If you're a sneaker fan, you've probably wondered about the differences between the Air Force 1 vs Air Max 90. These two Nike silhouettes are still being made today, over 40 and 30 years after their initial release, respectively.
To help you understand how these awesome sneakers revolutionized the game, we've put together a guide detailing the history of the Air Force 1 and Air Max 90 while also comparing their price and design. Plus, we'll give our two cents on which one you should buy.
So, if you're torn between the two, then stick around for our comparison. While the Air Force 1 is versatile and timeless, the Air Max 90 offers maximum comfort and style. Either way, you can't go wrong with these iconic Nike sneakers. Let's take a closer look at the two...
History
Before becoming one of the most popular lifestyle sneakers on the market, the Air Force 1 was originally made to be one of the best basketball shoes on the market.
Designed by Bruce Kilgore in 1982, Nike actually took six of its most popular NBA players to kick off the Air Force 1 campaign in '83, targetting the high-top sneakers toward a basketball audience.
Despite the promotion, Nike discontinued the original #4190 design by '83. Nike's reasons for doing this are unclear exactly. However, demand was there to see the Air Force 1 return, with three stores in Baltimore, in particular, looking to stock the sneakers.
Nike agreed, but only if the retailers would take 1,200 pairs of the two initial colorways to which the retailers agreed, thus inadvertently retro-ing a pair of Nike's for the first time.
This collection of shoes became known as the "Color of the Month" series, aka the sneakers that Nike credits as the savior of the Air Force 1. More recently, Nike has paid homage to the series by re-releasing Color of the Month classics such as this "Forest Green" low-top, arguably one of the best Air Force 1s you can buy today.
The Air Max 90 didn't debut until, unsurprisingly, 1990. It essentially became Nike's flagship sneaker, taking over from the Air Max 1 that arrived a few years earlier in '87.
The silhouette was designed by Tinker Hatfield, one of Jordan's lead designers credited for some of the best Jordan 3 colorways around. His initial imagining turned into the original “Infrared” colorway, a design that is hugely popular and highly sought-after to this day, making it one of the best Air Max ever made.
This color blocking set the blueprint for future Air Max 90 releases that have garnered a huge dedicated following ever since.
Price
With the history covered, you may be inclined to pick up a pair for yourself. If this is true, then you are sure to be intrigued by the price difference between the two.
Comparatively speaking, Air Force 1s appear to be slightly cheaper sneakers on average. This is evidenced by "Triple Black" Air Force 1 low-tops which cost less than a comparable pair of "Black" Air Max 90s.
The reason behind this may, in part, be due to the technology included in a pair of Air Max 90s. It could also be due to the rise in popularity of the model, and the fact they're perhaps a little less accessible.
Design
The Air Max 90 and Air Force 1 designs have one major and easily noticeable difference. The Air Max 90 comes with exposed Nike Air technology in the midsole, while the Air Force 1 does not. That said, both sneakers do feature Nike Air units, meaning both are well-padded and should be highly comfortable to wear for everyday use.
Another difference is that Air Force 1s are typically made from leather. By contrast, Air Max 90s tend to utilize an array of materials such as canvas, suede, and knitted fabric.
Overall, we'd say that Air Force 1s come with a rounder, slightly more bulky shape compared to Air Max 90s. However, the fewer panels give a simpler and sharper look, in our opinion.
Air Force 1 vs Air Max 90: Which should you buy?
Choosing between these two sneakers ultimately comes down to personal preference. That said, it's worth knowing that the Air Force 1 generally offers a wider array of styles, making it easier to find a design that matches your taste. The Air Force 1 has also been the centerpiece of some iconic collaborations, such as the Cactus Plant Flea Market low-top, which blends fashion with artistic expression. However, the Air Max 90 isn't far behind here, boasting notable collaborations like the EA Sports x Nike Air Max 90 "Play Like Mad" edition, showcasing its own unique appeal.
When it comes to price, the Air Force 1 tends to be slightly cheaper to buy at its retail price, but the difference isn't significant, not enough to sway a decision one way or another at least.
However, if you take the price into account, along with the wider variety of colorways, the Air Force 1 may be the slightly better option to add to your sneaker collection. It is a completely subjective decision, though. If you're still undecided, we recommend visiting a store to try on both pairs and see which one feels right for you.