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Air Max 90 – The Story Behind a Nike Icon

Posted on by outsole

The Nike Air Max 90 is a legendary sneaker first released in 1990, designed by Tinker Hatfield. Built to support runners with a comfortable fit and visible air cushioning, the Air Max 90 was the first model in the Air Max line named after its launch year. A bold move in the sneaker timeline.

The history of the Nike Air Max 90 Vintage advertisement

Technically, the Air Max 90 is the third model in the Air Max series. Some boxes even say ‘Air Max 90 (III)’. During its 30-year anniversary in 2020, it was officially referred to as the Air Max III.

Did you know?

Only fake websites call the AM1 an Air Max 87. The Air Max Light is actually the second model in the Air Max line, also known as the Air Max II.

The history of the Nike Air Max 90 Vintage advertisements

Why is the Nike Air Max 90 iconic?

The Nike Air Max 90 is iconic for both performance and style. Known for comfort, design, and heritage, it remains one of Nike’s most popular silhouettes. Here’s why.

Visible Air unit

This model introduced a larger visible Air unit than the AM1. Before 1987, air pockets were hidden. This bold move added more cushioning and serious visual impact.

Comfort

Originally made for runners, the Air Max 90 features a padded tongue, collar, and air cushioning. It’s built for all-day wear and foot support.

Style

It’s more than a runner. The Air Max 90 comes in countless colorways and limited drops. True statement sneakers.

Cultural impact

The Air Max 90 is deeply rooted in hip-hop culture and was big in the Dutch gabber scene. It defined an era.

WhatsApp Image 2020 10 14 at 11.28.39 1024x842 1

The legendary ‘Infrared’

The most iconic colorway? Infrared. This red-orange tone debuted on the first Air Max 90 release. Leather, mesh, and a visible Air unit made it a classic. Perfect for casual and sporty looks.

Vintage Infrared

The comeback in 2001

After its initial run, Nike focused on newer Air Max models like the Air Max 95 and Air Max 97. But in 2001, the 90 came back in fresh colorways-starting with a clean white/navy leather drop. That return set off annual releases and boosted its status again.

The history of the Nike Air Max 90 first 2001 release

The OG Retro Recrafted (2020)

Today, the Air Max 90 is a must-have for runners and sneakerheads alike. In 2020, Nike dropped the OG retro Air Max III Recrafted pack. It matched the original shape and materials from 1990.

The history of the Nike Air Max 90 iii retro 2020 anniversary

More vintage colorways followed, including the Infrared. Even the old-school box was brought back. A real collector’s flex.

The history of the Nike Air Max 90 Vintage advertisement infrared 2048x1365 1

Final thoughts

For us, the Air Max 90 is the ultimate runner-up after the Air Max 1. The downside? Older pairs tend to crack around the midsole paint. But when it comes to comfort, the 90 might just win.

The history of the Nike Air Max 90 Vintage advertisement infrared vintage

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Nike sneakers - Women

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New Balance sneakers - Men

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New Balance sneakers - Women

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Asics sneakers - Men

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4 3 36 22.5
4.5 3.5 37 23
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Adidas sneakers - Men

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Adidas sneakers - Women

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6 4.5 37.3 23
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Nike sneakers - Men

US UK EU CM
3.5335.522
43.53622.5
4.5436.523
54.537.523.5
5.553824
65.538.524
6.563924.5
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11104529
11.510.545.529.5
12114630
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141348.532.5

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Asics sneakers - Men

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4 3 36 22.5
4.5 3.5 37 23
5 4 37.5 24
5.5 4.5 38 24.5
6 5 39 25
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Asics sneakers - Women

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5 3 35.5 22
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6 4 37 23
6.5 4.5 37.5 23.5
7 5 38 24
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Adidas sneakers - Men

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4 3.5 36 22
4.5 4 36.7 22.5
5 4.5 37.3 23
5.5 5 38 23.5
6 5.5 38.7 24
6.5 6 39.3 24.5
7 6.5 40 25
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13 12.5 48 31
13.5 13 48.7 32
14 13.5 49.3 32.5
14.5 14 50 33

Adidas sneakers - Women

US UK EU CM
5 3 36 22
5.5 4 36.7 22.5
6 4.5 37.3 23
6.5 5 38 23.5
7 5.5 38.7 24
7.5 6 39.3 24.5
8 6.5 40 25
8.5 7 40.7 25.5
9 7.5 41.3 26
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10 8.5 42.7 27
10.5 9 43.3 27.5
11 9.5 44 28
11.5 10 44.7 28.5
12 10.5 45.3 29

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