Did you know that the Nike-Air technology used in the Air Max 90s was designed and developed by a NASA aerospace engineer? These Nike shoes were on the cutting edge when they were released and they’ve retained that classic popularity throughout the decades.
One of the great things about the Nike Air Max 90 is the sheer amount of Air Max 90 collaboration designs that you have to choose from. There is a design for every personality and every style, from the Air Max 90s white to the Air Max 90 Warhawk.
The good news is that you’ve come to the right place for a countdown of the ten best Nike Air Max 90s in history. Continue reading to get your “shoeducation” of the best Nike Air Max 90s for your shoe collection.
10. Nike Air Max 90s Infrared
Easily one of the most popular Air Max 90 designs in history, the Infrared was an instant classic. It uses a mix between leather, suede, and mesh to create a beautiful shoe that is comfortable and stylish for any wearer.
It is on par with the classic Nike Cortez designs and colorways of the 1990s when it comes to how iconic it became. It is a staple of 1990s culture with a design that was an absolute home run from Day 1.
9. Nike & Dave’s Quality Meats Air Max 90
This Air Max 90 collaboration came out in the year 2004 and was also a major hit. It was nicknamed “Bacon” by fans of this meat-inspired design. The design uses a mix of browns, reds, and pinks that come together to produce the surprising result of a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing shoe.
8. Nike Air Max 90 Sertig
This Air Max 90 is designed for the hiking enthusiast that wants a bit of that classic Nike style with them from the pavement to the trails. It is a bright mix of different colors. It features yellow, black, and an infrared Nike swoosh on the sides. The styling of this Nike Air Max 90 is a spectacular display of 1980s boldness as it doesn’t shy away from using outspoken colors.
To this day, the Air Max 90 Sertig is one of the most popular and recognizable Nike shoe silhouettes on the market. Check out this link for more great Air Max 90 options.
7. Nike & Patta Air Max 90
If you’re an Amsterdam enthusiast or a marijuana enthusiast then the Nike & Patta Air Max 90 is a must-have for your shoe collection. This shoe is designed by a collaboration of Nike and Patta designers and it is inspired by marijuana. It is a mix of a stunning green body with a white sole and orange outlines on the upper.
While the green references the cannabis that Amsterdam is well known for, the orange accents are a tribute to the Netherlands National Soccer teams.
6. Nike & Eminem Charity Air Max 90
One of the most iconic Air Max 90 collaborations ever was when Eminem teamed up with Nike to produce the Eminem Charity Air Max 90. It is difficult to get your hands on a pair of these Air Max 90s since they’re quite rare. In fact, only eight pairs of these shoes were ever made.
While they’re not impossible to get ahold of, you’ll have to be willing to spend upwards of $25,000 to add these rare shoes to your sneaker collection.
5. Nike Air Max 90 Warhawk
If you’re someone that loves that classic Air Max 90 style and has a healthy interest in history then the Air Max 90 Warhawk is a mix of the best of both worlds. This unique sneaker is inspired by the look of the World War Two P-40 fighter plane that became iconic for the shark mouth painted on the fuselage.
This shoe also gets military inspiration based on the colors chosen for the suede leather. This shoe has a healthy dose of olive green coloring to go with the intimidating shark mouth. While it might not go great with every outfit, it is a great item to add to any sneaker collection.
4. Nike Air Max 90 Independence Day
Another iconic Air Max 90 shoe is the Independence Day iteration. These Air Max 90s stand out from the crowd because they’re a very loud red color throughout the design. This colorway ended up becoming synonymous with Kanye West since he immediately took to wearing them after their release.
This affiliation with Kanye increased the demand and the value of the Independence Day Air Max 90. It is still a must-have for any true Air Max 90 collector to this day.
3. Nike Air Max Cork
This Nike Air Max 90 design is a bit outside of the box since the shoe is made with corks instead of the classic leather design. Despite the interesting design choice, the cork material makes this version of the Air Max 90 one of the lightest Air Max 90s ever created.
Despite the lightness, it isn’t the most breathable shoe, but it will look great amongst the rest of your sneaker collection and make a great conversation piece.
2. Nike Air Max 90 Mars Landing
The Air Max 90 Mars Landing is one of the coolest colorways for a shoe in history. It is a mix of orange and black with grey speckles, and it is a great shoe to wear if you want your footwear to stand out among the rest. It probably won’t go great with every outfit, but it’s a great way to add some flair to your attire.
1. Nike Air Max 90 Crepe
One of the best things about the Air Max 90 is that it seems like there is a version or colorway for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a hiker, a skater, or someone that just likes looking good in the classic look of the Air Max 90. The Air Max 90 Crepe was designed for people that wanted a great casual shoe and it lived up to its billing.
This shoe is eco-conscious with a hemp upper and suede accents. The colors provide a great, earthy feel and go well with just about any outfit.
Upgrade Your Shoe Game Today
The Air Max 90s of the past few decades are arguably the most iconic shoes of that time period. There is a colorway and a design for everything from commemorating a WWII fighter plane to representing the Mars landing. These shoes are favorites of all-time great rappers like Kanye West and Eminem. They’re perfect for hikers, skaters, runners, and people that just want a great shoe.
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