It's true. In 1979, when Nike introduced the Tailwind as the first shoe to use encapsulated gas (Air) for cushioning, it would change the athletic industry forever.   Why use Air? Shoes require cushioning to protect the human body from the force of impact with the ground. These Air-Sole units are encapsulated in the midsole beneath the heel, forefoot or in both locations, depending upon the specific needs of the athlete for whom a particular shoe is designed. These needs are determined by the sport played, size / weight of the athlete, terrain, distance covered, and the speed and direction of movement.   Even though the first Nike-Air cushioned shoe represented a major revolution in athletic footwear, Nike's research, design and development specialists weren't satisfied. They knew there were more improvements they could make. Today there are several variations of Air; however, they all have the same goal in mind: Provide a comfortable experience during any athletic activity.

Who's it for? For the athlete seeking maximum cushioning in the lightest form. Zoom Air is incredibly thin and lightweight yet hyper-responsive.   What's inside Zoom Air starts with thousands of Zoom Air fibers each stretched to its limit and attached at both ends. These fibers are then surrounded with compressed gas inside a Nike-Air unit. While the compressed air molecules exert an outward force, the tension fibers exert an opposing inward force to keep the air bag from ballooning out while at the same time providing springiness. These taut fibers compress on impact, then spring back immediately -- within .30 milliseconds to be exact. Zoom Air is also incredibly thin: a mere eight millimeters provides the athlete with full impact cushioning, while keeping the foot close to the ground for optimum feel and quick response.   Overview A sleek, low profile Nike Air unit packed with more cushioning than many Air-Sole units twice the size. For stable, responsive comfort. Zoom air can be found in both heel only and full-length format. Protection, comfort, heel lift all in one package.   Featured in: Air Zoom GP II, Womens Zoom M9 Molded

Who's it for? For the athlete seeking maximum cushion in the lightest form with an added spring.   What's inside All the same features of Zoom Air with a channeled fabric inside for more spring. Visible Zoom Air is thicker in the heel, larger in size to help cushion more of the foot. The thermoformed sidewalls compress differently than Zoom Air, making Visible Zoom slightly stiffer.   Overview Visible Zoom Air takes the cushioning unit to the very edge of the foot, resulting in more cushioning and less of the heavier, unresponsive midsole foam. It's technology that the wearer can not only feel, but also see and understand.   Featured in: Womens Air Zoom Sterling, Air Zoom Beyond

Who's it for? For the athlete seeking adaptive cushioning, and increased stability. Tuned Air is a great cushioning solution for high mileage road runners and heavier athletes who participate in a variety of sports.   What's inside Custom Air-Sole cushion. It combines Max Air with resilient plastic inner hemispheres for variable cushioning (Tuned) in specific areas to manage shock absorption and stability for different sized feet (and people!).   Overview As if the last Air system wasn't good enough, Nike has begun to "Tune" cushioning according to body mass and gender by changing the size, location and thickness of the inserts. It's the ultimate blend of impact protection and footstrike guidance in a single cushioning unit.   Featured in: Air Tuned Sirocco, Womens Air Tuned Appeal, Air Tuned Swoopes

Who's it for? For the athlete seeking versatile cushioning, and increased flexibility. Encapsulated or Max Air is the original or first Air-Sole. It's the most versatile of the bunch and is used in almost all sports and categories. You can't see it but I bet you feel it!   What's inside Blow molding offers a unique manufacturing method that allows more AIR volume, and can be tailored to fit the shoe better. The multiple chambers, pressures and thicknesses make for a versatile flexible cushioning system. Bottom line, maximum impact cushioning.   Overview This is where it all started. The plan was simple: consistent, long-term shock dispersion and stability. Right where you need it. Right when you need it. we'd say it worked!   Featured in: Air Zoom Beyond, Air Force Powermatic, Womens Air Max Harmonious

Who's it for? For the athlete seeking versatile cushioning and flexibility all in the lightest form. Similar to the Encapsulated Air-Sole, the visible version offers superb heel cushioning. It takes a pounding so you don't!   What's inside The first Visible NIKE AIR cushioning product made from a tube filled with different gases, and sealed to create mini chambers. The square shape limits its use in heels only. Specifically engineered to handle impact, this sole is much larger than the non-visible version. In fact, it tends to stick out in the heel or the sides. This is beneficial in decreasing the overall weight of the shoe.   Overview This is where the revolution all started. In 1987, the Air Max was introduced as the first shoe with a visible Air-Sole. "Seeing is believing", and every athlete across the world and their knees should thank Nike for blessing us with this system. Hallelujah!   Featured in: Womens Air Brazen, Air International Triax, Womens Air Healthwalker III

Who's it for? For the athlete seeking instant response and optimum comfort. Great for walkers, golfers and anyone that enjoys a good feeling shoe.   What's inside Nike Air cushioning gets up close and personal with encapsulated Air-Sole pods built right into a removable sockliner directly under your foot.   Overview This less often used system offers an affordable peek at Nike Air cushioning. Is there such a thing as Air envy?   Featured in: Course Air Accel E