Lifestyle

Nike Air Max 720 Review: Wearing the tallest Air Max ever

A shoe that’s ultra thicc and chonky

Published

September 27, 2020

Vincenz

The new Air Max 720 may not be as futuristic-looking as the recently-announced Air Max 2090, but Nike still hopes that their 2018-launched sneaker would appeal more to regular sneakerheads and casual wearers alike.

Aside from the fact that they launched more than a handful of colorways for this sneaker line, Nike is also slashing prices for most of these pairs. But what makes the Air Max 720 phenomenal like the rest of the Air Max line? Is it a sneaker you should cop or drop?

Inspiration

Image by GadgetMatch

For a non-sneakerhead (or for those who aren’t aware), Nike’s Air Max 720 was heavily-inspired by nature. The OG colorway was based from the Northern Lights (or also known as Aurora Borealis), thus a visual explanation on how they combined violet/purple, and iridescent streaks around the shoe.

Also, the “720” naming scheme was derived from the 360-degree visibility of the Air Max cushioning — both horizontally and vertically.

Image by GadgetMatch

It looks like somebody had fun playing with colors in Nike’s design lab. Other pairs even depict lava flows, sunset, sunrise, eclipse, and even the Milky Way — plus more in Nike’s Air Max 720 silhouette portfolio.

Packaging

Let’s start by doing a quick unboxing. Unlike other Air Max 720 colorways, my pair comes in this nifty black box — just with shiny, embossed logos and a big “Air 720” text that reveals the subtlety of the glitters when hit by light.

Again, nothing fancy inside. Instead of the iridescent foil wrap, it comes with a white paper wrap with black logos that covers the pair.

Finally, this one reveals the Air Max 720 in Anthracite Black colorway. My first choice was actually the Metallic Silver but it’s not available in the size I prefer. Unlike other loud color options, I picked this one for its stealthy look that goes well with most (if not all) of the outfits I wear.

Image Credit: David Cabrera via Sole Collector

Just for comparison purposes, here’s how the usual packaging looks like when you buy another color option that showcases complete gradience or iridescence.

Image by GadgetMatch

Design and Build Quality

Getting closer to the sneaker itself, the legendary Nike swoosh comes first on the wave-like layer just below the boomerang silhouette (more like an inverted Nike swoosh).

Unlike other Air Max 720 pairs with a smooth mesh fabric and synthetic upper, this colorway comes in a mesh with series of perforations around it. Don’t be confused, it’s still a legit Air Max 720. Nike just loves playing around with their shoe materials.

Another Nike swoosh can be found at the front part, just inside the flipped boomerang outline. Those series of lines really imitate a lava flowing — which Nike has thought about when they’re first making the shoe.

Finally, here’s the star of the show! This is the unique cushioning unit with the ‘720’ monicker on it. It may look like it will explode when you step on it, but it’s durable enough to withstand heavy steps and stomps.

The Air Max 720 is currently Nike’s tallest Air Max unit. With a 38mm height, it easily dwarfs the 32mm ante of the Air Max 270 React. If you’re someone who’s looking for an instant height booster, this sneaker easily serves the purpose. I have an average height of 170cm but I instantly went up to 174 cm after wearing this pair.

A sneaker inspired by nature should also care about the nature. Nike says 75% of the shoe’s material is made from recycled manufacturing waste which helps the company achieve a sustainable future goal.

Sizing and fit

Trying the Air Max 720 for the first time was weird and amusing at the same time. Unlike other sneakers I have, this one felt like I was walking on a huge bubble while part of my feet touch the ground.

Other reviewers said that walking with this pair takes a little bit of a learning curve especially because of Nike’s unique cushioning technology. I honestly enjoyed walking on it for the first few hours. But after around 4-5 hours of casual walking and strolling, I felt sore around my toe area.

If you’re a wide-footer like me, I would suggest going half a size (1/2 or 0.5-inch) up. My foot size is 11 but I should’ve just trusted my instinct to buy an 11.5 pair instead for that added allowance and breathing area. Nonetheless, TTS (true-to-size) runs fine as long as you wear thinner socks or if you have a narrow feet.

