Why This Nike Silhouette Remains Iconic Even 30 Years Later

In 1990, Nike introduced a second instalment to follow the success of its Air Max 1, which was the first pair to feature a visible unit of the sportswear label's famed Air technology. Designed by legendary footwear architect Tinker Hatfield, the Air Max 90 arrived and transcended the boundaries of what classic running shoes looked like at the time — placing the silhouette in a league of its own.

Renowned for its comfort, chunkier profile and more aggressive colour blocking than its predecessor, rubberised heel branding plates, and of course, the exposed Air unit, the Air Max 90 found its footing in different subcultures, especially the music scene in London.

Mesh, leather, and synthetics predominantly make up the construction of the Air Max 90. However, technological advances saw new materials and various colour palettes adorning the design. What started with the iconic "Infrared" colourway eventually led to countless renditions recognised by seasoned shoe collectors and the general masses up until today.

While the modern-day sneaker scene continues to enjoy what appears to be never-ending releases of collaborations, instead, the Beaverton sportswear label preserves the heritage by producing more in-line versions and less dual branding — with the exception of exclusive partnerships, such as Dizzee Rascal's Nike Air Max 90 "Tongue N Cheek", Dave’s Quality Meats' Air Max 90 "Bacon", plus a few more.

On that note, Nike was never scared to experiment with the Air Max 90. An exceptional design we saw is the "Jewel Swoosh", a mini bejewelled version that first appeared on the Air Force 1 Low in the late '90s.

Shifting our focus to the present day, Nike never stopped innovating. Its ongoing mission of delivering eco-friendly footwear options as part of the "Move To Zero" campaign was also embraced by existing silhouettes, like the Air Max 90 Terrascape, which sits atop a Nike Grind outsole made produced from recycled factory scraps like rubber, foam, fibre, and leather.

Over 30 years later, the AM90 is more popular than it was in the '90s, with each pair produced meeting different consumer needs, whether that's in the aspect of style, comfort, or function. Despite its old age, the Air Max 90 is here to stay, with many covetable colourways already available and in the works.

If you don't want to miss out on the latest Nike drops, stay locked in here at The Sole Supplier at all times! In related news, the Nike Air Max "Hangul Day" pack celebrates the Korean alphabet system.