air chambers on the Nike Air Max 93. Both the Nike Air Max 270 and the Air Max 180 have a free Air Unit on the heel. The sole of the Nike Air Max 270 has a 270 degrees visibility, just like the Air Max 93. 

Besides the famous visible Air Units in the sole, the Nike Air Max 270 has another element that we’ve seen before. The new trainers have a pointy nose, just like the Nike Air Max 1. This dates back to 1987 and was the very first trainer of the Air Max collection. It is quite remarkable that a 30 years old shoe still inspires designers when developing new trainers.

Characteristics of the Nike Air Max 270

The Nike Air collection is famous for its air-filled chambers in the sole. The Nike Air Max 270 shows the Air Unit on the heel. The Air Unit consists of a flexible shell that is injected with nitrogen. The air-filled shoe gives more cushioning and has a lighter weight, so you use less energy.

The Nike Air Max 270 has a Flymesh upper. Nike especially developed this kind of mesh to make the shoe more breathable. The fabric has a honey-like texture to form to your foot. Compared to regular mesh, Flymesh has more perforations to make it more flexible and sustainable. The Nike Air Max 270 has a twisted mesh that creates a fun and funky look.

The Nike Air Max 270 has a slip-on construction. This means that the shoes are easy to put on and take off. The trainers also have the famous Nike Swoosh logo on the shoes.

What makes the Nike Air Max 270 unique

Of course, a new release is not new if the trainers don’t have new characteristics. Up until the release of the Nike Air Max 720, the Nike Air Max 270 had the highest Air Unit that had ever been made. The soft air cushions are no less than 32mm high. 

Initially, the Air Max was developed as a running shoe, but it became a trendy fashion item shortly after its release. The Nike Air Max 270 was the very first trainer to be designed as a lifestyle shoe instead of a running shoe. Without a doubt you can use the Nike Air Max 270 to do some proper running, but Nike focussed on another target group.

Nike Air Max connoisseurs describe the 270 as a trainer that represents an alternative lifestyle. According to them, the design mixes comfort and art. That makes the shoe loved among people who like to be unique.

Launch of the Nike Air Max 270

The launch of the Nike Air Max 270 was just as striking as the shoe itself. A couple of days before the launch, the shoe was introduced by simply showing some pictures of the trainers. No bigger than life artists or athletes were used this time. Instead, Nike asked the artists such as Sanam and cabaret artist Jay Versace to pose for the campaign. Since both artists are not traditional, they resemble the Nike Air Max 270’s concept.

Another factor that helped the Air Max 270 gain popularity was the involvement of women. The trainers were released in exclusive colours just for women, which caught the attention of women worldwide. 

Versions of the Nike Air Max 270

Nike Air Max 270 Flyknit

In May 2019, Nike launched a new version of the Air Max 270. The model stayed the same, only the upper was changed into Flyknit. Flyknit is a fabric made from strong and lightweight yarn, without using any seams or hems. The fabric forms like a sock on your foot and gives you maximum freedom of movement. Nowadays, Nike uses recycled PET bottles for an even more sustainable result.

Nike Air Max 270 React

To create the Nike Air Max 270 React, Nike combined its two best innovations. The trainer has an Air Unit on the heel, but also a foam sole that was created from the React technology. Runners’ feedback is the basis of technological developments. They wanted more cushioning, more energy return, a lightweight shoe and a long-lasting trainer. It was quite difficult to join these four qualities, but Nike came up with a solution: React foam. By combining the Air and React technologies in the Nike Air 270 React, the transition from front foot to heel is even smoother. 

Fun facts

  • The Nike Air Max 270 was supposed to be named Air Max 273. The main reason was that the shoe featured many characteristics of the 93. Nike finally decided on 270, since this represents the number of degrees that the sole is visible.
  • The Nike Air Max is available for the entire family. The trainers run from size 1K up to 13.
  • Nike took a close look at the Nike Air Max history when they decided on the colours used. Nike looked at important moments and they recreated these moments with the colourway of the Nike Air Max 270.   
  • Nike made the largest Nike Air Max 270 ever for Kevin Durant. Durant wears a size 18!
  • All Nike Air Max are inspired by Tinker Hatfield’s 1987 design. The Nike Air Max 1 was the first shoe with a visible Air Unit and you can see this in all subsequent models.