Nike compares running in the Air Max 360s to "running on air," but the cool thing about the 360s is they look like you're running on air. The shoe is unusually light (less than 13 ounces), and the clear see-through "windows" on the sides of the sole let you look right through it.EVA foam compresses over time and loses its cushioning ability, so Nike designers introduced Air technology back in the late '70s with the Tailwind shoe -- later made popular with the Air Force 1 and Air Jordan shoes. Nike designers replaced some of the EVA with small encapsulated air in polyurethane bags and created a lighter, more durable, and better cushioned shoe.
The new Air Max 360 replaces all of the foam with a full-length Air Sole.
Nike describes the Air Max 360 as a milestone for runners, providing a full air cushioning system in place of foam -- giving runners "360 degrees of Nike Air cushioning." Because testing showed that foam compresses up to 40 percent after 300 miles, the 360's Air Sole allows the shoe to perform as well on the 301st mile as it does on the first.
In addition, the 360 is also designed to be more flexible in the forefoot, to allow for a more natural range of motion and better correspond with pressure points in the foot -- flex grooves on the sole allow for this. The shoe is tuned specifically for gender and shoe size for enhanced impact protection. A seamless sock liner helps eliminate abrasion and midfoot webbing loops provide a better fit.
The Air Max 360 certainly meets all my criteria for a running shoe: Stability, cushioning and durability. Because I'm able to run in these shoes longer without having to worry about EVA foam breakdown, I'd spend the extra money for them.
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