Back to the early 2000s: mp3 players were full of hits by Eminem and The Black Eyed Peas, MSN Messenger was the way to keep in touch, and in the football world, iconic adverts such as ‘Good vs Evil’ and ‘The Cage’ dominated. In addition, Nike introduced a football shoe that changed everything: the Nike Air Zoom Total 90.
With its angled laces and innovative shooting surface, the T90 became an instant classic that will be more relevant again in 2025 than ever before.
History Nike Total 90
In the early 2000s, Nike began to raise its profile in football. While the Mercurial line focused on speed, Nike needed a shoe for the powerful shooter and all-rounder. Thus, the Total 90 line was born, with a clear focus: shooting hard, clean, and accurate.
The design of the first Total 90 immediately stood out. Strategically placed shooting surfaces and asymmetrical lacing offered a larger contact area for the ball, a trademark for the series. The 2000 T90 Air Zoom already introduced increased comfort and cushioning, but the T90 II around 2002 really put the line on the map.
With its robust design and striking colors, the shoe was immediately embraced by pros and amateurs alike.
Renewal over the years
Each new generation of the Total 90 brought improvements. In 2004, the T90 III got an even more refined shooting surface, and the T90 Laser series (2007) was downright revolutionary. With this series, Nike introduced rubber panels on the instep that optimized spin, power, and precision. The T90 Laser III (2010) even had an Adaptive Shield that adapted to different shooting techniques.
The latest edition, the 2011 T90 Laser IV, was lighter than ever. The silhouette received an updated shooting surface that allowed for maximum control. Despite its great success, it was decided to discontinue the line in 2013, as Nike shifted its focus to the Hypervenom series.
The end of an era, but the Total 90 continued to live on in the memories of football fans.
Iconic moments with the Total 90
The Total 90 has seen some legendary football moments. Think Wayne Rooney's devastating volley against Newcastle in 2005, or Luís Figo wearing the shoe during the 2004 European Championship, leading Portugal to the final.
In addition, the Total 90 was loved by players such as Francesco Totti, Fernando Torres, and Luís Figo. During the 2006 World Cup, countless world stars wore the T90. The iconic Nike campaigns, such as Take It To The Next Level, gave the shoe mythical status.
Comeback as a lifestyle sneaker
More than a decade after the disappearance of the football shoe, the Total 90 returns, but this time not on the pitch. Nike has re-released the legendary shoe as a lifestyle trainer. A nod to the early 2000s and a tribute to the T90's iconic status.
The updated design retains the angled laces and distinctive logo, but modern materials and a casual look make the shoe appealing to trainer lovers and nostalgic football fans alike.
The return shows just how big an impact the T90 had. A shoe designed for precision and power on the pitch has now been crowned a streetwear icon. Whether you wear it because of the memories of legendary goals or because it is a stylish sneaker — the Total 90 lives on.
The legacy of the Total 90
Although the Total 90 is no longer produced as a football shoe, its influence remains visible. Innovations in shooting surfaces and technologies live on in models such as Nike's Phantom line.
For many football fans, the T90 remains a symbol of an era when power was king. Its comeback is therefore timely.
The Total 90 line was discontinued in 2013 and replaced by the Nike Hypervenom series. Nike wanted to develop a lighter, more agile shoe that better suited modern playing styles.
Currently, the Total 90 has only been brought back as a lifestyle trainer. There is no official announcement of the football shoe's return, but its influence is still visible in modern Nike models from the Phantom line, for example.
