The Air Max 90 Infrared is one of those sneakers that needs no introduction. The original 1990 colourway defined the silhouette, and every reissue since has been measured against it. Now, six years after the 2020 retro, Nike is bringing it back for 2026 with a few considered upgrades.
The bones are the same: creamy suede, breathable mesh, smooth leather, all layered in that unmistakable neon red, black, grey, and white arrangement. But this time Nike has added reflective 3M detailing throughout, giving the shoe a new dimension after dark. The mesh base layers have also been swapped for additional leather panels, creating a sleeker, more premium feel than previous retros.
It is a smart play from Nike. The Infrared colourway has already graced Air Jordans and Air Huaraches, but the AM90 is where it started and where it hits hardest. The leather-forward approach feels like a nod to the premium retro market that New Balance has been dominating, without losing any of the original's character.
The Air Max 90 Infrared has already dropped at atmos Tokyo and is expected to hit Nike's website for a wider global release imminently. After 36 years, this colourway still does not miss.