Welcome to Tactics Shoe Reviews! Today we're introducing the Nike SB Air Max Ishod, aka the "Wair Max." This is Ishod Wair's second Nike SB pro skate shoe (check out his first one too).
Featuring a cupsole construction and an Air Max insole, the Air Max Ishod is a mid-top silhouette inspired by '90s and 2000s basketball styles, featuring a blend of premium leather and suede. Ishod Wair's name, along with Nike branding, appears prominently on the tongue, insole, and upper.
The Ishod Wair name alone is enough to make it clear you can trust the shoe, but to find out for yourself, we enlisted Tactics team rider Dakota Mead to put it to the test for 15 hours in the indoor park at Seek Skate Camp.
Fit and comfort
The Air Max Ishod fits true to size as expected, fitting perfectly on my Dakota size 27cm. The lacing system is excellent, making them easy to put on and take off. Despite the slightly thick tongue, my foot feels well supported when I put them on. The internal tabs and stabilizers also do their job, ensuring a proper fit without any unnecessary adjustments.
Board Feel
Ishod found the shoes easy to adapt to. The combination of the slim herringbone sole and Air Max airbags meant Dakota felt comfortable with the board once the shoes had broken in. The well-balanced toe box gives you the solid flick you expect from a skate shoe, but you'll need to cut out the extra foxing.
Durability and Protection
After 15 hours of skating, the shoes showed minimal wear. While some of the foxing had worn away, there was additional reinforcement in key areas. Broken laces and worn side vents are common in skate shoes, demonstrating their overall durability. The latest model offers improved foot protection and stability over its predecessor. The Air Max Air bag in the heel and slim insole design provide excellent impact protection while maintaining board feel. Dakota reported no heel bruises or discomfort when landing with these shoes.
Final Thoughts
The Nike SB Air Max Ishod has earned rave reviews for its comfort, performance, and durability. Dakota is a big advocate for the shoe and recommends it as a shoe that will stand up to the wear and tear of skating. Overall, the Air Max Ishod is a versatile, durable, and fun skate shoe to recommend.
