If any sneaker deserved to get its own star on the Walk of Fame, it would be the Nike Air Max 90 (III) 'Infrared'. This sneaker is said to be the second in a series of legends that we will introduce to you within our '10 Days of Air Max 2021'.
A legend is created
"In many ways, design is about anticipating the needs of the future," says Tinker Hatfield in the documentary about his work on Netlifx. This is exactly what the now legendary shoe designer did with the idea that was first implemented in the Air Max 1 and turned the sneaker world upside down in 1987.
The success of the kicks was followed by two barely different successor models: The Air Max Light and the Air Walker Max. In addition, a proper sequel arrived in 1989. The Air Max 2 differed from the original with jagged panels and a midsole made of EVA foam. And the Air Max 3?
With the Air Max 3, Hatfield added another legend to his design career and seemingly easily secured the breakthrough of the Air Max line. The 1990 Air Max 3 featured a larger exposed Air unit than its predecessors and a larger window for light to flood through. This innovation put the Air Max 3 at the centre of shoe design.
"People struggle with stuff they don't understand. Design that's different than what they're used to. Yet, what creates excitement and gets people to pay attention, may actually leads to some breakthroughs in performance, it's the kind of force the destructive nature of like 'that's a big idea'. That's way I do. That's my job."
Tinker Hatfield, in Abstract
Similar to the effect Hatfield's work on the Air Jordan 3 had on the entire Jordan line, the Air Max 3 proved that lightning can strike more than once, paving the way for many classics and collaborations.
The shoe has become successful both because of the design and because of its first iconic colourway, "Infrared".
Nike Air Max 90 (III) 'Infrared'
The Nike Air Max 90 OG 'Infrared' colour scheme is made up of white, grey, black and the signature Infrared. It is a very special, bright red that characterises the cult shoe. Actually, the model was called Air Max 3, as it was the third in the Nike series that made air visible.
The striking reddish/pink neon accents immediately drew the eye to the Air unit. Matching details on the heel, toe and eyelets balanced the rest of the colours. The mudguard was made of black leather. In 2020, for the 30th anniversary of the silhouette, the special OG of the Air Max 90 was reissued once again!
Role model for the next generations
The iconic value of the kicks is undeniable and despite the success of the original models, Nike designers are always developing new ideas for the Air Max. Over the course of history, these have included the Air Max 95, 97, Air Max Thea and the Air Max 270.
Check out this video for more info, especially on the development history of the Air Max 2090, which is inspired by the Air Max 90.
The popularity of this shoe is undisputed and many more colourways have rocked the sneaker world over the years. Of course, there's always more and the best yet to come. What do you think? Either way, we have all the releases for you in our calendar:
In our 10 Days of Air Max 2021, we give even more Air Max highlights the stage they deserve. So feel free to check out our sneaker news. In addition to the sneakers, we also have a couple of giveaways during these ten days. We have summarised everything for you here.
