Nike Air Max 720 heel comfort for taller wearers

The Nike Air Max 720 has a broad, sculptural heel and a large air cushion, yet its appearance can hide simple fit problems. Taller people may have longer feet, a wider heel-to-toe balance or more clearance around the Achilles tendon. If the shoe is too long, the heel can lift and slide; if it is too narrow or firm, the same area can rub. Comfort depends on secure placement rather than maximum room.

Choose Frees centres its store on discounted Nike footwear, including Free, Air Max, Lunarglide and Lunar Eclipse styles, and promotes free shipping on selected orders, multiple currencies and 24/7 customer support. For a shopper considering the Air Max 720, those services are useful, but product measurements, stock and Australian return terms still need checking before checkout. The 720 is primarily a lifestyle sneaker, so plush cushioning should not be confused with complete running support.

Why the heel must sit securely

Foot size does not rise in a neat line with height. A tall person can have a relatively short foot, while another may need more length but not extra width. Compare the heel width, instep and toe shape of shoes already worn rather than choosing a size from height alone. The Air Max 720’s sizeable air window also makes the rear visually bulky, but visual size does not reveal whether the upper will control your heel.

Heel slip is more than an annoyance. Each small shift can make the collar rub the Achilles or create friction where the heel meets the footbed, especially during a long walk from a train station. A roomy toe box does not prevent this movement, and tightening the laces too aggressively may simply pull the foot forward. You want the heel centred, with light contact rather than pressure.

For taller wearers, the collar’s height also matters. It should clear the tendon without overlapping it, and the rear should feel stable when you bend forward or stand on tiptoe. Test both shoes indoors, walk on a hard surface and check for a soft spot that develops behind the heel. A shoe that feels excellent while standing still may behave differently during a full workday.

Finding the right Australian size

Begin with the footwear you wear most. Put on the socks you expect to use, trace both feet at the end of the day, and measure heel to longest toe in centimetres. Use the longer measurement, then compare it with the retailer’s Nike size chart. This avoids confusing a brand’s US, UK and EU labels with Australian sizing, which can vary between men’s and women’s lasts.

Nike’s Australian men’s range commonly runs from size 7 upward, while women’s sizing uses a different scale and is often narrower through the forefoot. If you are between numbers, do not automatically size up: extra length can increase heel movement. Better fit, extra width or a different lacing pattern may solve the problem. A men’s equivalent can be considered for some feet, but only after comparing actual measurements.

For a new model, consider trying the same Nike style in an Australian Nike stockist before ordering online, especially if you have unusually wide feet or a sensitive Achilles area. Compare two pairs you already own, not your height in centimetres. On Choose Frees, confirm that the listing provides the relevant size chart and ask support about sizing if the measurements are missing. Pricing in AUD and any GST treatment should also be clear before payment.

How the 720 cushioning affects comfort

The 720’s defining feature is its unusually large encapsulated Air unit. It softens landing pressure and gives the heel a springy feel, which can make the first wear feel impressively comfortable. That air chamber does not lock the heel into position, however, and it cannot correct a pronounced foot shape. If the upper moves around the air unit, extra softness may simply allow more sliding.

Comfort comes from several parts working together: the cushion under the heel, the internal heel counter, the collar and the laces. Check that the sidewalls hold the rear without creating hot spots, and that the tongue sits flat across the instep. Pulling the lace lock gradually draws the foot back into the shoe’s intended position; it should not require a tight, restrictive knot.

For everyday outfits, a separate reference such as sneaker styling ideas can help with the proportions of a high-volume sole. Appearance should remain secondary to fit. If heel pain includes tingling, numbness, sharp pain or persistent rubbing, stop wearing the shoes and consult an Australian podiatrist or GP rather than waiting for the cushioning to adapt.

Checks before placing an order

A short checkout routine can prevent the most common sizing errors:

• Compare the listed centimetre measurements with a shoe that fits, rather than relying only on the Nike number.
• Wear your usual socks while testing, because a thin technical sock can change volume and heel position.
• Leave roughly a thumb’s width ahead of the longest toe without allowing your heel to sit too far forward.
• Check that the collar clears the Achilles tendon and that the midfoot does not feel compressed.
• Review the Australian return window, who pays for return postage and how worn soles are handled.
• Confirm the total in Australian dollars, including GST, shipping and any cross-border import charges.

After delivery, wear the pair indoors with the socks and intended trousers you normally use. Walk for at least ten minutes, then inspect the heel for redness, a shifted sock line or marks on the skin. Photograph the shoes and packaging before trying them outside, since a clear record is useful if the pair needs to be returned. The advertised 24/7 support is particularly handy for questions about an exchange.

Everyday comfort across Australia

Australian climates put footwear through very different conditions. Sydney and Brisbane can be humid and hot, Melbourne often changes quickly, Perth is dry and dusty, and Canberra and Melbourne can bring cold mornings with heated indoor spaces. These swings affect socks, skin moisture and outsole wear, so heel comfort should be assessed across a normal week rather than during a brief shop-floor trial.

• Use moisture-wicking socks in humid conditions and change them after a sweaty commute.
• Add a thin layer indoors in air-conditioned offices or heated homes, then remove it outdoors.
• Rinse salt and sand from coastal walks and clean the outsole before it grinds into embedded debris.
• Rotate the Air Max 720 with a firmer daily shoe to reduce continuous compression and moisture exposure.
• Inspect the outsole and heel edge for uneven wear, especially if you walk long distances for work.

Care matters because trapped heat can aggravate friction. Remove the laces and air the shoes after wear, wipe the upper gently, and keep the pair away from radiators or strong direct sun. Do not soak the air unit or use harsh detergent. If the pair feels less responsive after heavy use, allow it to recover and check whether the insole is compressing rather than assuming the Air chamber has failed. Under Australian Consumer Law, a faulty product may also be entitled to a remedy from the retailer.