Nike Air Tech Challenge 20 Review

The Nike Air Tech Challenge 20 is a call back to the classic Air Tech Challenge 2 of 1989/90. The ATC2 was a top of the line performance model at the time, worn predominantly by Andre Agassi, it borrow features from the Air Trainer line and Air Jordan line. The new ATC20 is far from Nike’s top performance model, serve as an homage to the past. The shoe features a synthetic leather material, Air Max cushioning in the heal and a generally chunky ride.

The shoe is quite comfy on foot. The cushion feels very plush and there in plenty of padding around the ankle collar. The medial side of the shoe is cut like a 3/4, while the outside is more of a standard low cut. The purpose of this asymmetrical design is unclear to me, as it does not add toe dragging protection or increase the lateral support of the shoe. It is easy to get a secure fit due to the Flywire system on the upper eyelets.

The aesthetics of this shoe leave a lot to be desired. There are some call outs to the ATC2, such as the lava print, but it just doesn’t feel like enough of an homage. The silhouette is not even close to the old ATC2, and isn’t really modeled after any current performance model, meaning it doesn’t look good on foot or on court. That’s the whole problem with this shoe. It’s a got a confused identity.

It’s supposed to be a performance oriented homage to a style icon. The performance is lackluster. Air Max hasn’t been a viable performance choice for years due to poor durability (the air bags pop) and a mushy unresponsive ride. The synthetic leather is heavy and it doesn’t breathe. There is only SOME Flywire. From a materials and technology stand point, it just feels like a take-down shoe.

I love that Nike is celebrating tennis with shoes like this, but I wish they put a little more thought into the execution.