If you want to appear taller, Nike shoes are a good choice because they often have thicker soles than other sneakers. But with many models available, it’s hard to know which one will add the most height in inches.
To help you look taller and stylish, we’ve listed the best Nike shoes, ranked by sole thickness. By the end, you’ll know the best Nike pair for you.
Nike Shoes That Make You Taller (Ranked By Height)
The Nike Air Max collection adds more height than other Nike collections.
These shoes have great cushioning and offer good support. The added height is from the shoe’s design, not just the insole. The shoes might compress a bit when worn.
Here are the top 20 Nike shoes that make you taller, ranked from shortest to highest:
20. Nike Ebernon
Height Added: 0.75 inches (1.9 cm)
Brand new, the Nike Ebernon adds about 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) of height.
The Nike Ebernon, designed for casual use, has a look similar to the iconic Air Force 1 and is inspired by basketball sneakers. The shoe offers key features such as support and comfort.
However, its budget-friendly price stands out as its most interesting aspect. The design of the shoe is simple, so it pairs well with any outfit.
Although the shoe becomes comfortable over time, some wearers mentioned a break-in period is required. Nevertheless, the Nike Ebernon is an affordable pair for daily use.
19. Nike Air Jordan 1
Height Added: 0.83 inches (2.1 cm)
Brand new, the Nike Air Jordan 1 adds about 0.83 inches (2.1 cm) of height.
The Air Jordan Ones, another iconic sneaker from Nike, was introduced in 1985. When Michael Jordan first wore them, they violated the NBA’s uniform policy. Every time Michael Jordan wore them, the league fined him $5,000.
Today, the Air Jordan 1 represents Michael Jordan’s legacy. Sneakerheads worldwide adore this timeless and iconic pair.
However, the shoe doesn’t add much height for the wearer.
18. Nike Court Borough
Height Added: 0.87 inches (2.2 cm)
Brand new, the Nike Court Borough adds about 0.87 inches (2.2 cm) of height.
The Nike Court Borough looks like the Air Force 1 but has thinner soles, so it adds less height. The shoe has a classic basketball look but is designed for daily wear. It can easily match with any outfit.
The shoe is affordable, making it a budget sneaker. The Court Borough, with its sleek athletic look, is great for those wanting a retro style without spending much. However, it adds little height.
17. Nike Flex RN
Height Added: 0.87 inches (2.2 cm)
Brand new, the Nike Flex RN adds about 0.87 inches (2.2 cm) of height.
The Nike Flex RN is simple, versatile, and built for movement. The shoe’s upper has a new design with a clean look. It also has light cushioning for better foot support. It’s designed for running but suits all-day wear.
The Nike Flex RN uses dual-density foam and flex grooves for a natural run. Many runners find the Nike Flex RN both stylish and functional. Unfortunately, the shoe only adds 0.87 inches of height.
16. Nike Free
Height Added: 1.06 inches (2.7 cm)
Brand new, the Nike Free adds about 1.06 inches (2.7 cm) of height.
As the name suggests, Nike Free aims to give your feet freedom. The Nike Free technology supports your feet’s natural movement, letting you run as nature intended. The entire Nike Free shoe is both flexible and supportive.
Though it feels like a barefoot shoe, the Nike Free adds 1.06 inches of height, good for a minimalist design. The shoe has a minimal design with breathable materials, fitting snugly like a second skin.
15. Nike Shox Arrow
Height Added: 1.18 inches (3 cm)
Brand new, the Nike Shox Arrow adds about 1.18 inches (3 cm) of height.
Although Nike has discontinued the Shox line, some stores still sell it. Shox technology focuses on shock absorption, making the heel feel springy for support and comfort.
Nike says Shox absorbs running impact and also “springs back” to boost a runner’s stride.
Fun fact: comedian Jerry Seinfeld is a big fan of Nike Shox sneakers.
14. Nike Air Jordan Future
Height Added: 1.18 inches (3 cm)
Brand new, the Nike Air Jordan Future adds about 1.18 inches (3 cm) of height.
The Nike Air Jordan Future, introduced in 2014, adopted the sole and midsole from the Air Jordan 11. The Air Jordan Future, with its woven upper, showcases a fresh look from the iconic Jordan brand.
It adds about 1.18 inches of height to the wearer.
Flight Club says the Nike Air Jordan Future is as comfy as the light Nike Roshe Run and has a sturdy basketball sole. The colored soles give it a unique look compared to other shoes.
