Introduction to the Air Max 90 – history and details
The Nike Air Max 90 is one of the most iconic sneakers ever made. First released in 1990 as the Air Max III, the Air Max 90 was designed by the legendary Tinker Hatfield and was the third model in Nike’s revolutionary Air Max line. The Air Max 90 introduced two key innovations: a larger visible Air unit in the heel and the signature Air Max 90 style.
The visible Air cushioning unit was groundbreaking technology when it debuted in the late ’80s. Previous Nike models only featured Air units embedded in the sole, but the Air Max made the cushioning visible through a window in the midsole. This allowed consumers to literally see the innovative Air technology for the first time. The Air Max 90 increased the size of the visible Air unit compared to earlier models, giving the shoe its signature look.
In terms of style, the Air Max 90 was inspired by the human anatomy. The sleekoverlays on the upper were designed to mimic muscle fibres and the mesh material resembled skin. This biomechanical approach resulted in a sneaker that looked fast and agile. The Air Max 90 also introduced reinforcements on the medial side for durability during cross-training. The classic colorways like the OG Infrared, Laser Blue, and Volt highlighted the sneaker’s cutting-edge style.
After its launch in 1990, the Air Max 90 became hugely popular both on and off the court. NBA stars like Scottie Pippen wore them during games, while trendsetters embraced them on the streets. Their airy aesthetic and bold colorways made the Air Max 90 one of the most coveted sneakers of the early ’90s. Even decades later, the iconic silhouette remains a staple in streetwear and sneaker culture.
Key features that make the Air Max 90 stand out
There are several key features that make the Nike Air Max 90 such an iconic and recognizable sneaker:
- Visible Air-Sole unit – The large visible Air bubble in the heel provides both cushioning and a distinctive look.
- Low-cut collar – Allows increased ankle mobility and flexibility.
- Mesh and synthetic leather upper – Creates a lightweight, breathable feel.
- Rubber outsole – Durable traction pattern provides grip.
- Padded foam tongue and collar – Improves comfort around the ankle.
- Iconic minimalist style – Sleek, athletic aesthetic that has stood the test of time.
These technical features paired with the shoe’s instantly recognizable silhouette give the Air Max 90 legendary status among sneakerheads worldwide.
Most popular Air Max 90 colorways
The Nike Air Max 90 looks great in almost any color, but some of the most popular and sought-after colorways include:
- Infrared – The instantly recognizable black and infrared palette is considered the original Air Max 90 colorway. It provides a bold, stylish look.
- Volt – Bright volt green accents pop against a black/grey upper for serious visual impact.
- All White – Crisp triple white on the upper with a white midsole gives the AM90 a super clean look.
- Laser Blue – Vibrant blue accents on the mudguard and Air unit offer an eye-catching twist.
- Ultramarine – Royal blue and volt green perfectly complement the grey leather upper.
- Pine Green – Dark green suede overlays pair with grey for an understated, nature-inspired vibe.
There are also many memorable collaborations featuring unique colorways like the Atmos Viotech, UNDFTD Hyperstrike, and Parra Abstract Art.
Where to buy Air Max 90s in stores near you
The iconic Nike Air Max 90 is stocked at most major sneaker retailers. Here are some of the best places to buy Air Max 90s in stores near you:
- Foot Locker – This top athletic footwear chain almost always has the latest AM90 styles in stock.
- Champs Sports – Find a wide selection of Air Max 90 colorways and collabs here.
- Finish Line – Carries Air Max 90s in mall locations across the United States.
- Dick’s Sporting Goods – Offers men’s, women’s, and kids’ AM90 models.
- Jimmy Jazz – An urban streetwear store that stocks plenty of Air Max 90s.
- Shiekh Shoes – This retailer has stores across the west coast states and sells Nike sneakers.
- Shoe Palace – With locations across America, Shoe Palace is a go-to for fresh kicks.
Before heading to the store, check out each retailer’s website to get an idea of their current Air Max 90 inventory. This can help avoid disappointment if they don’t have the exact colorway you want in stock at that location.
Getting the right Air Max 90 size
Finding your perfect Nike Air Max 90 fit is important for both comfort and style. Here are some tips for sizing AM90s:
- Try them on in-store if possible. This guarantees the best fit.
- Size up a 1/2 size from your normal Nike size for the best fit.
- The Air Max 90 runs slightly narrow, especially in wider foot sizes. Consider going up 1/2 size if you have a wide foot.
- Wear Air Max 90s with the same sock thickness you plan to wear them with normally.
- If ordering online, carefully measure your foot and refer to the Nike size chart for accuracy.
- Break them in for a few days as the snug upper material will stretch slightly.
Getting the sizing right on your Nike Air Max 90 means you’ll be stepping out in style and comfort every time you rock these iconic, coveted kicks.
