1990 was the year Tinker Hatfield and Nike graced the world with one of their most recognizable creations – the Nike Air Max 90. Originally named the Air Max III, the Air Max 90 was an evolution of the iconic Air Max 1. The sneaker debuted with huge improvements over the Air Max 1, including the addition of durable fabrics in the upper and a motion-focused design. Undoubtedly, Tinker and Nike created one of the most recognizable and timeless Air Max sneakers to date.
Staying true to Tinker’s aim of creating sneakers that evolve and improve over time, the Air Max 90 has received major updates over the last 30 years. Let’s step back in time and check out how the Air Max 90 has evolved over the years.
The very first Air Max 90 was actually named the Air Max III.The original Air Max 90 was designed as a running sneaker. Its design cues and Air Max midsole were created to provides runners with better performance while keeping them looking fresh. With a combination of leather, mesh and soft plastics, Tinker gave the sneaker a distinctive look that would be appreciated for years to come.