As the name indicates, all Air Max shoes feature one or more translucent pouches of pressurized gas embedded in the midsole and visible from the outside of the shoe. Referred to as "Air units" or "airbags," their stated purpose is to provide superior cushioning to traditional foam while also reducing weight.

In 1987, the Air Max 1 was born, igniting a love for Nike's iconic cushioning system. It would go on to become one of the most iconic designs in Nike history, and Tinker Hatfield would later cement himself as one of the greatest shoe designers in the world.

All authentic Nike shoes have a tag sewn into them with their size, barcode and model number on it. You will recognize it most easily by the barcode. Look for it inside: The tongue.

All Nike shoes are packed inside a box with a certain label and tag. The colour and print of the box usually vary depending on the style but mainly the boxes revolve around the colors red, orange, and brown. The print on the box should have the size, serial number, and style, with a barcode.