Nike Air Tuned Max review

Who should buy the Nike Air Tuned Max

The Nike Air Tuned Max is the perfect choice for: 

• fashionistas who want a touch of retro in their OOTD 
• sneakerheads who want a protective and durable shoe
• Nike fans who want an energetic ride

Who should NOT buy it

The Nike Air Tuned Max is not for those who want a pair of lightweight kicks. If you want something that won't weigh you down, go for the Nike Air Max 270 or the Nike Tanjun. 

Nike TN Air Max vs. Nike Air Max Plus 

Before we jump to their notable features and benefits, it's good to note that the Tuned Air encapsulated bubble is the imaginary link that binds the Air Tuned Max and Air Max Plus (aka Nike TN) together.

Unlike the Air Maxes, these kicks come with a network of tuned pods filled with gas for enhanced shock absorption. Below are the factors that set them apart:

• Design: Nike Air Max Plus offers a sporty rib-like upper, a mixture of leather rubber and mesh, while the Air Tuned Max comes with a high-end mix of synthetic materials in a wavy pattern. The former offers enhanced breathability compared to the other shoe.
• Flexibility: The Air Max Plus’ bottom layer is more pliable than the subsequent model. 
• Value: Both fall within the bracket of average-priced sneakers, with the Air Tuned Max getting a little pricier than the retroed Nike TN.

An old-school charmer

Nike Air Tuned Max makes a splash for its striking wave-like design. Sneaker buffs are stunned by the OG’s “irresistible” iridescent color blocking. 

This comeback silhouette from 1999 still bears the amazing air bubbles in pods, a breakaway from what was commonly seen in the Air Max series.

Much like the initial concept with a visible full-length Air cushioning, the Tuned Max 99 offers a glitzy high-fashion look, a departure from the traditional running shoe design. 

Adding pep to your step

Even though the air bubble on the sole isn’t as elastic as the foam in Nike React sneakers, it snaps back quickly. On top of this, the air unit also dampens the impact in each footstrike.

Built to last

The triple-stitched layering across the top can endure general wear and tear. 

The Nike Air Tuned Max is cool (literally)

Honeycomb mesh lining prevents heat from getting trapped inside the shoe.

Allows the toes to splay

It doesn’t feel cramped around the forefoot. There’s enough wiggle room for the toes.

Heel bites

The back squeezes on the heel. Sneaker fans even compare the experience to that on the Air Max Plus 2.

The definition of rigid

The bottom section is “incredibly thick” and “rugged;" the toe area won’t bend as much as many expect.

Can weigh you down

Given the amount of foam housing the air sole, this shoe feels heavy. As per a sneaker geek, it weighs close to the hiker-inspired Nike ACG Mountain Fly Low.