Nike Air Max Review: Why The VaporMax Evo Is Worth Your Money

Nike has been taking us on a journey through storytelling in its product and packaging. For starters, the company has incorporated a lot of the Air Max history in just its packaging itself.

Look and admire the box – it’s mashup of all the different boxed (new, old, and of course, the current era). Thumbs up on this Nike! Sneaker heads will also really appreciate the unique booklet in the box where it describes the evolution of Air Max over the past few years.

• Model: CT2868-002
• Colours available: Wolf Grey or Black Orange
• Price: RM859
• Inside the box: An accordion-style booklet describing the lineage of the shoes that inspire the colourways, the Evolution of Air Max logos, and more.

Taking elements from the Air Max 96 II, this new VaporMax Evo hybrid has a striking upper portion that has a mesh base accented by neoprene elements, leather overlays and rubberised segments. In addition to the 3D Swooshes at the midfoot regions, the branding is visible via the rubberised badges at the tongue. What elevates this lifestyle model is the updated VaporMax sole units with reinforced support systems embedded into the midsoles.

The logo and size

They’ve incorporated various types of Air Max logos into the VaporMax Evo logo, in addition to the old school Nike logo on the top. (E.g.: the “V” that looks like an upside down “A”.) It goes to show that a lot of effort and thought has been put into this creative design.

As far as sizing is concern, if you already own a previous model of VaporMax (whether it’s an old model or the new version), we’d recommend sticking to the same size, cause it’s build on that same platform.

Design and comfort

The outsole looks like they have more rubber on them, which we really like. And on top of that, it harkens back to the older models that have been used in the past. There is a little bit of foam on it which is really cool, and it says “Support Flex” on the midsole itself. It’s interesting how they blacked out a small section in the middle of the mid sole, which gives off an Air Max 95 vibe.

Having said that, the material that look like leather are just synthetic leather, which may not sit well with some sneakerheads. It’s not premium materials or anything like that. But at least it has a comfortable cushioning, which makes our walking experience enjoyable.

There are a lot of expensive shoes – when you stare down at them – they look fat fluffy slippers. Not this model, thankfully. While we’re not sure if longtime Nike enthusiasts would dig this sort of fusion stuff or the VaporMax bottom, Air Maxes are more accepted in the sneaker culture for mash-ups right now.

This VaporMax Evo was a labour of love, and we do feel envelope in it whenever we put it on.

The Air Max Spring 2021 collection will be available on nike.com.