Nike Air Max 90 Futura

Air Max 90 Futura

Tinker Hatfield’s sneaker masterpiece, the Air Max 90, has been around for more than three decades, but its classy look continues to make it one of the most popular Nike silhouettes to this day. In 2022, the brand chose to update the captivating original with a women’s exclusive model known as the Nike Air Max 90 Futura.

Contemporary in its styling, the Air Max 90 Futura is defined by complex layering and offbeat effects. While its outer is made from a comfortable combination of mesh, leather and suede with a few pieces of TPU dotted around, the sole unit remains the same as the original to ensure that it retains high-quality grip and plush cushioning.

On the upper, a large mudguard swoops around the entire shoe, with a small cutaway section at the heel instead of the usual piece of TPU. In fact, all of the ribbed TPU panels from the 1990 sneaker are gone, the one on the heel being replaced with a semi-circular leather tab decorated with subtle branding, and those on the eyestay being swapped out for smoother versions as well as being moved around.

The eyestay itself brings a dynamic visual aspect to the Nike Air Max 90 Futura through a series of stacked layers with intriguing shapes and unexpected designs. Its front end is punctuated by a lively toothed edge, while the TPU elements have been asymmetrically placed along each side. The tongue behind it incorporates a redesigned leather patch that loops over its peak and displays eye-catching Air Max lettering in an updated font.

Curved leather overlays feature on the flanks, with some of the edges being left unstitched to give a deconstructed look. This effect has also been used on the lower half of the sidewall swooshes, which have been reorganised so that they float over the mudguard rather than disappearing beneath it.

Artful embroidery shows up all over the sneaker, from the heel to the leather overlays and the toe, while the woven pull tabs on the tongue and heel are a practical touch. On top of this, thick padding around the ankles and the back of the foot deliver high levels of comfort, making the Air Max 90 Futura both aesthetically compelling and great to wear.

In 2023, the Serena Williams Design Crew collaborated on their own Nike Air Max 90 Futura, adorning it with yet more unique details and elegant stitching. Alongside this, Nike has released a host of colourful designs as this finely crafted sneaker continues to elevate the 90s icon.