From icon to major inspiration: this is everything you want to know about the Nike Air Max 90

Within the fashion industry there are only a items and shoes that have eternal youth. Most trends come and go and stick for only a couple of years. For the Nike Air Max 90, that is a whole different story. One of the most iconic Nike Air Max trainers have been immensely popular for decades. How did this all start? We’ll tell you all the facts that you want to know about Nike.

Nike Air Max 90 history

It all began with the Nike Air Max 1 and Nike didn’t have to wait long for a successful successor. In 1990, the brand again conquered many hearts with the Nike Air Max 90m, which was then called Nike Air Max 3. In 1989 Nike had already tried to reach a wider audience with the Nike Air Max 2, later known as the Nike Air Max Light, but these were not as successful as the AM1 and the AM 90.

Tinker Hatfield, the designer of the Nike Air Max 90, is also related to the Nike Air Max 1. The main difference between these trainers is that the Air Max 90 has a larger visible Air Unit than its predecessor. The enlarged Air Unit had more flexibility to offer which lead to even better running performances. The multifunctional character was well received. The Nike Air Max 90 was the first shoe of the collection with a versatile lacing system to improve the fit.

Today the Nike Air Max is not only known as a running shoe, it is mostly known as a casual trainer worn by people from all walks of life. This was not always the case though. Back in the ‘90s, right after the Nike Air Max was released, mainly hardcore runners or people that could or would spend a lot of money on shoes wore these trainers. That changed over the years; the Nike Air Max 90 became the flagship for social diversity. From rich business people, artists to locals of The Bronx NY, everybody just loved the Nike Air Max 90. Even the hard to reach skaters accepted the Air Max 90 in their scene.

Yet the story of the Nike Air Max 90 is, according to trainers-fans, less valued than the other iconic models of the Air Max collection. Mainly the commercial approach of Nike made this model loved by all walks of life. After the popular Nike Air Max 1 the brand wanted to build on this success with new trainers. That is why the Air Max 90 has a less impressive cultural contribution than the other legendary models.

The OG Nike Air Max 90

When you hear Infrared, you think of the Nike Air Max 90. The original colourway is so connected to the Air Max 90, that you can not see them apart from each other. But there is a catch: the term ‘Infrared’ was not in use when the OG Nike Air Max 90 was launched in 1990! Back then, the OG in a colour composition of grey, white, black with red accents was named Radiant Red. In 2003 this colourway was renamed the well-known Infrared.

There is something else going on with the original colourway. According to Nike experts, the first Nike Air Max 90 did not have a red accent at all. The first posters of this model show that the colour is more orange and relates to the Hyvent Orange colourway. According to them, Nike started using the red accents at an exclusive European and Asian release in 2003.

The ‘One Time Only’ Nike Air Max 90 – 360

We already know that Nike loves experimenting and has given us many popular Nike Air Max models. But the release of the “One Time Only’ Nike Air Max 90 – 360 was not a success. Nike had the intention to release a new iconic trainer on the market. In 2006, the brand mixed various Air Max models for the ‘One Time Only’ collection. The original design of the Air Max 90 was connected to the Air Unit of the Air Max 360. The attempt of mixing an old school model with one of the newest technologies was brave, but the Nike Air Max 90-360 was seen as an error and got anything but positive reviews. 

Special releases Nike Air Max 90

Years after the launch, the Nike Air Max 90  is still very popular and Nike plays the cards right by releasing special editions. These two releases exceed everything.

Nike Air Max 90 Sneaker boot

In 2015 Nike launched a winter edition of the Nike Air Max 90. This sneaker boot has a higher ankle, which makes this edition perfect to wear in cold weather and snow. Nike tried to convert many popular models into winter versions, but this did not work too well on every trainer. The Nike Air Max 90 was an exception to the rule and the Nike Air Max Winterboot was a huge success.

Nike Air Max 90 x Off White

The release of the Nike Air Max 90 and Off-White collab is a true collector’s item. In 2017 Off-White designer Virgil Abloh choose ten iconic Nike models for ‘The Ten’ drop, of which the Nike Air Max 90 is one. The typical Abloh characteristics, such as the quotation marks, were added and he thoroughly restyled the design of the classic Air Max 90. This release sold out in no time and prices on platforms such as eBay soared. The Nike Air Max 90 was not the only one, the other models that Abloh restyled for ‘The Ten’ collection were very successful as well.

From Nike Air Max 90 to Nike Air Max 2090

Nearly every year, Nike releases a new model on March 26th, the official Nike Air Max Day. This happened as well in 2020, where the new model was all about the Nike Air Max 90’s 30th anniversary. The legendary 90 was used as an inspiration source for the Nike Air Max 2090. A model that has all the newest technologies and a dash of Air Max 90.

The Nike Air Max 2090 got lots of new features, but a couple of the 90’s elements remained. The new model has a mudguard and a cassette that surrounds and highlights the Air Unit, just like we saw on the Air Max 90. You probably saw the heel logo before, since this was first used on the Nike Air Max 90. 

Fun Facts

• A pair of Nike Air Max 90 was designed especially for the former American president George H.W. Bush. He loved wearing them and often wore them when he went out for a run. The trainer had a blue, white and grey design with ‘Air Pres’ on the sides and the tongue.
• Only since 2000 the Nike Air Max 90 has been named 90. Ten years after the official release, the name Nike Air Max III was changed to the year of its first official release.
• Great-Britain is a huge fan of the Nike Air Max. People from all walks of life wear them.