Nike Air Max 90 Real vs. Fake Guide 2025: How Can I Tell If It Is Real?

Nike Air Max 90 Review

1st Released Year: 1990

Official Price: $84.97-$160

Air Max 90 was introduced in 1990 and created by Tinker Hatfield. The shoe continued the signature Air Max collection that started in 1987 with the Air Max 1 and fashioned the now distinctive lacing system and the iconic colorway known as “Infrared.”It was a modernized version of the Air Max 1, featuring a more fantastic Air unit and a more sleek and efficient design. Despite being an upgraded version, the Air Max 90 quickly became authoritative and has been a fan favorite ever since.

Like any Air Max silhouette, the most exciting part of the Nike Air Max 90 is its sole unit. Constructed from a standard foam midsole and a rubber outsole, the Air Max 90 provides cushioning in the heel using a visible Air unit.The upper of the Nike Air Max 90 consists of a breathable mesh, with leather and nubuck panels giving the sneaker some structure, whilst also adding to its aesthetic. While outdated as technology, the several pieces of materials sewn together still manage to offer plenty of comfort and breathability. Lastly, the outsole features the classic waffle sole traction we have gotten used to on classic Nike models, and so far, its rubber compound has held up nicely.

This 90's icon and its incredible colorways and collabs are here to make your feet fall in love. Its comfort and breathability make it a perfect pal for long summer walks or adventures, and its fairly durable structure guarantees you can wear it as much as you want. In fact, even if gets messy from all the use, cleaning it is not hard at all! It also comes at a fair price even though it's such a legendary Air Max. 

Nike Air Max 90 Pros and Cons:

Where to Buy Real Nike Air Max 90? 

Nike does not offer its products for sale through individuals, street vendors, flea markets, or house parties. Buying from official Nike stores or reputable online retailers significantly reduces the risk of getting fakes.

The best place to shop for the Air Max 90 online will always be directly from Nike official website (up to 3% super cash back), but what's great is that when styles sell out quickly, there will always be other retailers where you can find them,such as:

• JD Sports (up to 5% super cash back)

• Finish Line (up to 5% super cash back)

• Dicks Sporting Goods (up to 2% super cash back)

• ShopWSS (up to 7% super cash back)

• Stadium Goods (up to 1% super cash back)

• Foot Locker

• Champs Sports

Saving Tip:

If you like online shopping, don't forget to sign up at Extrabux！(What is Extrabux) , then you can enjoy up to 30+% cashback on your purchase from Extrabux! Sign-Up Bonus: Free to join it & get $20 welcome bonus! Student Benefits：As long as you are a student at school, you can get a free whole year long VIP Card worth $199.

Extrabux.com cooperates with many merchants, such as: Walmart (Up to 4% cashback), Sephora（4% -5% cash back)，Dior (Up to 6% cash back), Moosejaw (5% -6% cash back), LOOKFANTASTIC (Up to 10% cash back), Microsoft (Up to 7% cash back) and so on. You can save on buying daily necessities, fashion, beauty, electronic products, broadband installation, mobile communication, air tickets, hotels and other aspects of life!

How to Spot Fake Nike Air Max 90?

1. The Box Quality

Not all second-hand Air Max 90s will come in a shoebox. However, if they do, you should check the quality of the box.Nike always produce a quality product and like the product so is the box. Their trainers are always supplied in a strong and sturdy box.The box usually features a logo on the lid however, this does change depending on the year of release. The lid will fit tidy and flush to the box and will not be thin and flimsy.

Also on the box, be sure to examine the box sticker. Found on the side of the box, this sticker will present all of the essential information about this exact sneaker including the size and colourway product code. The sticker is the ultimate way of telling if your shoes are real, as fraudulent shoe manufacturers will often make plenty of mistakes here.

2. The Side “AIR MAX” Logo

1) A real Air Max will have the logo applied immaculately to the sneaker. When you feel the logo, the OG Nike Air Max logo is made of stiff plastic, due to its location on the shoe being just above the outsole. Fake sneakers often use cheap PVC so this logo can often feel cheap and soft.

2) Real logos have seamless letters and regular surrounding stitching.Fake stitching line has some abnormal elongations, not equidistant to the edges.

3. The Swoosh Logo

1) Real swoosh has perfect shapes and the  stitching is  parallel to the edges.Fake swoosh has regular shapes but the stitching is not parallel to the edges.

2) You can see how the real shoes have their top sharp tip looking glued to the shoes.However, the fake swoosh is coming out of the shoes instead of being glued o the leather.The fake shoes have their top sharp tip of the Nike Swoosh logo looking too curvy.

4. The Heel Logos

1) On the fake Air Max 90, the stitching groove interferes with the “A” and the “R” of the Nike Air logo. Also, the counterfeit shoe “Air” logo is missing the molded ribs below the letters. Additionally, the top shape of the real Nike patch has a significant dip in the middle.

2) On the fake pair, the stitching lines re too short and thin.On the other hand, the real shoes have stitching on the back of the shoes looking longer and thicker.

