Nike Air Max Tailwind

Nike has been producing quality shoes for decades already. Aside from the technological expertise that is available for such a shoe giant, there is always the indispensable firsthand experience that the Swoosh has put to good use. The company owns several lines that have had numerous iterations previously, with each version always an improvement from the last. One such line is the Nike Air Max Tailwind.
The Nike Air Max Tailwind has come a long way since its debut in the 70’s and has undergone more than its share of revamps. However, the line is still thriving behind the original concept of great cushioning. The latest Tailwind edition makes use of the patented Cushlon foam and the revered Air sole units. Together with some deep flex grooves in the outsole, this version offers maximum cushioning, flexibility, and dynamic energy returns.

Arch support and pronation control       

         

Nike designed the shoe for runners who do not have outward or inward rolling motion after landing. The shoe is built for neutral runners and does not afford premium stability or pronation control features. Very well-cushioned and flexible shoes are best for runners with moderate to high arches. Runners with high arches already have plenty of arch support based on their foot build. Thus, the Nike Air Max Tailwind does not even have moderate arch support features.

Terrain

Runners who love to put some flavor in their preferred running surfaces would love this shoe. This is a road shoe that could handle track, asphalt, uneven terrain, and light trail with equal ease.

Use

The shoe is excellent for daily training. It has more than enough cushioning for the grind of everyday running. This shoe would also do well in long-distance runs or runs made for building endurance. Elite runners could also have the shoe as an option during the recovery days or as an alternative during long easy runs.

Durability

The latest Tailwind version carries basically the same outsole build as the previous model which was very durable. It makes sense that the updated version offers the same kind of long-lasting performance. Overall shoe durability should be great as well.

Fit and sizing

The shoe stays true to standard sizes so there should be no problems with the shoe length. Sizes for the men’s are from 6-15 while it is 5-11 for the women’s. The standard D for the men’s and B for the women’s is the available width. Forefoot fit has extra room for toes to splay. Runners with inflexible feet could stay inside without any concerns. The roomy toe box adds even more to the comfort of the shoe. Midfoot fit is normal. The heel is secured a fairly flexible heel cup. A padded tongue and collar plus a soft insole seal the deal.

Elements of the Nike Air Max Tailwind

Outsole

An extremely durable carbon rubber called BRS 1000 by Nike is utilized underfoot.

 

Midsole

The patented Cushlon Nike midsole foam and air cushioning units are used in the midsole. The foam and the cushioning units do the job of providing soft cushioning and responsive features.

Upper

The open-top mesh is designed for ultra shoe breathability.

The technical construction of the Nike Air Max Tailwind

The Nike Air Max Tailwind is using Nike’s standard engineered mesh upper. It is open top and very porous, which undoubtedly means that air is free to move in and out of the shoe. This guarantees a cool and dry run. The mesh is also flexible in areas where it needs to be like the top and the forefoot for better feel. It is a bit rigid near the medial and back sides for added shoe support. Synthetic overlays are used as well. Although not overly thick to be restrictive, the no-sew overlays do a magnificent job of holding the midfoot area and enhancing the overall shoe structure. While a fairly flexible heel counter does not do much in keeping the heel in place, neutrals in the first place do not move as much. Thus, there is the need of the overlays to provide some stability and support.

A full-length Cushlon foam is utilized in the midsole. There is much better consistency with such a foam used in the entire length of the shoe. Placing a full-length foam makes the ride so much smoother than before. The trademark Air cushioning units are still found in the midsole for shock absorption and better energy return. A seamless and padded interior enhances the snug fit and comfort of the shoe. The Air Max Tailwind also comes with a removable insole for customized fit and support.

The outsole is made of Waffle skin, which affords some traction for the shoe in varied surfaces and in different conditions. BRS 1000 carbon rubber is used almost the entire length of the shoe guarantees heavy-duty and long-lasting performance.

Heel cushioning

Providing premium cushion for the heel is one of the main goals of the Tailwind and the shoe succeeds very well in this area. This gets a 9 out of 10 for both men’s and women’s versions.

Forefoot cushioning

This area is part of the shoe’s main thrust and does greatly here as well. The forefoot cushioning gets a solid 8 out of 10 for both gender versions.

Stiffness

The shoe offers just the right kind of flexibility in an amply-cushioned package. Shoe stiffness gets a 4 for the men’s and a 3 for the women’s respectively.

Stability

This is a feature that the Tailwind offers very little since it is a neutral shoe. It gets a 2 out of 10 for both genders.

Similar running shoes

There are also brands across the market that are high-profile which offer maximum cushioning, great responsiveness, and flexibility. Some of these shoes are the Adidas Ultra Boost, the Hoka Bondi, and the Brooks Transcend.

The Adidas Ultra Boost is the go-to maximum cushioning shoe from Adidas. It is almost an exact twin of the latest Tailwind edition. They share the same profile with a 32mm heel and 22mm forefoot heights; even the heel to toe drop is identical. This is the most expensive of the lot and features two of the best Adidas technologies in the market, namely the Primeknit upper and the Boost midsole foam. The Boost midsole foam brings responsiveness to a whole new level.

The Hoka Bondi is nothing but being traditionally oversize. Hoka is synonymous with maximum cushioning in a high-profile package. The Bondi has a 37mm heel height and drops to a 33mm forefoot. It has the thickest midsole and relies on a technology called Early Stage Meta Rocker for smooth heel to toe transition. An EVA midsole is used in the shoe’s entire length for consistency in cushioning. It also strategically places carbon rubber in the outsole for durability.

The Brooks Transcend  is also another shoe of this kind. This has plenty of cushioning underfoot with more stability features than any of the shoes in this group. Incredible cushioning and responsiveness is the duty of its fantastic midsole foam called the Super DNA. This midsole foam adapts to the runner’s specific cushioning needs. Ideal pressure zones in the outsole are also utilized to attenuate shock from impact.

Of all the shoes in this section, the Air Max Tailwind beats them all by a mile when it comes to price tags.

Summary

Nike has made it a habit of improving their lines despite using basically the same characteristics that have made these lines a byword in the running community. The Nike Air Max Tailwind continues to uphold the tradition and benchmarks of a well-cushioned shoe that offers plenty of responsive features and flexibility. Plus, at least with this shoe and despite all the bells and whistles, the Swoosh dishes out an unbeatable price.

Price

The opening price of the shoe is $110. It promises to be worth every penny of its current price tag.