Air cushion

In 1977, aeronautical engineer Frank Rudy presented an idea to Phil Knight: placing air inside of shoes for cushioning. Technology consists of pressurized air (nitrogen) inside a tough yet flexible bag called the sole unit and provides more flexibility and spring without compromising structure. The air sole units are located in the midsole beneath the heel, forefoot or in both areas. The air sole units maintain their given form with elasticity, lower impact and keep the shoe snug and lightweight.

With each step, air cushioning absorbs impact and immediately returns to its original shape to protect the body. These innovations allow any athlete to perform harder, while providing flawless comfort.

Air cushioning reduces the weight of the shoe without reducing performance. The lighter the shoe is, the less energy athletes put out during their performance. Athletes need the cushioning in their footwear to last, and this is designed to provide support throughout the life of the shoe.

Sometimes tightly stretched tensile fibers are knit inside a pressurized air unit, giving the zoom air cushioning its snappy responsiveness. Each time an athlete’s foot touches down, the fibers compress to cushion the impact before quickly springing back to their original state, generating an explosive, powerful response off the ground. Whether elite athletes are racing or training they look to zoom air for a fast, responsive ride and that snappy, quick-off-the ground feel that helps optimize their quest for speed.