How visible air technology changed sneaker culture forever. A deep dive into the archives of design history.
The journey of visible air began with a simple yet revolutionary idea: what if we could see the technology that helps us perform?
In 1987, the sneaker world was forever changed with the introduction of the Air Max 1. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, it broke every rule in the book by exposing the internal air cushion through a small window in the heel.
At the time, many thought the concept was too radical. Skeptics wondered if the bubble would pop or if the design was too 'out there' for the average athlete. History, however, had a different plan. Hatfield's background in architecture inspired this structural transparency, drawing parallels to the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
Today, visible air is more than just a performance feature; it's a symbol of transparency and innovation. From the full-length Air Max 97 to the futuristic VaporMax, the evolution continues to push the boundaries of what's possible underfoot.