Performance

I’m not a gym freak yet when I tried doing home workouts, my movements felt a little bit restricted. I’m neither a professional dancer but I also tried dancing with this pair. If the choreography consists a lot of bending, flexing or even kneeling, the sneaker’s stiff base was one factor that hindered me from freely moving and gliding.

I also tried jumping and stomping on it several times — yet the bubble is firm and durable enough to support my weight (around 75 kilograms). I’ve seen no distortions after testing out its bouncing ability. Still, it’s not as comfortable as my Nike Air Max 97 or adidas UltraBoost’s cloud-like cushioning.

Even if the bounce cushioning is there, this particular sneaker isn’t meant for strenuous activities — especially if it’s basketball or any other sport. Don’t confuse Air Max 720 with the Air Max 270 React as this one doesn’t have Nike’s React technology specifically meant for running.

Is this your SneakerMatch?

If you’re just looking for a casual sneaker to wear when you run errands around the block or just want a new pair for your pandemic OOTD 🤷🏻‍♂️, Nike’s Air Max 720 is definitely worthy to buy. If you want to add over an extra inch to your overall stature, this sneaker also serves that purpose.

But if you’re looking for a pair that’s meant for running, workout, basketball, or any other sport with serious comfort in it, this isn’t the right one to get. Some professional dancers might like the added height boost but if you think you won’t get comfortable with this peculiar Air bubble technology especially if you move a lot around an area, consider choosing another sneaker instead.

The Nike Air Max 720 retails for US$ 180 / PhP 8,995 / SG$ 125 / INR 15,995. I was able to secure this particular colorway but it eventually got sold out except in the US. In men’s sizing, there are other colorways to choose from for as low as US$ 107.97 / PhP 5,939 / SG$ 139.90 / INR 8,497. It’s best to grab these discounted pairs before they totally run out.

Dating

Tinder now lets users specify pronouns and relationship type

Including non-monogamous relationships

Published

March 17, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

The world of dating evolves by the day. As long as consent exists between all parties involved, dating can happen between persons of different genders and quantities. To reflect on how the world is now, Tinder is allowing users to specify their preferred pronouns and monogamous/non-monogamous relationship types.

The availability of pronoun preference has been a long time coming for the popular dating app. With gender exploration and fluidity being important parts for today’s identity building, defining pronouns, especially on a dating platform, adds a lot of value for people looking for partners. Starting now, Tinder will offer 15 options for users and the ability to choose up to four from that pool.

In addition to more pronouns, Tinder will also allow users to specify what type of relationship they are interested in. Specifically, they can specify if they’re interested in monogamy, ethical non-monogamy, open relationships, polyamory, or are open to exploring. According to a survey from the company, 41 percent of Gen Z users are interested in non-monogamous relationships, prompting the availability of these options.

Finally, Tinder will also allow users to select how long of a relationship they are looking for. Users can now specify if they want a long-term relationship, long-term open to short, short-term open to long, short-term, new friends, or are still figuring it out.

However, the new features are not available everywhere just yet. For now, the United States is getting all three features.

Automotive

Why the next-gen Ford Ranger is a Spartan-approved vehicle

Packed with creature comforts that make driving and being a Spartan easier!

Published

March 13, 2023

MJ Jucutan

A few years ago, I was only dreaming of becoming a Spartan. I took a leap of faith by taking on a Spartan Race back in 2022 in the midst of a hurricane, running through a 10-kilometer muddy trail.

In case you didn’t know, Spartan Race is the world’s premier obstacle course race hosted across the globe. It tests the limits and grit of an athlete, transforming anyone to be their strongest and most unbreakable self.

Three races in and I’ve clocked a total of 36 kilometers, ending the year as a full-fledged Spartan. A 10-kilometer muddy trail in Vermosa; a 5-kilometer trail run inside Timberland Heights; and a 21-kilometer mixed trail in Alviera.

As the 2023 season begins, I was dead-set on taking my first Age Group (competitive) category and a back-to-back race on the same day. All my gears were Spartan-ready, and all that was left was a vehicle appropriate for a Spartan.

Spartan-grade vehicle

In my quest to prepare for my most enduring race yet, Ford lent me the Next-Gen Ford Ranger. The Next-Gen Ford Ranger arrived in a Blue Lightning colorway, emanating strength and speed. It was instantly a head-turner, catching the attention of other commuters and passersby.

