Earth, Water, Fire and Air: The four classical elements, one of which changed the sneaker industry forever. While breathing the Oregon fresh air, designers and scientists were trying to come up with ideas of how to make Nike running shoes more comfortable. With no disrespect to the Nike Waffle Racers from the mid 70's, it was obvious there was room for improvement. Marion Frank Rudy, 1979 and the Nike Air Tailwind paved the way for what we know of Nike Air Max. Enter 1987 and the Nike Air Max 1. Designed by the genius, Tinker Hatfield, the Nike Air Max 1 showcased the air bag and reinvented the running shoe forever. Initially part of the Air Pack, which introduced other renowned shoes like the Nike Air Safari and Nike Air Trainer High, the Nike Air Max 1 exposed itself and let the world see its inner workings. And it was pure, sweet, invisible (yet visible) Air. The bold red, the vulnerable visible air bag and uncertainty all made the Nike Air Max 1 a gamble and a controversial shoe. Fast forward through the next few early years and the gamble paid off. Classic, legendary shoes were released like the Nike Air Stab, Nike Air Max II (AKA Nike Air Max Light), Nike Air Max III (AKA Nike Air Max 90), Nike Air Max IV (AKA Nike Air Max BW) and moving towards the Nike Air 180 and the Nike Air Max 270 (AKA Nike Air Max 93). The Nike Air Max 93 was the first sneaker to show off the heel of the air bag. The Nike Air Max 95 did one better and was the first to show off the forefoot air bags. All leading up the biggest show off of all, the Nike Air Max 97; the first time ever seeing an entire shoe on nothing but Air. The reigning champs of Nike Air Max history: The Nike Air Max 1, Nike Air max 90, Nike Air Max 93, Nike Air Max 95 and Nike Air Max 97. Each defining year the envelope was pushed further and further. Infrared was introduced for Nike Air Max 90 and the beautiful color was placed right around the air bag so you had to look. The 270-degree of air vision on the Nike Air Max 93 was unprecedented. The skeletal design influence of the human spine was displayed by gradient grays and a pop of neon for the Nike Air Max 95. And the Japanese Bullet Train was transformed into a sleek, futuristic silver running shoe that showed off complete Air, now known as the Nike Air Max 97. These all played vital roles for the upcoming Nike Air Max 2003 and eventually the Nike Air Max 360. Amidst all of these already great accomplishments, the Nike Running scene has been able to utilize all other Air: Air Max2, Tuned Air, Zoom Air, Total Air and now moving into astronomical Air with the Lunar series. Regardless if it's a 26.2-mile jog or that perfect grey and neon T-Shirt to match, the Family of Nike Air Max shoes have got you covered. The Air has got you covered: Whether it's on the Earth, or over the Water, or through the Fire, Air has got your back... And feet.