More than three decades after it first hit shelves, the Air Max 90 is doing something rare for a sneaker its age — it is getting more relevant, not less. Nike has quietly made the Air Max 90 one of the centerpieces of its 2026 lineup, and the releases rolling out this season make a strong case that this silhouette has no intention of slowing down.
From a jaw-dropping Infrared update loaded with reflective 3M detailing to a sleek Black Neon colorway that arrives next month, the Air Max 90 is putting other retro runners on notice. For sneaker collectors and casual buyers alike, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years yet for this legendary shoe.
A Legacy That Refuses to Fade
The Air Max 90 was born in 1990, designed by Tinker Hatfield as the third chapter in Nike’s Air Max story. Originally called the Air Max III, the shoe introduced a larger visible Air unit, bolder proportions, and a layered panel construction that was unlike anything on the market at the time. The name changed to Air Max 90 when retro pairs began circulating in 2000, cementing its place in sneaker history permanently.
What separates the Air Max 90 from nearly every other retro silhouette is its versatility. The shoe has lived comfortably across running, streetwear, fashion, and sport for over 30 years. Collaborations with Off-White, Undefeated, and DENHAM have kept the Air Max 90 culturally sharp, while Nike’s steady stream of seasonal colorways ensures it never disappears from rotation. In 2026, that momentum is unmistakably building.
The Air Max 90 Infrared 3M Is the Drop of the Season
The most talked-about Air Max 90 release of 2026 is the Infrared 3M, officially listed as the Air Max 90 Infrared Reflective with style code IU1055-100. This is not a straight retro of the original 1990 Infrared colorway — and that is exactly the point.
Nike swapped the mesh toe, collar, and heel panels for darker grey synthetic leather and suede, giving the shoe a more structured and premium feel. The familiar white, black, grey, and Infrared 23 palette remains untouched, but the real story is the 3M reflective material woven throughout the upper. Under direct light or at night, the Infrared 3M lights up in a way that the 1990 original never could. It is a modern interpretation that respects the source material without being trapped by it. The Infrared 3M is priced at $150 and is expected to drop at Nike.com and select Nike Sportswear retailers during Spring 2026.
The Black Neon Air Max 90 Is Next
Right behind the Infrared 3M is the Air Max 90 Black Neon, dropping March 6, 2026, at a retail price of $135 with style code IQ0289-010. This colorway draws clear inspiration from the legendary Dave White from 2005 — one of the most coveted collaborations in Air Max history — but takes the concept in a slightly different direction.
Where Dave White’s version leaned into grey and black tones, Nike’s 2026 Black Neon leans fully into contrast. The all-black upper is broken up by neon accents concentrated around the visible Air unit in the heel, creating a sharp visual punch that photographs beautifully and wears even better. For anyone who missed the Dave White era, this is the closest thing to a second chance — available through Nike and select retailers starting next month.
More Air Max 90 Releases Filling Out the Year
The Infrared 3M and Black Neon are the headliners, but the Air Max 90 has been busy across all of 2026. Earlier this year, Nike dropped the Air Max 90 Peony on February 1, a soft blush-toned release priced at $135 that sold through quickly. The Woodgrain Speaker edition, priced at $170, made noise in January with its unconventional material story. A Light Spruce colorway is also confirmed for Spring 2026, bringing a muted tonal green build for buyers who prefer a subtler take on the Air Max 90 aesthetic.
Each of these releases reinforces something that Nike has clearly understood for a long time — the Air Max 90 does not need a reinvention to stay relevant. It needs thoughtful iteration, and that is exactly what the brand keeps delivering.
Why the Air Max 90 Keeps Winning
In an era where new silhouettes fight for attention every single week, this iconic sneaker thrives by being exactly what it has always been — a boldly designed, supremely comfortable, endlessly adaptable shoe that looks as good in 2026 as it did when Hatfield first sketched it out. Its retail price range, sitting between $135 and $170 depending on the edition, keeps it accessible without diminishing the value of special releases.
The model is also benefiting from broader fashion trends. Chunky retro runners have dominated street style for years, and it sits at the perfect intersection of that aesthetic and genuine sneaker heritage. It is not chasing trends — it helped create them.
With the Infrared 3M still on the horizon and the Black Neon dropping in less than three weeks, now is the right time to pay close attention. This sneaker is not coasting on nostalgia. It is building something new — and this year, it is doing it louder than ever.
