Nike AirVaporMax is one of the most popular brands on the market today. There are many reasons for this fame. One reason this sneaker is so popular is that it comes with a 100% foam-free air sole, so it does not have the shine of Adidas Ultraboosts or Nike’s ZoomX based shoes.
Before we call the Weberfly ugly, we need to consider the fact that the Nike React Element ’87 is in a state of continuous sales. Maybe Balenciaga, with their exotic sneakers, had a point above all else.
The V-Max is not a cheap shoe. Many will pay $ 200 in full, including sales tax. But we can understand the appeal of VaporMax – it seems expensive, reveals the brilliance of uniqueness, and attracts attention. VaporMax is similar to ‘Bling’ footwear, with glossy items such as designer watches, handbags, and jewelry in the same class.
For most consumers, this is a good reason. This allows Nike to release the Air VaporMax in countless top variants, so there is something for everyone.
At the same time, business case studies are being done on how Nike markets its products. The Nike VaporMax is not the first of its kind but has proven to be very successful.
Ten years ago, Reebok released a very similar shoe called the DMX Extreme. Its midsole had gas-filled columns under the heels and forelegs – this is yours.
Nike published the experience. Instead of foam columns, heel pod-like airbags. From a Nike view, the VaporMax is the evolution of the Shocks experience in full-length form.
The Nike Joyride, on the other hand, is an incredible copy of the Puma NGRO bells. Unlike the VaporMax, Nike has no precedent in the historical product line.
At the same time, one could argue that since Puma used an obvious room for its ‘jamming’ model, it is not based on Nike’s Max Airbag. So they copy who is debatable.
Like Apple, Nike is not always the market leader. But whenever they publish something, they do so through a waterless product marketing strategy that ensures that the products are similar from the past – they are buried and forgotten like historical footnotes.
Like the old full-length Air Max design, the translucent VaporMax Soul is a very neutral base that will fit beautifully into any top design.
The first generation of Air VaporMax with Flyknit tops was released in Spring ’17, followed by several variations over the past two years. At the time of writing this review is in its 3rd year with the standard Flyknit V-Max, 1998 Air Max Plus inspired version, V-Max 2019, and even with a calf-high guitar. Add a dozen limited releases.
Although all V-Max models have different top fittings, they share a similar Mitsol construction. So during this review of Nike VaporMax Flyknit 3, the riding experience will not be so different no matter what VaporMax model you have.
Wearing / Riding Experience
VaporMax was too complicated to design and get right. But then, Nike foam complements the less Max Air concept. The Air Max 2003 was one of the first Nike shoes to significantly reduce the Mitsol foam from the cushioning equation and largely relied on the Max Air.
This template was further refined in Air Max 2006, which uses no foam, not counting the insole. Nike has made minor changes to the 360 operating system over the years, and the Air Max 2017 was the last before it retired.
The VaporMax operating system is now the new practical standard for Nike’s full-length Max Air concept. Like the old Gen Max Air, the new sole has little or no foam. (Contains some of the VaporMax Plus)
Well, the foam is there – not in the mitzvah, but the dual-density chocolate. Interestingly, Nike uses solid base foam for the insole, which was last seen in running shoes in the 2006 – 2008 Powerman series. Sketcher’s Hyperburst Midsole was also made of similar material.
There is no foam lasting under the insole, so the firm base creates a soft, warm space free base for foot resting. Sturdy Insole VaporMax acts as an insulating barrier from the hard part of the sole.
The biggest emotional difference between a one-piece Max Airbag and a VaporMax design is that you can feel the columns of air compression and elastic rise. In the old full-length design, the cushioning experience was not much of a focus. You may feel something going on in the cushioning underneath, but it’s hard to pinpoint what or where.
Not so with Air VaporMax. Heel cushioning is a unit, with five different chambers on the forefoot. Thus, the contraction of mitochondria is zone-based.
The heel is easier to compress than the front, and that’s where you’ll feel the max air cushioning.
Unlike other Nike shoes with Heel Max Air, you can feel the outer and inner side cushioning operate independently. If you load your weight on the side, the pods on that side are compressed; and, vice versa.
There is no soft mattress anywhere like foam-based Nike shoes like V-Max Turbo, React, or Joyride. If you want to cushion comfort, the Steam Max is not the shoe you buy.
The forearm is much firmer than the heel, not just the lower extremities. The forearm is protected by four thick outsole rubbers. This thickness contributes to the firmness of the mattress.
Most outsoles work best on dry roads and sidewalks, so the V-Max is no exception. Small Urethane Lux has strong bites on asphalt and concrete pavements. That being said, the hollow areas between the pods get less area of the grip. Soft, plastic material will scream on soft tiles as well.
Unless you wear a V-Max on dusty or damp soft ground, you will be swimming.
So why would you wear an Air VaporMax? Are they good for running? Not really.
When viewed from a performance lens, the Nike Air is similar to the VaporMax Joyride. Both shoes are upholstered (too much of a joist) and stylish enough for everyday wear, but the shoe quality is low on running. Uber-Soft Joyride is the story for another day, so let’s cover it in a separate review.
There are two reasons why the VaporMax is not a great shoe. The difference between a soft heel and a relatively sturdy forefoot is that the changes do not feel connected and efficient. You are best off with a Pegasus Turbo or Nike React Flyknit.
Nike Air Vapormax’s Durability
Unless you puncture the bubble airbag, you are fine. Hard urethane outsole lux and rubber lux do a good job of resisting abrasion, so 350 – 400 miles looks perfect.
It is under the assumption that Air Webbermax is used for casual wear and performance is not running. This is because if you run into them, the wear of the chambers can lead to an explosion.
Like any Max Air shoe, compressed rooms have a small chance of becoming punctured and losing their mattress. Therefore, this chart represents the lowest and highest lifespan.
Pros and Cons
VaporMax is one of the best Flyknit top matches with a safe and comfortable interior. That is a plus in our view.
There is plenty of reusable cushioning for casual wear use. Besides, loading your body weight into gas-filled columns is fun.
The outsole grip is best on the road and sidewalks are laid out. Small lux dig into the rough surface for high traction.
After all, the VaporMax Flyknit 3 is limited in its versatility. Separated Max Air Midsole with different sized cushioning does not lead to seamless changes. The low contact area of the football shoe type opener does not help.
Final Thoughts
The Nike Air VaporMax might be4 the best sporting shoe for you if you are looking for a comfortable, budget-friendly shoe. Get a pair today and have an excellent sporting experience.
