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This article contains an overall review on the Nike Air Max 90 as well as updates when I get new pairs moving forward. I have older AM90 reviews here. The latest pickup is the Air Max 90 Ridgerock.
Skip to the bottom for reviews on new pickups.
How Do Nike Air Max 90 Fit?
When it comes to Air Max 90 sizing, true to size is a good choice. Some pairs are more snug depending on materials used.
One of the first to get
the recraft treatment, and
so comfortable!
I find these to be among the more comfortable retro runners out! In fact, this is my favorite Air Max model as far as comfort. Since the recrafted line of AM90s started, the model has somehow got even comfier.
These aren’t in the same realm as a pair of Ultraboosts or Nike React technology. Still, for an Air Max, I prefer these comfortwise to most other retros and even newer models like the 270 and 720. The suede and mesh uppers on many pairs are forgiving and the support is solid, with some slight give. Some colorways even include extra arch supports!
I’ve heard reports back that some people like to go up a half size. I don’t have a particularly wide foot, but I find these comfortable at true to size. If you aren’t sure, try true to size on a pair with a mesh and suede toebox to ensure some give to the upper. At least that way, if you find them narrow, they can break in when laced loosely. Keep in mind, thicker leathers and other materials used around the toebox may result in a stiffer/narrower feel. This will vary from pair to pair.
Are The Air Max 90s Good Running Shoes?
Technically, one could run in the AM90. There are better, more modern choices that exist for running today, however in the early 1990s lots of people ran in them!
Do Air Max 90s Make You Taller?
The Air Max 90 has a thick, wedge-shaped midsole. Once your foot is inside the shoe however, you gain roughly 3 cm of height.
The 3cm is actually slightly less than other pairs like the Air Max 1 and Air Max 95.
Why Are Air Max 90s Popular?
The unique wedge shape, attractive design, comfort and wild colorways all contribute to the popularity of the model. A large, attention-getting Air Unit helps as well.
For those that collect, the model’s place in sneaker history is also a reason to at least get a few key colorways! For those that don’t, the ability to get a very clean and comfortable retro Nike runner at a decent price is an attractive offer.
With a variety of great colorways to choose from, sneakerheads and non-sneakerheads alike can easily find a pair they wouldn’t mind rocking.
Air Max 90 History
The Air Max 90 originally released in 1990 under the name “Air Max III” as a follow up running shoe to the Air Max 1 and Air Max Light. The design was created by Tinker Hatfield.
The first and best colorway (known then
as the “Radiant Red” colorway).
Everything on the Air Max 90 is designed to be bigger and better than it’s predecessors. Meaning a larger heel and larger Air Unit!
The original Infrared or “Radiant Red” colorway is considered one of the best shoes of all time. I’ve heard that the colorway was initially chosen to draw attention to the midsole. This colorway has been retro’d multiple times and is probably the most popular colorway to this day.
Ultimately, the AM90 proved to be an accessible and popular runner for its time, and lives on as a casual staple decades later!
What are the OG Air Max 90 Colorways?
The original colorways include the Infrared / Radiant Red, Laser Blue and Eggplant. Additionally, the Concord, Hot Coral and Spruce Lime colorways released overseas.
The OG Women’s colorway
(in the US)
The Eggplant, Hot Coral and Concord colorways were originally women’s releases.
At one point, I had the full set of retros. I eventually sold the women’s colorways, keeping only the Infrared, Laser Blue and Spruce Lime. This was based on space constraints and not on how dope the kicks are, as those colorways are all great!
As far as other famous colorways, there are the Bacons, Pattas, Kaws, Atmos Duck Camos, Hufquakes, Silver Surfers and Clerks to name a few. Some legendary collaborations and colorways have followed up the OGs over the past decades. This has helped keep the model in front of sneakerheads and collectors and prolonged it as a mainstay in the sneaker world.
Are Air Max 90 still in style?
Other sneakers of the moment will hog the spotlight, but the Air Max 90 is consistently a sneaker that sells well and is worn by many to this day. The classic looking runner can be paired with many modern looks.
Another of the OG Colorways!
I’m sure there are still a few people out running in some 90s. These days, the sneaker has transitioned to the retro/casual category for the most part.
There is always a crowd for retro Nike runners, particularly from the Air Max line. The AM90 remains one of the most popular silhouettes for fans of this type of sneaker.
While lots of pairs fly under the radar, some occasionally do sell out still. The Infrared colorway for example still sells out whenever it retros. Additionally, the sneaker is given extra attention via occasional collabs, high profile retros and premium releases from Nike.
Where To Buy The Nike Air Max 90?
The Air Max 90 can be found on Nike’s website, as well as sneaker boutiques and eBay
Shop for Air Max 90s now on eBay
For links to individual pairs, see reviews below:
Nike Air Max 90 Running Club Review
Colorway: Roma Green / Sail – Orange
Style Code: DC9336-300
Year of Release: 2022
MSRP: $140
Buy: eBay
These are part of the Air Max Running Club pack. The AMRC is a fictional track team created by Nike.
I’m a big fan of the Air Max 90 in general. For me, what makes this pair special is the colorway. I definitely didn’t have anything that looked quite like this in my collection before!
The materials on this pair of 90s seem a bit better than a typical general release colorway, although nothing mind-blowing as far as quality. We get a nice thick cut of somewhat soft suede, a little bit of leather on the swoosh and some thicker-than-usual mesh on the toebox and ankle.
Extras include a removable Nike pin that comes attaching a special tag to the tongue of the right shoe. There’s an Air Max Running Club image on the tag with some text on the back. The graphic seen on the tag is replicated on the insole. Additionally, we get a vintage nylon tongue with exposed padding. Finally, there are additional tags overlaying the swooshes; “AMRC” on the right shoe and “BVRTN, OR” on the left.
These fit true to size. Initially, they were slightly on the snug side for me on the bridge of the foot, but broke in very quickly. Overall these wind up being just as comfortable as any other Air Max 90.
Nike Air Max 90 Ridgerock Review
Colorway: Ridgerock / Black – Turbo Green
Style Code: DC6083-200
Year of Release: 2021
MSRP: $140
Buy: eBay
The AM90 Ridgerock get their name from the colorway. Although they officially released in May 2022 in the US, I saw them on sale overseas on sites like End Clothing and BSTN I think as early as 2021.
I love the colorway on these in general, and I also like the slight touches like the suede backtab, different looking tongue tag graphic and multicolored translucent outsole.
I also really appreciate the materials used. These really are a step above the typical Air Max 90 release in terms of quality. All the suede is super soft and feels lush.
These ship with black laces with turbo green aglets and spare turbo green laces with grey aglets. The box these come in is a skinner black box as opposed to the typical throwback Nike sportswear box.
These fit true to size and feel even comfier than the Air Max Running Club pair I picked up previously. Overall, I’m very happy with this pickup and can easily recommend this pair to anyone who is a fan of the Air Max 90 and wants a new, unique looking colorway with great materials.