Despite Nikes triumphant 1987 success with the launching of the Visible Air unit in the Air Max 1, the brand still felt compelled and driven to give its athletes improved innovation and product choices. The brand slogan “There is no finish line” kept ringing true.

During the next 2 years of Visible Air innovation, Tinker Hatfield integrated this technology into Michael Jordan’s footwear line, resulting in the Air Jordan 3. In addition to this, the Air Max 1 evolved into two more sneakers, namely:

1) The Air Max Walker 1988. This walking shoe was anatomically similar to the Air Max One, but had a few modifications more geared to its purpose, which included less mesh and more leather in the upper.

2) Air Max Light 1989, also known as the Air Max 2. Appropriately named “Light”, this variation included a hybrid midsole which replaced the front half of the midsole with a lighter Phylon material while also including an encapsulated Air cushion in the forefoot.  The upper showed off new thermoplastic inserts for increased stability. However, visually the Air Max Light still very much resembled its parent, the Air Max 1.

By now the Nike product portfolio of Air Max had garnered unwavering momentum and credibility. Nike thus tasked Tinker to create the Air Max 3 – a shoe which would continue the successful momentum of Air Max and something even more monumental than its predecessor – but how?

When we look at the final launch product of the Air Max 90, it becomes clear that 3 design directives must have led Tinker’s thought process: MORE AIR, INCREASED VISIBLITY and a CONTEMPORAY SPEED AESTHETIC.

Tinkers most natural evolution for the Air Max 90 was to increase the amount of Air used in the construction. MORE AIR meant that athletes would be less prone to injuries and fatigue. Tinker retained the shape of Air Unit for the Air Max 1 in the Air Max 90, but increased the size thereof. The Air Max 90 was modified to have a larger window to view the Air unit and even the cushion is more flushed with the midsole when compared to the Air Max 1.

It also needs to be noted that the Air Max 90 was Nikes most pinnacle running offering and Tinker needed to safeguard runners on the road with INCREASED VISIBILTY. The use of the infrared colour on the Air Max 90 was aesthetically its most noticeable colour on the shoe. 1990 had not seen such a striking colour on a running shoe. The Infrared colour pop was made visible on the outsole, midsole and upper of the Air Max 90, drawing together a cohesive look for the sneaker.

Tinker maximised the impact of the Infrared colour by surrounding the entire visible air unit with the colour. It was an undeniably impactful hook to keep drawing your eyes to the new Air Max unit.