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Nike Transforms an Iconic Streetwear Staple into a Grandpa Shoe with Retro Hiker Vibes

The next Air Max 90 to join the family slots into the grandpa-shoe craze propped up by New Balance Allerdale and the like.

Close-up of black and brown Nike sneaker with suede texture and black laces.Nike
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By Jack Seemer

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From the Waffle Racer to the Cortez, plenty of Nike shoes have earned icon status over the years. Only those in the Air Max line have their own holiday.

Tinker Hatfield’s infamous creations of the late 1980s and ’90s have become some of the brand’s most recognizable silhouettes. However, you might not recognize the latest Air Max 90 at first glance.

Pair of brown suede and black mesh Nike Air Max sneakers on a green gradient background.
The next Air Max 90 eschews its signature neon accents for a pared-back colorway of brown and black.
Nike
Close-up of a brown suede and black mesh Nike Air Max sneaker heel with visible air cushion in the sole.
The leather upper and mudguard showcase a subtle pattern akin to topographic maps and wood grain.
Nike

Releasing later this month, the next Air Max 90 to join the family sees the 1993 design trade its signature “Infrared” colorway for a pared-back combination of roughout leather and black accents.

Pair of brown suede and black Nike sneakers shown from the back on a green background.
The mudguard wraps around the heel.
Nike
Pair of black and brown Nike sneakers with black laces on a green gradient background.
Bonus feature: cork insoles.
Nike

The result is an Air Max that slots into the grandpa-shoe craze propped up by New Balance Allerdale, albeit with heritage hiker vibes reinforced with a subtle topographic texturing across the leather upper and mudguard.

Brown suede and black mesh Nike Air Max sneaker with visible air sole unit on green background.
The first Air Max 90 came out in 1990, then called the Air Max III.
Nike

All in all, it’s a refreshingly neutral take on the classic Air Max 90, first released in 1990 and more commonly associate with bright, bold colorways.

Last year, for example, Nike equipped the sneaker with various camo patterns, each emblazoned with neon accents.

New Balance Drake's Allerdale shoes
The grandpa-shoe craze is currently led by designs like the New Balance Allerdale.
New Balance

Availability and pricing

The Air Max 90 “Light British Tan and Black” costs $210. It goes on sale January 24 via the Nike Snkrs app.

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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