A Closer Look at The Nike Air Span II

Nike has long been the industry leader when it comes to combining style with function in a shoe. This is why they have such a following around the world. Many of the shoes that they make end up making return after return with a new design, but with the same functionality in mind. It is comforting for shoe wearers to know that they are getting with each new release. However, not all shoes are created equal. The Nike Air Span II is one such shoe that has gotten a lot of traction through the years. The new design is about to come out, so here is a closer look at it for you.

Overview

The Nike Air Span II is a come back of a model made popular by Nike in the 1980s. It was very popular with runners of all abilities, so it is not surprising that it would now be making a come back. The first model was released back in 1988, with a second vision coming out in 1991. This is a bigger running shoe than some might be used to it, but it is rated as rather comfortable. It also comes with a number of different designs that look rather stylish. The Nike Air Span II appears to do well on the comfort scale, but some have remarked that it lacks a bit in the area of support. You will have to be the judge of that, but for now, let’s look at the finer parts of the shoe itself.

The Outsole of the Shoe

This part of the shoe is comprised of a rubber based compound. It gives the shoe a sense of durability and makes it sturdier overall. The rubber based treat is a bit unique. The forefoot of the shoe has five distinct sections that are each separated by flex grooves. The last of these groves actually goes noticeably deeper than the others, providing for an easy toe-off. The entire forefront of the shoe is designed to allow for a heel to toe transition that is quite a shoe in comparison to other running shoes on the market today. The design feature here is also rather cool at it comes with a zigzag shape that is retro in its approach. The rectangular patterns also help to distribute the impact more evenly across the foot, which runners definitely appreciate.

The Midsole of the Shoe

The Nike Air Span II contains Max Air technology. Nike patented this feature and it has been around for quite some time because it is so effective. This makes use of pressurized air that is trapped inside of a bag that is made to be sturdy and flexible. Since those two components work so well tougher, the midsole on this shoe is quite cushioned and is also responsive to movement. This is because it will feel like you are walking, or running as the case might be, on air. The remainder of the midsole of the shoe is composed of EVA foam. This provides cushioning support as well, and it is highly elastic. This is why early reports are that this shoe is so comfortable when worn for a long period of time. Keep in mind that the midsole of all Nike Air shoes are made of a minimum of 50 percent recyclable material, which is good for the environment at the same time.

Overall Weight of the Shoe

While the midsole of The Nike Air Span II is lightweight, the rest of the shoe contains heavier overlays that lead us to classify this as a medium-weight shoe. Some would even say that the shoe is heavy, which could be a bit troubling if you are going to wear it on a long walk or run. You might want to keep that in mind if you are used to shoes that are a lighter weight.

Overall, The Nike Air Span II gets high marks. It is a retro design and is stylish and functional. You will love the Nike Air unit that is included in the midsole, along with the inclusion of the EVA foam. The shoe is responsive and it rated as being very comfortable. You will also find that there is ample room for your feet to breathe, making this a versatile and flexible shoe to wear overall.