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Why the Air Max 90 became so popular and iconic
The Nike Air Max 90 exploded in popularity both on and off the court in the early 90s for several reasons:
- Innovative visible Air technology – Allowing people to see the cushioning Air unit was a game-changer.
- Eye-catching colorways – Vibrant hues like Volt and Infrared made the AM90 a must-have style statement.
- Celebrity/athlete co-signs – NBA stars like Scottie Pippen wearing them on-court increased their credibility and hype.
- 90s cultural relevance – The Air Max 90 epitomized ’90s sneaker culture and urban street style.
- Comfort/performance – The AM90 delivered on both fronts with its well-cushioned ride and excellent traction.
- Scarcity – Nike produced limited quantities, making sold out colorways even more coveted.
The Air Max 90 simply had the perfect mix of cutting-edge technology, bold aesthetics, athletic credibility, cultural cachet, and intelligent marketing. Nike promoted the Air Max 90 not just as a performance sneaker, but as a stylish lifestyle shoe. Print ads and posters hyped the sneakers as must-have gear for the coolest athletes and influencers.
Nike also recruited cultural tastemakers and celebrities to get behind the sneakers. Hip hop icon Heavy D wore them in music videos. Trailblazing DJ Grandmaster Dee rocked Air Max 90s while spinning records. This high-profile promotion solidified the AM90’s reputation as the hottest sneaker on the streets.
The Air Max 90’s role in youth culture and urban fashion helped cement its legendary status. Basketball and hip hop style became more closely linked than ever in the early 90s. The AM90 was right at the center of this perfect storm, adorning the feet of playground ballers, b-boys, and hypebeasts alike.
Even three decades after its debut, the Air Max 90 remains one of the most iconic sneaker silhouettes ever created. Its visible Air technology made Nike’s brand of innovation accessible to the masses. The audacious color palettes and stylish aesthetic captured the imagination of an entire generation. Simply put, the Air Max 90 was the defining sneaker of the 90s.
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Key features that make the Air Max 90 stand out
The Nike Air Max 90 has some instantly recognizable technical and design elements that contribute to its legendary status among sneakerheads:
- Visible Air Unit – The prominent Air bubble in the heel not only provides responsive cushioning, but gives the AM90 its signature aesthetic.
- Split Swoosh – The famous Nike logo is split into sections on each side of the shoe, highlighting the Air unit.
- Padded Collar – Extra foam padding around the ankle prevents irritation and improves comfort.
- Mesh and Leather Upper – Breathable mesh fabric combined with durable leather overlays creates ideal support.
- Rubber Waffle Outsole – The classic waffle pattern on the bottom supplies superior traction on a variety of surfaces.
- EVA Midsole – A soft, lightweight EVA foam midsole works with the Air unit for responsive impact protection.
- Reinforced Eyestays – Durable material at the lace area prevents tearing and provides structure.
Beyond these performance-driven technical elements, the Air Max 90 utilizes design details that contribute to its iconic look and feel:
- Low-cut Collar – Allows greater mobility at the ankle joint compared to high-tops.
- Color-blocking – Strategic use of different colors on overlays provides contrast.
- Sleek Profile – Low, streamlined silhouette hugs the foot for a nimble, speedy aesthetic.
- Mixed Materials – Combination of leather, mesh, thermoplastic, and foam gives texture.
- Wraparound Midsole – Distinctive U-shaped midsole has become instantly recognizable.
- Eyestays – Durable panels that surround the lacing system add needed structure and support.
With its industry-leading Air cushioning technology, performance-first features, and timeless style cues, the Air Max 90 remains one of the greatest sneaker designs ever over 30 years after its debut.
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Most popular Air Max 90 colorways – black/white, all white, etc.
While the Nike Air Max 90 looks great in any color scheme, there are certain OG colorways that have achieved legendary status:
- Infrared – The original 1990 launch colorway featured black, grey, and bold infrared accents. It remains one of the most iconic looks.
- All White – Crisp white leather upper with a matching midsole gives the AM90 a super clean aesthetic.
- Volt – Neon green volt accents pop against a greyscale palette for an eye-catching twist.
- Black/White – Classic tonal black upper with white midsole and outsole is versatile and sharp.
- Pink/White – Different shades of pink on the upper modernize the iconic silhouette.
- Pure Platinum – Cool grey color blocking offers an understated and luxurious vibe.
- Ocean Blue – Deep blue suede and mesh upper provides a refreshing, ocean-inspired look.
There are also many memorable collaborations and limited releases with unique color schemes like:
- Stash x Atmos “Viotech” – Violet, teal, pink, and black palette resembled television color bars.
- Parra x Patta “Cherrywood” – Multicolor abstract art and graphics on a brown upper.
