Nike Unveils its Sustainably Redesigned Air VaporMax 2020

Jul 14, 2020

Original Story (07/09/20): Nike’s 2017 release of the VaporMax represented the ultimate achievement in Nike Air technology: pure, unmediated, full-foot Air. Since then, the VaporMax has seen a few small changes including Utility models, slightly redesigned uppers, and experimentation with foam midsoles. The recently revealed VaporMax 2020, however, provides one of the silhouette’s more significant redesigns and a far more sustainable and accessible lifestyle runner.

Originally slated to make its debut at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, the VaporMax 2020 features an upper made from 75% recycled material and makes use of Nike Grind rubber in the outsole. This move to sustainability echoes Nike’s Space Hippie program, and it almost appears that the Crater Foam developed under the line shows up on the heel cup of one of the upcoming VaporMax 2020 models.

Perhaps an even larger change, however, comes in the form of the model’s FlyEase system. FlyEase shoes are designed for athletes of all shapes, sizes, and ability systems, and generally involve easy on/off systems or advanced adjustability mechanisms without compromising fit or performance. It appears that FlyEase will come standard with the VaporMax 2020, representing a significant step forward in Nike’s accessibility efforts.

Lastly, shots of the model’s outsole show a significantly repatterned VaporMax system. It looks like the traditional enclosed pods have been swapped in favor of a more intricate, snaking system of pod treads. It’s unclear how or if this will affect performance at this time, but it marks a significant shift from previous models of the shoe.

It appears that both initial VaporMax 2020 efforts will be offered in women’s sizing, though a unisex release is likely to follow. The Pure Platinum colorway is set to release via Nike.com and select retailers on July 23rd with the second colorway to follow on August 6th. Stay tuned to Modern Notoriety for updates on future colorways, pricing, and more release info.

Update (07/14/20): Nike has provided a release date for the VaporMax 2020, images of all of the launch colorways of the shoe, and more details on the shoe’s recycled content.

The VaporMax unit, the first full-foot continuous Vapormax unit ever, is made from around 70% recycled material; the Flyknit upper is made with over 60% recycled yarn, the tongue is made from 80% recycled foam, and the sockliner and TPU heel clip are made with around 50-60% recycled material. These stats lead up to a shoe that’s over 50% recycled material by weight, an impressive feat on a model as high-tech as the VaporMax. This model, as well as the newly-announced Jordan Crater collection, represent significant advances in Nike’s Move to Zero sustainability program.

The Nike VaporMax 2020 debuts July 23rd on Nike.com, with the “Pure Platinum” colorway arriving via Nike SNKRS in men’s and women’s sizing. Check out the upcoming colorways of the shoe down below.

Nike Air Vapormax 2020
Release Date: July 23, 2020