3) Real Air Max 90s won’t necessarily have a perfect paint job, but it should appear slick and crisp with minimal errors. However, painting mistakes will be much more dramatic and noticeable if your Air Max 90 are fake.

4) You will also see a obvious dip the heel logo of the real Air Max 90’s.

5. The Size Tag

The fake size tag has its text badly font-weighted, as there are numerous different thicknesses for the characters.The text on an authentic Air Max 90 size tag should have the same thickness for all characters.

6. The Tongue Logos

1) Real logos have perfect fabric and brand logos.Fake logos look reguar too,but the stitching lines have some imperfections.The fake shoes have their stitching looking too thin and kerned with too much empty space between them.And the trademark “®” symbols are too thick.The “NIKE” text on the fake shoes is also thicker and boxier than the text visible on the real shoes.

2) The Swoosh should be connected to the “e” of “Nike.” If the logo has been faked, the letter E and the Swoosh will most likely not be connected.

7. The Outsole

The quality of the sole is one of the easiest ways of deciding whether or not these trainers are the real deal. While it is possible, very few fake manufacturers will be able to construct soles that are comparable to the quality of real Nike ones. The main thing to look at when reviewing the sole is to see whether you can find the Nike logo. Often, if your Air Max 90 is fake, they will not have this.

On the other hand, the outsole of the real shoe features more defined traction, deeper grooves, and a more prominent Nike logo.Fakes might have a painted foam outsole or a poor representation of the waffle pattern. 

8. The Toe Box

The fake shoes have their toe box looking over-inflated.It has a chunkier and thicker look when compared toe box of the legit shoes.

9. The Insole

1) Look for a solid, well printed logo to the insole of the sneaker. Real Air Max 90’s will not have a worn logo to the insole.This may appear somewhat worn if you have found a counterfeit pair of Air Max 90s.

2) The fake shoes have their “A I R” text looking too thin.On the other hand, the authentic shoes have their text looking thicker than what it looks like on the fake pair.

10. Overall Feel and Build Quality

The real shoes will feel sturdy, well-made, and have a high-quality feel. Materials like leather, suede, and mesh will feel high-quality and durable. However, Fake materials might feel cheap, flimsy, or lack the proper texture and feel of genuine materials. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Nike Air Max 90 Good For?

Originally designed for performance running, the Max Air unit in the heel adds unbelievable cushioning. The low-top design combines with a padded collar for a sleek look that feels soft and comfortable. The stitched overlays and TPU accents add durability, comfort and the iconic '90s look you love.

Are Nike Air Max 90 still in style?

These days, the sneaker has transitioned to the retro/casual category for the most part. There is always a crowd for retro Nike runners, particularly from the Air Max line. The AM90 remains one of the most popular silhouettes for fans of this type of sneaker.

Is Air Max 90 supposed to be tight?

The Air Max 90 runs more on the narrow side so you have to be mindful if you have a wide foot. In my personal experience, the Air Max 90 runs true to size. If you have a wide foot you might find them a little tight, I suggest going half size up for some extra room.

Are Air Max 90s comfortable to walk in?

The Air Max 90s are well-cushioned, soft and have just the right amount of bounce to them – perfect for those challenging long days on your feet. 

Can you play basketball in Air Max 90?

Yes, you can play basketball in Air Max 90s, but they might not be the best choice for dedicated basketball performance. While some NBA players, like Thabo Sefolosha, have chosen to play in them, the Air Max 90's were originally designed for running and offer less ankle support and a potentially less optimal sole for basketball. Dedicated basketball shoes are generally recommended for better performance and injury prevention. 

Are Air Max 90s good running shoes?

Technically, one could run in the AM90. There are better, more modern choices that exist for running today, however in the early 1990s lots of people ran in them!

Do Air Max 90s make you taller?

The Air Max 90 has a thick, wedge-shaped midsole. Once your foot is inside the shoe however, you gain roughly 3 cm of height.The 3cm is actually slightly less than other pairs like the Air Max 1 and Air Max 95.

Are Nike Air Max 90 good for wide feet?

Nike Air Max 90 shoes are generally considered to have a narrow fit. Individuals with wide feet might find them snug, and it’s advisable to try them on before purchasing or consider looking for models designed to accommodate wider foot widths. Some shoe styles within the Nike brand or other brands may cater specifically to individuals with wider feet.

【Read More】

Nike Air Max 1 vs. Air Max 90 vs. Air Max Excee vs. Air Max SC: Differences and Reviews 2025

Air Max 90 vs. 95 vs. 97 vs. Air Max Plus: Differences and Reviews 2025

Nike Court Vision vs. Air Force 1 vs. Air Max 90: Differences and Reviews 2025

Extrabux is an international cashback shopping site, offering up to 30% cashback from 10,000+ Stores!

24S, SSENSE, MATCHESFASHION.COM, Shopbop, NET-A-PORTER, FARFETCH, YOOX, Eastbay, End Clothing, Macys, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks OFF 5TH, Bergdorf Goodman, Selfridges, Bloomingdales, Coggles, Harrods, Kohl's, Urban Outfitters, ASOS, Missguided, etc.

Join to get $20 welcome bonus now! (How does Welcome Bonus work?)