Everything about the Ranger screams Spartan. The vehicle exudes the same ethos we live for. It’s battle-ready, extremely durable, and insanely powerful.

Previous races L-R: Vermosa 10K Trail (September 2022), Timberland 5K Sprint (November 2022), Alviera 21K Trail (December 2022)

Not to mention, it has striking looks — which I always exude whenever I take on a race. How can you get noticed by event photographers if you won’t play with colors, right?

It looked strong and it made us feel powerful. “Us” as a collective because the emotional state doesn’t just pulsate with the driver, but also with its passengers. One weekend with the Ranger and we felt like warriors. Ready to take on any challenges that we can conquer.

Made for Spartans

Just because I’m a Spartan doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the creature comforts the Next-Gen Ford Ranger brings. In fact, I am trained to be uncomfortable but the vehicle’s features allow me to pursue the Spartan lifestyle.

Call it a paradox but we take the convenience of having a comfortable ride and/or drive so we can train our minds and bodies to be familiar with pain and discomfort. As a modern-day Spartan, life isn’t all about battles and preparing for war under the heat of the sun.

We wage our fights through our day jobs, balancing our personal lives, while also developing our bodies to be ready for sports.

Having a tech-infused vehicle enables me to freely pursue the life of a Spartan. If you’re familiar with Ford’s driving experience, which we have mentioned several times here in GadgetMatch, it’s always buttery-smooth.

Even with a humongous body, I can maneuver the steering wheels easily. As someone who drives small cars, I felt the heft and the pain of driving a bigger automobile. But the features packed inside the vehicle made driving smoother — both for rookies and seasoned drivers.

When a smartphone and a vehicle match!

With every technology update to Ford’s lineup of automobiles, it’s becoming more of a tech machine each year. The Next-Gen Ford Ranger is no exception with the ability to use FordPass Connect. If you’ve been living under a rock, FordPass is Ford’s newest technology utilizing remote control functions for the vehicle through an app.

When I was in a hurry and I couldn’t locate my keys, I used the FordPass app on my iPhone to remotely unlock the Ford Ranger. Through the app, I was able to remotely start the vehicle so I can turn on the air conditioner even before I step in. I was also able to stop the engine, lock the car, and check the fuel level — all in one space.

What I like the most is the vehicle locator feature, which allows me to find the Ford Ranger in crowded parking areas. Thankfully, I didn’t have to use the feature when the Ranger was parked in Vermosa’s gravel lot since I was the only one with a vehicle in a striking blue colorway.

Aside from FordPass, the accessibility and ease of use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allowed everyone to connect with the vehicle to help in navigation and music playback. We sang “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus while on our way to Alabang so we can hopefully shake our pre-race jitters.

I personally love the bigger, best-in-class 12-inch portrait touchscreen that allows me to see an overview of the map, adjust music playback, and even have a space for responding to calls and messages.

The perfect companion for an endurance race

For a pick-up truck, the Ranger offers extremely comfortable space for its passengers. We picked up Alison — my friend, a teacher, and an elite athlete — partaking in the first race of the weekend. Alison competed with elite and national athletes, hopefully qualifying for the national team.

Alison, together with other competitive athletes, gleefully took some rest in the back seat while in transit. They loved the leg space and the coziness the couches offered. The same experience goes for the front passenger seat, which I took as I was playing with the car’s features while my friend Betty took on the wheels.

When female Spartans are lovin’ it

Perhaps, the people who enjoyed the Ranger the most are Spartan women that I befriended after my first race. Jomi and Betty, competitive athletes who are consistently part of the Top 10 of their respective age groups, took over the wheel while I was exploring the Ranger’s features and technology.

Recently, I have learned that the Next-Gen Ford Ranger is officially the best 4×4 and pick-up according to the Women’s World Car of the Year judges. It won for a multitude of reasons; the same reasons that Jomi and Betty loved when they experienced driving the Ranger.

From excellent ride and handling, a suite of advanced driver-assist technologies and other safety features, an upgraded chassis and suspension, and the bold and confident look that resonates with strong, independent women. What more can they ask for?

