With a reinvented cushioning system, the NikeLab Air VaporMax Flyknit Men's Running Shoe delivers a lightweight, bouncy ride for a gravity-defying sensation underfoot and Flyknit fabric for a snug, flawless fit.

LIGHTWEIGHT CUSHIONING

Air cushioning provides maximum impact protection from heel to toe. Carved-out sections in the sole help keep the shoe incredibly flexible and lightweight.

FLAWLESS FIT

Flyknit fabric offers a snug, sock-like fit that wraps your foot in lightweight, breathable comfort.

SECURE LOCKDOWN

Flywire technology—strong, lightweight cables that hug the midfoot—integrates with the laces for secure lockdown and stability.

MORE DETAILS

Overlays at the toe and heel add structure for a stable feel

Rubber pods on the sole for durability

Weight: 235g approx. (men's size 8)

BEHIND THE DESIGN

The 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. With the VaporMax, the designers wanted to truly capture the feeling of "running on air". 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 with the 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".

FLYKNIT ORIGINS

Nike Flyknit technology was inspired by feedback from runners craving a shoe with the snug (and virtually unnoticed) fit of a sock. Nike embarked on a four-year mission with teams of programmers, engineers and designers to create the technology needed to make the knit upper with static properties for structure and durability. Then the precise placement of support, flexibility and breathability—all in one layer—was refined. The result is a featherweight, form-fitting and virtually seamless upper. This unprecedented precision maximises performance while reducing the material waste of traditional cut and sew by an average of 60%. The equivalent of six recycled plastic bottles are used in every pair of Flyknit shoes, saving millions of kilos of material from reaching landfills.