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The Nike Air Tailwind holds a profoundly significant place in Nike's history, not just as a running shoe, but as the very first shoe to feature Nike's groundbreaking Air cushioning technology. Its birth story involves a visionary aerospace engineer and Nike's willingness to embrace a radical idea.
Here's how the Air Max Tailwind (or rather, the original Air Tailwind) came to be:
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The Inventor: Frank Rudy
- The concept of encapsulating dense gases within rubber membranes to create cushioning wasn't a Nike invention. It was developed by Marion Franklin Rudy, an aerospace engineer.
- In 1977, Rudy began pitching his "air bag" innovation to various footwear manufacturers. He reportedly visited 23 other shoe companies, all of whom rejected his idea, viewing it as a mere gimmick.
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Nike's Acceptance:
- Undeterred, Rudy approached Nike's co-founder, Phil Knight, in 1977.
- Initially, even Knight and Bill Bowerman (the other co-founder) were skeptical. However, Knight decided to take a chance and tested one of Rudy's prototypes. His experience convinced him of the technology's immense potential for athletic performance and comfort.
- Nike's team then spent a year in research and development, perfecting the integration of Rudy's encapsulated Air unit into a shoe's midsole.
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The Debut: Honolulu Marathon 1978
- After a year of trial and error, Nike unveiled the original Nike Tailwind in a limited release at the Honolulu Marathon in 1978. This was its unofficial debut.
- The shoe generated significant buzz among runners due to its unprecedented cushioning and comfort. It quickly sold out.
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Public Release: 1979
- Following its successful limited run, the Nike Tailwind was officially released worldwide in 1979. It was later renamed the Nike Air Tailwind in subsequent re-releases, explicitly highlighting its Air technology.
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- If you have any questions, you can click the button on the right to contact us via email, Whatsapp, or online!
- Please refer to the size chart. All sizes above are for US men.We recommend that you open the Size Guide and place an order according to your own size.
- What you see is what you get. The pictures of all the products are real shots produced by the factory.
- All cushions are charged with nitrogen.Nitrogen is more stable and lighter than air, and is less sensitive to temperature changes, also known as the "air walk" running shoes.
- Free shipping. All standard shipping charges have been covered by us.
- You can click the tracking number in your order if you want to track your order.
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