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One of Nike Sportswear’s most frequently used retro footwear tropes is the act of referencing elements from one of the brand’s iconic sneakers on a different model. Perhaps no style has seen its reach extend as far as the recently reissued Neon Air Max 95, a colorway which was also applied to models including the Air Max 90 and Air Max Plus. Soon, another one of Nike’s classic Air Max sneakers will adopt the look of a different, yet comparably iconic shoe.
Arriving in April is a new take on the Air Max 90, which dons the colors and materials of another early 1990s Nike sneaker, 1991’s Air Max 180. Sometimes referred to simply as the Air 180, the model was notable for its 180-degree Air unit, which contained more Air cushioning than its predecessors. The Air 180 is also fondly remembered for its original Ultramarine colorway, which is faithfully duplicated on this upcoming Air Max 90.
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While the new Air Max 90’s full colorway is a bit of a mouthful in Light Base Gray/Sport Royal/Coconut Milk/White/Platinum Tint/Siren Red, it’s essentially a one-to-one carryover of the Air Max 180’s White/Ultramarine/Solar Red/Black combination. This results in an eggshell-tinted upper with bright red around the heel Air window and blue filling in the Swoosh logo and liner.
A closer look at the upcoming pair reveals that its materials are also an Air Max 180 match with a dazzle mesh base and soft synthetic suede overlays. Even the sneaker’s traditional “Air Max” badge has been replaced with a sheer mesh material, a nod to the side paneling of the Air Max 180.
Nike has released similar Air Max 180-inspired versions of the Air Max 90 before, but it’s never been quite as on-the-nose as this upcoming release.
The Nike Air Max 90 Ultramarine is set to be released April 1 for $150 from Nike’s Snkrs app and select Nike Sportswear retailers. The sneaker’s style code is IU0767-001.