It’s hard to compete for the top spot on the Air Max pedestal, especially when the swoosh marketplace has been dominated for years by countless classics such as the 90, 95, 97 and many more, and that’s without mentioning the consistent stream of innovative models ready and waiting in the wings for their shot at the big time – take for example the recent development of the Vapormax and Flyknit. Well, Nike isn’t one to back down from a challenge as they continued on their mission to push the boundaries of what is possible when it comes to what we wear on our feet with the release of the Nike Air Max 270 Bowfin earlier in the year. With a few months out of the starting blocks and some time to stretch its metaphorical legs, the Bowfin returns to Aphrodite in a brand new orange and purple coat of armour, bringing with it the same signature complexities with a plethora of nostalgic ACG qualities.

Named after a fish that can breathe both in water and on land, the Nike Air Max 270 Bowfin embodies Nike’s dedication to making every step as good as the last, taking the brand’s 270 silhouette and piecing it together with a utilitarian design that combines both classic elements of trail shoes and water moccasins with buckets of ’90s heritage styling. Whilst we can’t promise you the same fish-like amphibious qualities, we can promise you some of the very best technical features guaranteed to have you pounding the pavement with unparalleled comfort and performance. Featuring a sock-like design atop Nike’s biggest air unit to date, the trainer boasts impressive levels of functionality with a multi textile upper construction consisting of an assortment of mesh and ripstop applications, an impact-absorbing foam midsole with rugged trail-inspired outer grip and a webbed lace fastening in place of the traditional eyelet design complete with lace tie cord. Finished with some subtle tonal embroidered Nike ticks and indented detailing the trainer, besides all of the intelligent characteristics and in-depth know-how, is also very easy on the eye with a chunky silhouette which for those of us with our fingers on the fashion pulse may know, is a big two thumbs up when it comes to bang on trend styling.

When you look at the usual suspects consistently leading the Air Max pack the same words and phrases pop up time and time again. Ahead of their time, forward-thinking, stylish, performance-enhancing the list goes on. If these are the elements which have solidified these trainers as the true Nike greats then it could be time to move over and make some room as one more may be here to stay. The Nike Air Max 270 Bowfin is available both online and in-store now here.