Everyday Air Max or a gym shoe?

Most Air Max shoes on this page are lifestyle sneakers for daily wear. A smaller group is made for training, and the difference starts at the base.

The Air Max Alpha Trainer 6 has a flat, wide base that helps keep you from sinking during workouts, and a sturdy heel with visible Air cushioning. The Alpha Trainer 5 also has a wide, flat base, with Max Air cushioning for stable lifting on light or heavy days. Both are men's shoes, so if you lift, compare them with other men's training shoes.

For everyday wear, the Air Max SC is the simplest pick. Nike calls it an old-school look with new-school comfort, and it combines leather, textile and mesh for a durable, lightweight build. For men, the Air Max Ltd 3 pairs a real and synthetic leather upper with a Max Air unit under the heel.

Air Max 90, 97 or Dn: what sets each one apart?

• Air Max 90: it started as a champion running shoe and keeps a Waffle outsole and exposed Air cushioning.
• Air Max 97: the ripple design inspired by Japanese bullet trains, on a full-length Nike Air unit.
• Air Max Dn: Nike's next generation of Air, with a Dynamic Air unit of dual-pressure tubes for a reactive feel with every step.

Some newer models borrow from the icons. The Air Max Invigor is inspired by the Air Max 95, and the Air Max Nuaxis takes design elements from the Air Max 270. For more everyday pairs from the brand, browse Nike lifestyle shoes.

Air Max for women and kids

Women's models include the Air Max Bia, with a breathable mesh upper and a visible Max Air unit in the heel, and the Air Max Portal, which pairs a chunky platform look with a sleek upper. The Air Max INTRLK Lite has a textile upper with mesh accents and a Waffle-inspired outsole, and the Air Max 90 Futura is a women's version that Nike says reimagines the icon of Air. More styles are in women's lifestyle shoes.

For children, the Air Max SC comes in younger and older kids' sizes, and the Air Max Bia comes in younger kids' sizes.

If you want one pair for every day, start with the Air Max SC. If you train in the gym, choose the Air Max Alpha Trainer 6.