If you're a sneaker fan, you've probably wondered what the differences are between the revolutionary and highly popular Air Max 1 vs Air Max 90.
The two models are among some of Nike's most iconic silhouettes and have gone on to inspire several of the best Air Max sneakers since. Not only that, but both models have seen some amazing sneaker collaborations over the years, and continue to be released with new designs to this day.
Deciding which to buy can be complicated though, which is why we've compared some of the similarities and differences in their price and design to help you decide.
Table of Contents
We'll start with where it all began for the Air Max 1 and Air Max 90 though, as we delve into how these two great sneakers first came into existence...
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" colours 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 colour scheme seen previously.
Interestingly, the Air Max 90 has gone on to be one of the most popular sneakers available today. For example, it featured in the top 10 most-sold sneakers in 2021 according to NPD’s VP and Senior Advisor Matt Powell's Sneakernomics 2021 Year in Review, making it just as revolutionary as its Air Max 1 relative.
Price
With the history covered, you may now be wondering which of the two models is cheaper if you're trying to decide which to buy.
Generally speaking, a pair of Air Max 90s are slightly cheaper than a pair of Air Max 1s. This is evidenced if you compare the price of the "Ashen Slate" Air Max 90 with the similarly matched "Tree Line" Air Max 1.
Both of these sneakers were released around the same time and have no additional variables, like a high-profile collaboration attached for example, which may influence their retail price.
The difference appears to be relatively slim though, and you'll find both the Air Max 1 and 90 to be amongst some of the most expensive Air Max sneakers ever sold.
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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 colour around the Air units. By comparison, the Air Max 1 tends to come with a simple white midsole with two grooves running through the centre.
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 colour 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 colourway out there that suits your style. Take the "Alchemy Pink" and GORE-TEX "Infrared" colourway: two examples 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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