Nike has overhauled themself over the time, the same can be observed in Nike Air Max 2014 as well. With respect to previous version i.e. Air Max 2013, fundamentally not much has been changed – the deep grooves which saw the light of day in 2013 still helps the Air Max with increased flexibility.

Upper: The 2014 upper has been totally reinvented both from a construction and material standpoint, it have more layered, and treads a thin line between stiffness and support.  The Air Max 2014 takes a multi-layered approach to building the upper, with no-sew panels snaking around the periphery. Nike uses a novel way of layering materials on the AM’14 – a see through mesh is fused on perforated foam panels starting from the mid-foot. This increases the thickness of the upper, and also hems in the forefoot slightly.

Outsole: The outsole design has a higher number of waffle shaped lugs, so grip level is decent. Heel to toe transition is not the best in the Air Max 2014, given that the outsole is quite stiff and unyielding, with a large gap underneath mid-foot. Flexibility is equal to the AM 2013, and vastly improved when compared to pre-2013 model. When compared to foam based running shoes, the forefoot is around twice as stiff if the force required to bend the shoes is anything to go by.

Verdict: To sum up the Air Max 2014, it is certainly not the best running shoe out there, it does however; deliver a cushioned yet supportive ride experience which belies its unique appearance. It might work for a good majority of neutral runners, if they can live with the downsides on weight, forefoot flexibility and the astronomical price tag.