13. Nike Roshe Run
Height Added: 1.18 inches (3 cm)
Brand new, the Nike Roshe Run adds about 1.18 inches (3 cm) of height.
The Nike Roshe Run is one of the most comfortable sneakers. The Nike Roshe’s design is simple. It’s lightweight and well-cushioned, making walking or running feel comfortable.
The Roshe Run stands out because of its Phylon midsole for padding and its light, breathable mesh upper. Its simple design suits both running and casual wear.
After their release, the shoes changed footwear with their straightforward design. Now, many sneakers resemble the Nike Roshe.
12. Nike Air Force 1
Height Added: 1.18 inches (3 cm)
Brand new, the Nike Air Force 1 adds about 1.18 inches (3 cm) of height.
Many are surprised that the hefty-looking Nike Air Force 1 ranks lower on the list. However, they add only 1.18 inches of height, less than the top three height-adding Nike shoes.
The Nike Air Force 1, designed by Bruce Kilgore in 1982, was the first basketball shoe with Nike Air technology. It changed the game and sneaker world. Many sneakers now resemble the revolutionary Nike Air Force One.
This shows the AF1’s influence.
11. Nike Air Max 90
Height Added: 1.2 inches (3.1 cm)
Brand new, the Nike Air Max 90 adds about 1.2 inches (3.1 cm) of height.
Footwear designer Tinker Hatfield, famous for collaborating with Michael Jordan, created the Nike Air Max 90 (formerly Air Max III) for lightweight comfort. Its streamlined shape boosts speed, and it has bold patterns.
The bright infrared colorway is a top collaboration for the Nike Air Max 90. The AM90 is iconic and among Nike’s most popular sneakers, seen in many collaborations over the years.
These sneakers also add about 1.2 inches of height.
10. Nike Reax 9 TR
Height Added: 1.22 inches (3.1 cm)
Brand new, the Nike Reax 9 TR adds about 1.22 inches (3.1 cm) of height.
Unlike the other sneakers we’ve discussed, the Nike Reax 9 TR is a cross-training shoe designed for comfort and active support. The shoe’s treaded sole provides reliable traction.
Many consider the Reax 9 TR one of Nike’s top-performing trainers.
The shoe’s upper uses synthetic materials and Flywire cables, ensuring a secure fit without limiting foot movement. The Reax 9 TR offers responsive cushioning and a light build for better athletic performance.
9. Nike Air VaporMax
Height Added: 1.3 inches (3.3 cm)
Brand new, the Nike Air VaporMax adds about 1.3 inches (3.3 cm) of height.
The Nike Air VaporMax combines features from the 1998 Air Max Plus and the 2017 VaporMax. The shoe features a clear but foggy VaporMax Air Unit, adding noticeable height for the wearer.
The shoe’s upper is made of nubuck and neoprene, ensuring comfort. The Nike Air VaporMax features stitched overlays and classic accents, reflecting a 1990s retro style.
The Nike Air VaporMax stands out as a unique and stylish Nike sneaker that offers great comfort.
8. Nike Air Max Ltd 3
Height Added: 1.34 inches (3.4 cm)
Brand new, the Nike Air Max Ltd 3 adds about 1.34 inches (3.4 cm) of height.
The Nike Air Max Ltd 3’s midsole combines polyurethane and an Air Max Unit for cushioned comfort. The shoe has a durable rubber outsole for better traction. Its upper blends leather and synthetic overlays for a stylish look.
Like other Air Max models, the Nike Air Max Ltd 3 has a foam midsole and Max Air cushioning for day-long lightweight comfort. These shoes not only add height but also support longer daily wear.
7. Nike Air Max 270
Height Added: 1.34 inches (3.4 cm)
Brand new, the Nike Air Max 270 adds about 1.34 inches (3.4 cm) of height.
The Air Max 270 is Nike’s first lifestyle Air Max, offering style, comfort, and a bold look. Inspired by past Air Max designs, this shoe features vibrant colors and a visible Air Unit in the heel, highlighting Nike’s innovative approach.
The shoe’s upper blends materials like mesh, leather, and nubuck, giving it a confident look. Despite its stylish design, the shoe’s large Air Unit in the heel ensures comfort and adds height.
6. Nike Air Max 1
Height Added: 1.34 inches (3.4 cm)
Brand new, the Nike Air Max 1 adds about 1.34 inches (3.4 cm) of height.
