Which Nike sneaker was the first to use Nike Air cushioning when it launched in 1979?

The Nike Air Tailwind was the first Nike sneaker to use Nike Air cushioning when it launched in 1979.

Nike developed the shoe with cushioning technology created by aerospace engineer M. Frank Rudy. Small air pockets were enclosed in the midsole, intended to reduce impact while running. The Tailwind debuted at the Honolulu Marathon before reaching a wider market.

The Tailwind is often confused with the Air Max 1 because the latter made the cushioning system visible through a window in 1987. The Air Tailwind’s Air unit was hidden inside the sole, making it an earlier but less visually dramatic milestone.

The model established the Air name in Nike footwear and helped create the platform for later running and lifestyle shoes, including the Air Max family.