Forget about leather uppers: the Nike Air Max 2003 running shoe is built from a high-tech carbon-based fiber manufactured by a Japanese company called Teijin. It's the same recyclable material used to produce automobile interiors. The neo-ballistic fabric not only resists water, it's breathable and looks as if it could stop a flying bullet. Like earlier Air Max models, the full-length air sole returns, this time with a TPU mid-sole unit to support pounding heels. Most importantly, the shoe sports a ventilated support strap on the inside to create the same fluid fit, feel, and appearance of a molded retro track spike. And the clean, spare look of this Air Max is as impressive in town as it is on the track. The shoes even come with a nifty bag to stow them when you're on the road. Go to www.nikeid.com for the metallic red, metallic gray, or cool metallic blue.

-Bret Dougherty

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