- Nike x Undefeated “Hyperstrike”- Orange, olive, and black military color theme.
- “London” City Pack – Grid pattern and colors based on the London transit system.
Even with hundreds of new colorways released over the years, the OG black, white, grey, and Volt schemes remain the most coveted and respected. The iconic status of the Air Max 90 silhouette means that both classic and contemporary color blocking looks amazing.
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Where to buy Air Max 90s in stores near you
The iconic Nike Air Max 90 is stocked at most major athletic footwear retailers. Here are some of the best places to buy Air Max 90s in stores near you:
- Foot Locker – This trusted sneaker source almost always has the latest AM90 colorways in stock across all locations.
- Champs Sports – Find a wide selection of classic and new Air Max 90 styles at Champs.
- Dick’s Sporting Goods – Dick’s carries Air Max 90s for men, women, and kids at fair prices.
- Finish Line – Check out Finish Line’s inventory of Nike shoes including AM90s.
- Jimmy Jazz – This urban streetwear retailer stocks the hottest sneakers like Air Max.
- Shoe Palace – With stores nationwide, Shoe Palace is a go-to spot for Air Max 90s.
- Shiekh Shoes – West coast sneaker chain Shiekh sells a nice variety of Air Max models.
Before heading to brick and mortar stores, check out each retailer’s website first. Search their inventory to see if they have the particular AM90 style, color, and size you want in stock at that location.
The Nike webstore is also worth browsing as you can see which colorways are available for shipping if you want to buy Air Max 90s online. Sign up for email alerts so you don’t miss out on coveted limited edition releases.
Looking up the phone numbers for local sneaker shops can also help you call ahead to check availability. Smaller boutiques may carry more exclusive Air Max 90 collabs not found at big box sporting goods stores.
With some savvy research online beforehand, you can maximize your chances of finding your perfect pair of Air Max 90 sneakers at footwear retailers near you. Happy shopping!
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Top retailers that carry the Air Max 90 – Foot Locker, Champs, etc.
The iconic Nike Air Max 90 is so popular that almost every major athletic footwear retailer carries it. Here are some of the top stores to buy Air Max 90s:
- Foot Locker – This leading sneaker source always has a huge Air Max 90 selection in-stock.
- Champs Sports – Find all the latest AM90 colorways and collabs here like the Off-White partnership.
- Dick’s Sporting Goods – Dick’s offers the Air Max 90 online and in hundreds of store locations.
- Finish Line – Shop Finish Line’s wide range of Air Max 90 styles for men, women and kids.
- Jimmy Jazz – This urban streetwear specialist stocks rare and limited Air Max 90 releases.
- Flight Club – As a high-end consignment store, Flight Club carries exclusive AM90 collabs.
- Stadium Goods – Another reputable reseller for finding rare retro OG Air Max 90 colorways.
Major online retailers like Nike.com, Eastbay, and Zappos also have a full size run of most Air Max 90 models readily in stock.
When it comes to more hard-to-find collabs and limited editions, boutiques like Concepts, Bodega, Extra Butter and Kith often get exclusive Air Max 90 drops not found elsewhere.
Checking retailer websites ahead of time allows you to browse color options and see what’s currently in stock. Sign up for email alerts so you never miss out on a special Air Max 90 release.
With its timeless design and reputation, the Air Max 90 is a staple sneaker offered at most footwear stores. Do some research to find who has the specific style and colorway you want.
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Checking store inventory online before going to buy Air Max 90s
Instead of wasting time and gas driving around to different shoe stores, make use of online inventory tools to find the Air Max 90 you want. Here are some tips:
- Utilize store websites – Most major retailers like Foot Locker allow you to check if a specific shoe is in stock at your local store.
- Browse by style/color – Filter website searches by color or style name to see if they have the AM90 you want.
- Note item numbers – Match online inventory results with in-store tags for easy finding.
- Call ahead to confirm – Speak to an employee to verify website stock accuracy.
- Check delivery options – Many sites will ship to store for free if they don’t have your size on location.
- Sign up for alerts – Retailers will email you about hard-to-find releases so you can buy fast.
- Check frequently – Inventory is always changing so check regularly for restocks if something is sold out.
Using retailer websites and apps to search for in-store availability information can save you a lot of time and frustration. You’ll know right away whether driving to a particular store will result in finding the exact AM90 color and size you want.
If a website shows an Air Max 90 is out of stock nearby, call the next closest locations to check inventory or ask when they expect replenishment. Sign up for notifications so you get notified the minute a restock happens.
With some savvy online research beforehand, you can walk confidently into any retailer knowing they’ll have the right Air Max 90 in the right size waiting for you to purchase.
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Getting the right Air Max 90 size – sizing tips and size chart
Finding your ideal fit is crucial when purchasing Air Max 90s. Here are some tips to get the right size:
- Try on in-store – This guarantees best fit if you can test them in person.
