One of the latest models from the Beaverton brand, the Nike Air Max TW is up for a review and a closer look this week. Released in 2022 this is the latest, rebranded model from the long line of Tailwind sneakers. Known as the first shoe to feature an Air bubble in the sole back in 1978, the Tailwind joined the Nike Air Max family in 1996 and ever since until 2022 five more versions were released, with some being hailed as some of the best of the line. The Tailwind has always been known for its bold looks and this edition does not disappoint, being “louder” than any of the previous ones.
How They Fit
The pair we came across was a 2023 release dubbed Nike Air Max TW “Father of Air” , an edition dedicated to M. Frank Rudy, the one who came up with the air cushioning system. The shoes even come with an air pressure hand tag to commemorate the occasion. Like many of the recent models the pair comes in a brown “Move To Zero” box with the mention that the shoes are made of at least 20% recycled material. They fit true to size and they feel pretty snug, given mostly by the way the tongue is reinforced with elastic straps on the sides. Those with wide feet may need a bit of break in for this model, at least that was the case for me. If unsure about your size check out our Nike shoe size chart here.
Upper
There are 2 versions of the way the upper of the Nike Air Max TW is made of. One is made of a double layered mesh that is more breathable and more detailed in design. The other one is made of a thick mesh that is less breathable and more fit for colder weather. The latter is the one I got. The shoes feature a chevron pattern that reminds us of the way the Air Max Tailwind IV was built but also of the way the Nike Air Max Plus TN is designed, especially when it comes to the double layered mesh versions. Is surely a bold design that fits with this line of shoes. They also feature leather overlays to add that retro vibe and some durability to the shoe. The shape of the overlays in the front are similar to the way the Nike LeBron Witness 7 was constructed. The tongue has a brand new TW logo that is very similar to the TN logo from the Air Max Plus. Overall the shoes feel very comfortable with plenty of cushioning in the heel area and the tongue which is encapsulated in a classic lacing system.
Sole Unit
The sole unit features Cushlon foam and a large Air Max Unit reminiscent of the one from the Nike Air Max 2021. The bold look surely fits the upper design. It is a bulky silhouette that fits very much with the trends. It takes away some of its versatility in terms of a running shoe but you can still take these with you in the gym as they offer good stability and cushioning. What we noticed while we did this Nike Air Max TW review is that if you’re looking to add some height these will surely help. The outsole is one made for a classic walking shoe with added branding, something that we are seeing more and more these days, with the brand outlining the technologies used. Nike went even further with this one identifying the areas in the sole where the pressure is low and high.
Bottom Line
To conclude our review, the Nike Air Max TW is a nice addition to the Air Max line. Since its release several colorways have been released without any notable collaboration in the works yet to hype it a bit more. This is a solid choice , however for those looking to add a bold looking sneaker in their rotation, a versatile shoe that goes beyond a lifestyle sneaker. At $160 it is a quick quality sneaker that is made to last.
