Released in 2017, the Nike Air VaporMax was a revolutionary addition to the Air Max family. The Flyknit upper barely caused a ripple thanks to its attention-stealing, full-length Air unit. Segmented into unique pods, the sole delivered modular flexibility similar in theory to that of the Nike Free. Iridescent Swooshes and gradient colour-fades on the pressurised airbag were a dynamic one-two combination that redefined Nike’s bold philosophy of Max. To launch the Air VaporMax into orbit, Nike appointed Comme des Garçons. The Japanese label took a low-key, high-fashion approach, delivering a laceless vision that boosted sock-fit into sci-fi territory. The Air VaporMax was a feat of advanced industrial engineering that totally refreshed Nike’s on-foot roster.