Nike Air Max Ishod skate shoes

Air Max Ishod skate shoes

Influential skater Ishod Wair released his first signature skate shoe in 2022 after six successful years with Nike SB. It proved incredibly popular, so two years later, the brand updated the series with the innovative Air Max Ishod.

The upper of the Nike Air Max Ishod features double-stitched suede overlays for durability, flexible mesh midfoot panels for breathability and a heel pull for easy entry. Particularly hard-wearing are the forefoot toe cap, with its turn and stitch seam, and the hidden eyestay, whose large, internalised eyelets are well protected. They are also connected to the extensive internal strapping cage, which secures and stabilises the foot. The tongue incorporates comfortable padding without adding too much weight, with central lace loops to ensure it stays in place throughout skate sessions and a synthetic coating for durability. Similarly cushy, the mid-cut collar offers extra support to the ankle, while slim ventilation ports help cool the forefoot.

The Air Max Ishod is founded upon a hybrid sole with a vulcanised exterior built around a cupsole core. This delivers a powerful blend of impact protection, durability and flexibility, leading to a shoe that skates effortlessly and is fast to break in yet reliably long-lasting. Thickened foxing tape along the sides makes it even tougher, while the wavy herringbone tread from the original Ishod returns to ensure outstanding traction against the board, thus allowing precise control when performing tricks. Comfort and support comes from the thick drop-in foam midsole, which is fitted with a cushy, shock-absorbing heel Air Max unit supported by a special textured rubber pad in the outsole. This innovative cushioning placement helps retain flexibility and boardfeel for a high-quality skating experience.

As well as evolving the series technologically, the Nike Air Max Ishod developed its own distinctive look inspired by 1994’s stylish Air Flare tennis shoe. Three visible windows punctuate the heel and flowing lines reference Wair’s organic skate style while honouring heritage Air Max models like the 95, 97 and 98. Thickly woven outlines elevate the sidewall Swooshes and miniature logos accent the forefoot and outsole, while embroidered Nike SB and Ishod lettering add refined touches to the heel and tongue. Lastly, Ishod Wair text on the lateral eyestay expertly combines debossed and embroidered details for a finely crafted feel.

Ishod Wair appeared in the Air Max Ishod as early as summer 2023, giving fans a glimpse of its skating prowess and classy style. His concept of a “skateable Air Max” defined its look, while his testing and feedback had a significant impact on its performance features. Affectionately known as the ‘Wair Max’, it has been released in heritage colourways such as the iconic AM95 ‘Neon’ and the AM97 ‘Silver Bullet’ as well as original editions like the vibrant ‘Billiards’ and collaborations including the ‘Visty’ from culturally influential graphic artist Verdy.

Balancing durability, breathability and flexibility with top-level boardfeel and a compelling throwback aesthetic, the Nike Air Max Ishod is both a fantastic skate shoe and a distinctively stylish sneaker.