If you're a sneaker fan, you've probably wondered about the differences between the revolutionary and highly popular Air Max 1 and Air Max 90. Both models are iconic Nike silhouettes that have inspired some of the best Air Max sneakers over the years, although both models still get new designs released to this day.
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Deciding which to buy can be complicated, so we've compared their price and design to help you decide. We'll delve into the origins of the Air Max 1 and Air Max 90 too, helping you understand how these two great sneakers first came into existence and what sets them apart.
History
Although the Air Tailwind was the first sneaker to feature Nike's revolutionary technology, the Air Max 1 was arguably the one to popularise the new air cushioning system after the model's debut in 1987.
Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the man behind some of the best Air Jordans ever made, the Air Max 1 was the first to feature translucent windows into the soles to see the technology in action.
You then have to fast forward to 1990 to see the debut of the Air Max 90, originally dubbed the Air Max 3 as the successor to the Air Max Light which debuted just a year earlier.
The Air Max 90 first arrived in "Infrared" colors and saw Nike make several alterations to the Air Max 1 design. For instance, black leather panels were introduced along the sides to add an additional tone to the predominately white and red color scheme seen previously.
Interestingly, though, the Air Max 90 has gone on to be one of the most popular sneakers available today, making it just as revolutionary as its Air Max 1 relative.
Price
Now that we've explored the history, you might be curious about which model is more affordable if you're considering a purchase.
In general, Air Max 90s tend to be slightly less expensive than Air Max 1s. For instance, comparing the prices of the "Glacier Blue" 90s and the "White Black" 1s—both released around the same time without any high-profile collaborations or special editions affecting their prices—shows that the difference is minor, typically around $10 in retail price.
However, both the Air Max 1 and Air Max 90 are among the pricier options in the Air Max lineup, so the cost difference, while present, is relatively modest.
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Design
Although very similar in their design, there are a few notable differences between the Air Max 1 and Air Max 90.
For example, the Air Max 90s smooth midsole typically features an extra panel for an additional pop of color around the Air units. By comparison, the Air Max 1 tends to come with a simple white midsole with two grooves running through the center.
The Air Max 90 also features slightly larger Air bubbles in the midsoles which you may find makes them the more comfortable of the two to wear.
Moreover, you'll typically find the same pattern and color from the Air Max 90's additional midsole panel featured across the uppers, with a leather mudguard and side panel strip also added which covers most of the Swooshes along the sides.
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Air Max 1 vs Air Max 90: Which should you buy?
Choosing which of these two Nike sneakers to buy is difficult for us to say as the answer ultimately comes down to personal preference.
That said, we feel it's worth keeping in mind that the Air Max 90 is typically the slightly cheaper of the two models, so could be the option for you if you're budget is limited.
There's arguably a little more variety in some of the Air Max 90s available right now as well, meaning there's more likely to be a colorway out there that suits your style. Take the relatively recent "Neutral Olive" design: a great example of how the Air Max 90 line continues to thrive to this day.
Ultimately, the choice is yours though. If you're unsure, then we'd recommend seeing if you can try both models in-store to figure out which of the two suits you and fits best.
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