While the concept of Air Units in Nike shoes isn’t new, the Air Max 1, introduced in 1987, was the first to showcase a visible Air Unit. The Air Max 1, designed for runners, emphasizes speed with its lightweight build.
Today, the Nike Air Max 1 is beloved by many and remains a classic Nike sportswear item. The shoe’s design, inspired by graffiti art, adds vibrant colors and a unique feel. The Air Max 1 is frequently customized using unique fabrics and colors.
5. Nike Air Max 180
Height Added: 1.38 inches (3.5 cm)
Brand new, the Nike Air Max 180 adds about 1.38 inches (3.5 cm) of height.
The Air Max 180 was Nike’s first shoe with 180° visible Air cushioning, later replaced by the Air Max 720. The 180° visible Air cushioning was achieved by bonding the urethane outsole to the Air Unit, so the Air Unit touches the ground with every step.
With all the typical features of an Air Max shoe, the Nike Air Max 180 stands out due to its simple, minimalistic design. Designed with running in mind, the shoe is perfect for comfortable, all-day casual wear and is lightweight.
4. Nike Shox Turbo
Height Added: 1.42 inches (3.6 cm)
Brand new, the Nike Shox Turbo adds about 1.42 inches (3.6 cm) of height.
Nike discontinued the Shox feature in 2017, but shoes like the Shox Turbo are still available. Later Shox models included one or two more cushioning units, but their heights differed.
The Shox Turbo is the tallest of all Nike Shox. Introduced in 2000, the Shox feature consists of small polyurethane hollow columns in the midsole that support the shoe’s heel. These hollow columns significantly increase height.
3. Nike Air Max 95
Height Added: 1.46 inches (3.7 cm)
Brand new, the Nike Air Max 95 adds about 1.46 inches (3.7 cm) of height.
Like other shoes in the Air Max line, the Nike Air Max 95 has a full-length Air Unit that significantly increases height. The design draws inspiration from the human body and running DNA, offering both comfort and standout style.
Nike states that the Air Max 95’s side panels symbolize strength, while its bright colors highlight boldness. The Air unit in the heels and forefoot ensures all-day comfort and support.
2. Nike Air Max 200
Height Added: 1.54 inches (3.9 cm)
Brand new, the Nike Air Max 200 adds about 1.54 inches (3.9 cm) of height.
The Nike Air Max 200, with its bulky look and color-blocking design, lets you relive the 90’s era. Similar to the Nike Air Max 720, the Air Max 200 features a cushioned Air Unit for great shock absorption and added height.
The shoe’s cushioned midsole and visible heel Air Max unit contain 200% more air than standard Air Max units. This ensures a comfortable fit, ideal for daily wear and extended walking. In fact, many praise the comfort of the shoes.
1. Nike Air Max 720
Height Added: 1.6 inches (4.1 cm)
Brand new, the Nike Air Max 720 adds about 1.6 inches (4.1 cm) of height.
Nike’s Senior Creative Director, Dylan Raasch, and Footwear Designer, Jesi Small, were assigned to elevate the Air Max to the next level. In 2018, the Nike Air Max 720 was born, taking the Air Max line to new heights (literally).
The 720, a new addition to the Air Max line, is Nike’s tallest sneaker to date. The Air Unit, filled with pressurized air, spans the shoe’s full length. The Air Unit is visible from all angles, both horizontally and vertically, giving the shoe its name, 720.
Thanks to the abundant cushioning, the shoes are comfy and add significant height.
Did we miss any Nike shoes that make you taller? Let us know right here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many questions arise about the heights of Nike sneakers. We will do our best to answer all questions, and we’ll continuously add new ones here. Below are common questions about the heights of Nike shoes.
1. Do Nikes make you taller?
All Nike shoes increase height, but some add more than others.
The Air Max collection typically adds the most height due to its Nike Air technology. This technology uses pressurized air in a durable bag to offer bounce without losing shape.
2. What are the tallest Nike shoes?
The Nike Air Max 720 features a full-length Air Unit. This adds 1.6 inches (4.1 cm) of height, making it the tallest Nike shoe to date.
3. Which Nike Air Max makes you taller?
Nike Air Max shoes increase height due to their cushioned Air Unit. Among them, the Nike Air Max 720 adds the most height, giving an extra 1.6 inches (4.1 cm) when new.
4. How much taller do Nike Blazers make you?
The Nike Blazers have a sole height of 1 inch and a heel height of 1.2 inches. When you wear Nike Blazers, the soles compress slightly, adding about 1 inch to your height.
You may also want to read: