Nike’s new Air Max is different: “liquid” by design and inspired by a poisonous frog

Nike continues to experiment with its historic Air Max line by introducing the Air Liquid Max, a new silhouette that reworks nearly four decades of Air technology development through a novel technical and formal configuration.  

The model introduces a structure designed to reduce excess material and bring the walking sensation closer to the elastic response of the Air unit. At the centre of the shoe is a new contoured and flexible unit, positioned closer to the ground than previous models, with a "point-load" conformation: cushioning is concentrated in the areas of greatest pressure under the foot, while some parts of the sole remain empty. A solution that reduces weight and allows for experimentation with the geometry of the shoe, inspired in shape by the fingertips of the poisoned dart frog.

This little amphibian is also referenced in its color scheme: a color palette with deep green tones combined with a chrome swoosh, glossy finish and translucent rubber sole. The upper, on the other hand, adopts a low-profile mesh construction with a three-layered textured print that, according to materials manager Marya Chan, integrates structural support and tactile variations into the surface, making it appear uniform from a distance but layered up close. 

As senior director of Speed Footwear Product Design TaeYong Lee explains, the design thus combines technical components and aesthetic research to introduce a new interpretation of the Air Max, updating its line while maintaining its design continuity.