Nike Air Max Tailwind 4

Back after 20 years on the sidelines, the fourth iteration of Nike’s Air Max Tailwind makes its long-awaited return this season, boasting the same daring design as it did in ’99.

A story that started two decades earlier, the Tailwind lineage is where Air technology all kicked off for Nike. Their first Air-fuelled model made its debut in ’79, quickly becoming a catalyst that sparked a whole series of air-cushioned runners right up until the present day. Although the Tailwind models that followed may not have retained the same aesthetic as the OG, one thing that links all the following releases together is their innovative air cushioning, and one of the most striking designs has to be the Air Max Tailwind 4.

After making a successful revival earlier this year – with Supreme reintroducing the runner to a new generation of Air Max fans – the Tailwind 4 is welcomed back again in all its OG glory. Layered leather and suede panels overlay the breathable mesh base, providing comfort and stability in equal measure. Keeping things distinctly retro, ‘Volt’ green accents decorate the ribbed ribcage-inspired sidewall striping and the Air bubble midsole – and speaking of the midsole, the Tailwind 4’s Air sole unit sits somewhere between the Air Max 95’s and Air Max Plus’, boasting dual pressure air chambers in the heel for cushioning shock-absorption underfoot.

Finally, the BRS-100 Carbon rubber outsole, that proved so popular amongst runners back in ’99, returns yet again, preventing any slipping mishaps with sticky traction to the surface.

The Nike Air Max Tailwind IV is available online and in size? stores now.