Updated 3 Nov 2026
Is the Nike Air Max SC worth it?
Yes — the cheapest comfy Air Max.
It's light, bends easily and feels comfortable straight out of the box, with a visible Air unit in the heel and a roomy forefoot for a Nike. It costs a lot less than other Air Max models. It runs small and narrow, so many owners go half or a full size up, and the outsole wears down faster than most.
90%of 1,399 owners give it 4 or 5 stars
- Comfortable from day one
- Light and flexible
- The Air Max look for much less
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What owners say
Most verified owners find it comfortable and good-looking for the price; the main complaint is that it runs small and narrow.
Good to know
- Runs small and narrow: many owners go half or a full size up.
- The outsole wears down quickly.
- Some owners find it looks and feels cheaper than pricier Nikes.
- Red versions can bleed colour onto the white when wet.
From 1,399 buyer ratings at Otto (Germany), every complaint read by us, November 2026. How we do this
What they love
- ComfortableMentioned a lot
- Looks greatMentioned often
- Well madeMentioned often
What they complain about
- Runs small or narrowRare
- Wore or came apart earlyRare
Get it if…
- You want a comfy everyday sneaker for little money.
- You want the Air Max look.
- You don't want a break-in period.
Skip it if…
- You want a pair that lasts years — get the 574.
- Coloured leather bleeding in the rain would bother you.
More on the Air Max SC
How we reached this verdict
RunRepeat's lab rated it 89/100: light at 315 g, flexible and comfortable from the first wear, with an outsole that wore 1.8 mm in testing. Captain Creps found it comfortable and wide at the forefoot. Otto's verified buyers are mostly happy; the main complaint is that it runs small and narrow.
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RunRepeat: Nike Air Max SC, Captain Creps: Nike Air Max SC, Nike (specs), RunRepeat: ASICS Gel-1130, RunRepeat: adidas Samba OG, RunRepeat: adidas Gazelle, RunRepeat: New Balance 530, RunRepeat: New Balance 9060, RunRepeat: Nike Air Force 1 '07, RunRepeat: Reebok Club C 85, RunRepeat: Nike Dunk Low, RunRepeat: New Balance 550, RunRepeat: New Balance 574, RunRepeat: Vans Old Skool, RunRepeat: New Balance 2002R, RunRepeat: ASICS Gel-NYC, Captain Creps: sizing guides, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 3 Nov 2026How we decide