Fostering a sense of community

What I love about the Next-Gen Ford Ranger is how it builds a sense of community, the same way a Spartan race brings people together. Parked in the gravels of Vermosa, the Ford Ranger became a holding area for my friends and teammates.

We used the cargo box to house our bags, equipment, and food. We were able to gather behind, passing jokes and drinks after an exhilarating day.

I used to do things alone and now, I’m surrounded by like-minded people — which was the best plot twist I’ve had so far. And even if it’s just for a weekend, I’m grateful that the Next-Gen Ford Ranger helped in making my first competitive and back-to-back race memorable.

Even with an aching body, the Ranger offered a smooth, safe, and reliable ride on our way home. It’s definitely a Spartan-grade vehicle, made for modern-day Spartans.

The Next-Gen Ford Ranger comes with a 5-year warranty. The longer warranty offering will cover the Next-Gen Ranger for up to 5 years or a total mileage of up to 150,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.

For more information, visit the Ford Ranger page on the website to reserve the next-gen Ranger through www.ford.com.ph or check your nearest Ford dealer.

Health

How Watsons is revolutionizing wellness in the Philippines

The race for wellness

After a long flight from Spain, I headed to the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds where the race took place. Instead of just attending the event as a part of the media, I also participated even though my body wasn’t in the condition to take a race. What a brave soul, aren’t I?

The Race for Wellness offered different categories: 5K, 10K, and 21K. Each distance has plenty of surprises along the way, from drum beaters and cheerers to Filipino-themed Wellness zone obstacles. Foam and water fest stations were also set up, which got me sprinting when I passed through them on my 5K race.

Of course, your boy crossed the finish line swiftly, ranking 30th overall with a 28:53 chip time and 29:03 gun time. On another note, an awarding ceremony was held for the winners per category. For 21KM, Welfred Esporma topped the males with 1:14:51 gun time while April Rose Diaz finished strong at 1:36:20.

Alfrene Braza swiftly ran through other males at the 10K race with 0:34:20 gun time, followed by Saltanat Simbina topping the women with 0:48:27 gun time.

Meanwhile, the 5K race was dominated by Mark Angelo Biagtan (0:17:08) and Princess Valerie (0:25:38).

Wellness is for everyone

Watsons believe that wellness is for everyone, inviting anyone to join the race. Aside from runners, fitness enthusiasts, and even celebrities, Cancer survivors from the Philippine General Hospital have also participated in the event.

“The fun run is one of Watsons’ many ways to wellness, with the ultimate goal of encouraging everyone toward a healthy journey of always looking and feeling their best. Good health is a right and is needed to lead happy and productive lives. It, however, requires effort and making the right lifestyle choices,” says Jared De Guzman, Watsons Director for Customer Division.

Medical Associations namely, the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), the Philippine Physical Therapy Association (PPTA), and the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO) were also present at the event to bring their support and amplify the call for health and wellness.

Revolutionizing health and wellness

While fun runs are one way of promoting good health and an active lifestyle, Watsons takes it up a notch with expert care, advice, and a platform for health literacy.

As a celebration of over 1,000 stores in the Philippines, Watsons launched its self-checkout counter. It also brought SkinFie lab, a scanner that gives free skin assessment.

In an interview with Jared De Guzman, the executive discussed with GadgetMatch its plans to promote the Watsons Health Hub. It’s an online one-stop shop offering subscription plans, laboratory and diagnostic tests, teleconsultations, and more.

De Guzman also discussed how medicines and other essentials are now easily accessible, thanks to Watsons mobile app. Customers can now purchase and pick up their orders from selected stores in just 30 minutes or less through Click & Collect. For those who want to receive the orders directly at their doorsteps, there’s also the Home Delivery Express.

The company is also driving health and wellness literacy, partnering with the Department of Health (DOH) and medical associations.

When asked when is the next Race for Wellness, Watsons hinted that in the coming months, it will focus on other forms of being active such as biking, dancing, and so on.

For your beauty and health needs, go to your nearest Watsons branch, visit the official website at watsons.com.ph, or download the official website on the App Store or Google Play. Visit the Watsons Health Hub for more health information and tips.