Lifestyle

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

A shoe that’s ultra thicc and chonky

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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.

Lifestyle

Nike’s Alphafly 4 is built for the part of the marathon ~that actually hurts~

Made to protect your stride when fatigue sets in.

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Every marathoner knows the exact moment the race truly begins.

It’s not at the starting line amidst the early morning excitement, but around the 32-kilometer mark, when your legs begin to feel heavy and your form starts to fall apart.

Nike designed its latest marathon racer specifically for that critical window. The Alphafly 4 shifts the focus away from chasing sheer top-end speed, targeting instead the physical breakdown that happens late in a long run.

By studying how fatigue alters a runner’s mechanics over time, Nike rebuilt its flagship distance shoe to help athletes maintain their stride when energy starts to dip.

Holding the line when fatigue sets in

On the road, the shoe operates as a complete, unified system designed to protect your stride.

A redesigned Atomknit upper wraps the foot with breathable support, using targeted midfoot cables and an integrated heel unit to keep your fit secure without adding unnecessary weight or friction over long distances.

Underfoot, the new ZoomX LT foam layer works alongside Nike’s contoured carbon-fiber Flyplate. The lighter foam returns maximum energy with every footfall, while the plate smooths out your rolling motion.

Together with dual forefoot Air Zoom units and a durable Fast Shot outsole, the setup keeps your cadence consistent and your legs feeling fresh well into the back half of the race.

As Emily Farina from the Nike Sport Research Lab notes, their goal was to help runners stay confident, balanced, and capable from the start line all the way to the finish.

Built on the miles that came before

That focus on real-world endurance stems directly from athlete testing.

Nike developed the shoe using feedback from its Project Dreamweaver initiative and extensive trials with women distance runners, prioritizing stability and comfort alongside high performance.

The lineage carries significant weight. The Alphafly family has grounded some of distance running’s greatest moments, from historic sub-two-hour efforts to major course records.

With the Alphafly 4, that legacy translates directly into everyday marathon training, helping athletes hold their target pace just a little bit longer. Marathoners won’t have to wait long to feel the difference on race day.

The Nike Alphafly 4 drops in an early, limited release on September 17 at nike.com, followed by a wider global release on October 29 online and at select retail stores.

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Entertainment

SEGA, Netflix announce Crazy Taxi film adaptation

1st in planned slate of film adaptations, including Sonic and STRANGER THAN HEAVEN

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SEGA and Netflix have announced a new Crazy Taxi film adaptation. This will usher in a new collaboration era with the parties also developing adaptations for Sonic and STRANGER THAN HEAVEN.

Such a slate of future adaptations reflects the range of SEGA’s library as it draws on Netflix’s experience bringing beloved game worlds to new audiences.

The first project features Crazy Taxi, which will be written by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand. The beloved writing duo was behind the 2025 reboot of The Naked Gun.

Also on board to help helm the production are the same visionaries behind the Sonic franchise: Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher, and Toru Nakahara.

Crazy Taxi has been an arcade hit since 1999, putting players behind the wheel of a fearless cabbie racing the clock through chaotic city streets.

There’s flying off ramps, dodging traffic, and chasing tips with punk-rock energy that has become the series’ signature.

The latest title in the franchise, Crazy Taxi: World Tour, is set for a 2027 release. You can watch its trailer below:

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Entertainment

Now Playing: Resident Evil

Horror and comedy join forces in Zach Cregger’s latest masterpiece.

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The intersection between horror and comedy is separated by a thin wall of air. In modern times, we’ve seen comedy legends, such as Jordan Peele and John Krasinski, make the successful jump into horror. Some have theorized that laughter is a pain response, which links it to the adrenaline-filled thrill of experiencing horror. Personally, I believe that mastering comedic timing also complements the timing of scary moments in horror. Comedy-trained directors just get it. That’s why the melding of the two genres is always something to look for, and that’s why Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil is a must watch.

Coming from last year’s Weapons, Cregger established himself in the annals of horror history, despite learning the art of filmmaking from cult comedy classics like Miss March and The Whitest Kids U’Know. Weapons (and Barbarian before it) expertly balances the essentials of horror with dark comedy. If you’ve seen either of these movies, then you know what you’re in for with Resident Evil.

Based on the games or the past movies?