- Size up 1/2 – Consider going up 1/2 size from your normal Nike shoe size.
- Width – Air Max 90 runs narrow, especially in wider sizes. Size up if needed.
- Use Nike size chart – Measure foot and reference chart to find accurate size.
- Wear same socks – Test AM90s with the sock type you’ll wear normally for accurate feel.
- Break-in period – Snug upper will loosen up slightly over first few wears as you break them in.
- Remove insole – Take out the removable insole when trying on to get exact fit of inner shoe.
- Shop late day – Feet swell during day, so shop evening for most precision.
The Nike size chart recommends going up 1/2 size from standard shoe size for Air Max models. However, sizing needs can vary based on foot width, arch type, and preference for roomy or snug fit.
Many wearers suggest buying Air Max 90s in your true size if you prefer a tight, sock-like feel. But size up half, or even a full size up for a roomier fit, especially if you have wide feet.
Getting the perfect AM90 fit means considering your foot dimensions, trying on in-store, and using tips like wearing similar socks. Your Air Max 90s should feel secure but not uncomfortably tight.
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Comparing Air Max 90 styles – low, mid, high top, etc.
The iconic Nike Air Max 90 silhouette has spawned different styles over the years:
- Low-top – The original AM90 is a low-top just below the ankle for mobility.
- Mid-top – Mid-height collar offers more ankle support and protection.
- High-top – Goes above ankle with even more support, reminiscent of basketball high-tops.
- Slip-on – Easy elastic heel panel allows you to slip them on without unfastening.
- Premium – Luxe leather or suede upper with higher end materials and details.
- SE – “Special Edition” AM90s with unique colorways and collaborations.
The low-top Air Max 90 is the most common and iconic, offering the original comfort and style. The mid and high tops add ankle stability for athletic activities.
Slip-on variations make the AM90 easier to put on and take off while premium editions use more luxurious materials on the upper like supple leather.
Special makeups and collabs result in unique SE color schemes and graphics like the Atmos “Animal Pack” with zebra and tiger camo prints.
No matter the style, the visible Air bubble, padded collar, and flexible low profile outsole provide the same responsive Air Max 90 experience. It comes down to your preferences for ankle height support and materials.
For many sneakerheads, the OG low-top Air Max 90 in classic colorways remains the pinnacle. But the shoe’s popularity has led to fresh interpretations over the decades.
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Air Max 90 styles and collaborations with top brands
The enduring popularity of the Air Max 90 has led to many creative collaborations and limited editions over the years:
- Atmos – Coveted animal pack editions like tiger camo and “Viotech” purple.
- Undefeated – Bold militaristic colorways like the olive green “Desert Storm.”
- Patta – Dutch shop has done multiple AM90 capsules with unique patterns.
- Clot – Hong Kong streetwear label applied Chinese symbolism to Air Max 90s.
- CDG – Rei Kawakubo redesigned the AM90 with Comme des Garçons’ avant-garde look.
- Safari – Animal print makeup sported zebra and leopard prints on the upper.
- Infrared – OG black and infrared remain one of the most sought after styles.
There have also been many city-specific Air Max 90s paying tribute to urban areas around the world:
- London – Colorway based on city’s transit system map.
- Paris – Pink and blue is a nod to Parisian architecture.
- Seoul – Green shade mirrors Seoul’s subway rail lines.
- Milan – Inspired by Milan’s iconic Duomo cathedral.
With streetwear’s rise, the AM90 is constantly remixed and reinvented. But the original low-top white and black variations remain vintage grails for any sneaker fanatic.
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Buying men’s vs women’s Air Max 90 sneakers
The Nike Air Max 90 is available in styles designed specifically for men and women. Here are some key differences:
- Sizing – Men’s sizes run larger overall than women’s. Refer to Nike’s size charts.
- Width – Women’s AM90s are narrower through forefoot and heel to fit female foot proportions.
- Cushioning – Women’s Air Max 90 features lower profile cushioning tuned for lighter bodies.
- Collar – Some women’s models have shorter sock-like collars compared to men’s.
- Colorways – Certain colors are offered exclusively in women’s sizes.
- Materials – Some women’s AM90s have more breathable woven mesh rather than leather.
When shopping, focus first on finding the right size rather than gender designation. Some women find they fit best in certain men’s sizes and vice versa.
Try both men’s and women’s on in-store to determine which fits best for your foot dimensions and preferences. An ill-fitting shoe can lead to discomfort during wear.
While colors and materials may differ, the iconic Air Max 90 features like visible Air sole and padded collar remain the same. Focus on fit and comfort over “men’s” vs “women’s” labeling.
No matter your gender, the right size AM90 provides that perfect balance of cushioning, support and streetwise style with every step.
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