Nike Air Max 2003

Who needs leather or mesh uppers anyway?! The Nike Air Max 2003 (aka Air Max 03) did not have mesh or leather anywhere on the upper of the shoe – the first of any Nike Air Max.When Nike wanted to make yet another running shoe breakthrough, the Oregon based company went back to its roots and went to Japan for assistance. The Nike Air Max 2003 running shoe is built from a high-tech carbon-based fiber manufactured by a Japanese company called Teijin. Teijin suggested a material used by automobile interiors.The high tech material is not only waterproof, but it is also breathable which is a GREAT combination for runners. Traditionally, runners would need to make a sacrifice for either a breathable shoe or one that is water proof. In fact, most hardcore runners have several shoes specifically for what the weather is like outside. Now runners could instead by the Nike Air Max 2003 and have all they need in one shoe.

Like earlier Air Max models, the full-length air sole returns in the Nike Air Max 2003 – this time with a TPU mid-sole unit to support pounding heels. Most importantly, the Nike Air Max 2003 has a ventilated support strap on the inside to create the same fluid fit, feel, and appearance of a molded retro track spike. The clean, spare look of the Air Max 2003 is as impressive in town as it is on the track.

Six years after the Nike Air Max 97 was released, Nike still is using full length Air Max. The Air Max 03 was the first Air Max shoe to not have any foam in the midsole. Nike used this idea for the release of the Nike Air Max 360 which bragged having no foam midsole, but more importantly, 360 degrees of Air Max cushioning.

The Nike Air Max 2003 was retroed as part of the History of Air pack and was also made available on NikeID where one could make their own custom Nike Air Max 2003.

Nike Air Max 2003

Nike Air Max 2003

Nike Air Max 2003

Nike Air Max 2003

Nike Air Max 2003

Nike Air Max 2003