Resident Evil is tagged as second reboot of the movie franchise after 2021’s disastrous attempt, starring Kaya Scodelario, which barely registered a hiccup in the oeuvre of Resident Evil films. However, like 2021’s failure, Cregger’s take bases itself primarily on the events of the games, specifically around the plot of Resident Evil 2.

Bryan, a medical courier played by Austin Abrams, is tasked with delivering a top-priority package to Raccoon City. Unbeknownst to him, the way leading into Raccoon City (and the fabled city itself) is already overrun with mutated monstrosities.

And so, Bryan, a courier inexperienced with combat (much less surviving against zombies), must fight his way into the city to deliver his charge.

A worthy protagonist

Over the years, the franchise has seesawed between capable action heroes, like Leon Kennedy, and those who can barely survive, like Biohazard‘s Ethan Winters. On that scale, Bryan falls deeply into Winters’s side of the spectrum. He’s ill-equipped to survive a zombie apocalypse. He even admits that his barebones knowledge of guns comes from videogames. He attempts to shoot locks, thinking they’d work as they do in games. He is not a character you’d want to follow if you’re looking for a gruff man gunning down hordes of zombies with a machine gun.

But that’s exactly what makes this horror film worth watching. Bryan is us. Though there were times I was screaming at the screen because he wouldn’t do the obviously logical thing of running away from blatant traps, our fragile protagonist mimics how we would all react in a horrific situation: a deer in the headlights stuck staring.

Every situation feels more frightful. You don’t know how you’d react. He doesn’t know how he’d react. We’re just stuck trailing along for his ride. If he lingers too long looking at a zombie about to bite him, you have no choice but to look along with him. As a horror protagonist, he’s perfect.

When a camera does the work

Of course, inept protagonists aren’t new to horror. Practically all good horror films will feature a helpless hero standing up to the monster. See: the “final girl” era of horror.

Resident Evil elevates this trope by allowing the camera to do the heavy lifting. The film’s expert transitions into first-person perspectives and over-the-shoulder ones amp up the frights. When Bryan sweeps a room with a gun, the camera takes you down to the muzzle. You become the one sweeping along with him. You see the darkness as he does. The style creates an impressive layer of immersion that brings you into his trauma. Plus, if we’re going with comparisons, the transitions feel like a game taking you from a cutscene back into control of your character.

And it’s not just the perspectives, too. The film mimics several tense moments oft found in horror games, like gingerly creeping through a thin ledge when one false move can mean plummeting to your death. Resident Evil also has scenes in a dark tunnel, the sewers, and an overrun hospital. It’s a veritable who’s who of horror settings. But they all just work. It’s like you’re in a Resident Evil game.

When goofy becomes scary

But that’s enough of how the movie was made. How scary is it?

Taking them from their respective contexts, each monster is goofy. There’s an infirm zombie spewing acid bile that Bryan just bullies around. There’s a seemingly innocent young girl with a tentacle foot. There’s a zombie katamari.

And if that’s not enough, the casting is filled with masters of comedic timing like Paul Walter Hauser, Zach Cherry, and Austin Abrams himself. The first two play bumbling representatives of Umbrella Corporation, people who are too incompetent to do their job. Abrams is the bumbling everyman who can’t make heads or tails of what’s happening. Comedy is a living, breathing presence in this film.

But that’s not to say that this is a comedy film. The horror is still top notch. Cregger just knows how to time everything right.

Unlike modern films today, like in The Conjuring universe, Resident Evil is not a scare-a-minute film. It will not bombard you with jumpscares.

Now, to be fair, there are a fair bit including fakeouts. In fact, under normal circumstances, I’d dislike how many there are. But here, each jumpscare comes with a lengthy period to catch your breath. The film gives you time to relax, to laugh, and, eventually, lower your guard for the next scare. It’s a balanced pace that’s kept up throughout the entire film.

This is exactly how you should pace a horror movie.

Should you watch Resident Evil?

Even with its uniquely comedic style, Resident Evil is one of the most faithful adaptations of a video game I’ve ever seen. Like a game, Cregger’s pacing knows when to let you, the viewer, breathe and when to thrust you back into its monstrosities.

Humor will always go hand in hand with horror. Though the responses to these two categories are technically different, they’re both genres about facing the unexpected. On the box, Resident Evil says that it’s a horror film, but it’s so much more. If you want to laugh, cry, and cower in fear all in the same movie, this is the movie to watch.

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