The 1990s was a defining decade for sneaker culture, marked by iconic silhouettes, technological advancements, and bold and exaggerated footwear trends. Brands like Nike, ASICS, Reebok and Air Jordan created designs that became iconic fashion staples, including the Nike Air Max 90 and Air Max 95, Air Jordan 5, and Reebok Classic. Alongside performance sneakers, chunky sneakers, platform shoes, clogs and square-toed sandals became key styles, often seen in music videos and streetwear, reflecting the era's vibrant trends.
Iconic Sneaker Models of the 90s
- Nike Air Huarache
- adidas EQT Support 93
- Reebok Instapump Fury
- Air Jordan V
- Nike Air Max Plus
- Nike Air 180
- Nike Air Max BW
- New Balance 1500
- ASICS GEL-Lyte III
- Air Jordan VI
- Nike Air Max 90
- New Balance 998
- New Balance 574
- Nike Air Max 95
- Nike Air Max 97
- Air Jordan XI
- Vans Half Cab
- Puma Disc
- Reebok Classic Leather
- Converse One Star
1. Nike Air Huarache
In 1991, the Nike Air Huarache was released for the first time. The design of the running shoe was very exclusive at the time, as it had a neoprene upper that looked like a sock. The quote that went with the shoe was: "Have you hugged your foot today?
The Air Huarache, like so many other Nike legends, was designed by Tinker Hatfield. He said at the time that the design didn't need a Nike Swoosh because: "People know that only Nike could think of this crazy idea and then pull it off".
2. adidas EQT Support 93
adidas launched a new model in 1993: the adidas EQT Support 93. This sporty model reveals the brand through the three iconic stripes on the side. It's purpose was to support a runner's feet, regardless of the terrain they were running on.
The special colorblocking in the design is something that has been seen more often in the history of this model.
3. Reebok Instapump Fury
The Reebok Instapump Fury hit the shelves in 1994, years after the historic release of the Reebok's PUMP technology in the late 80s. The experimental design became a cult sensation, and is still one of Reebok's most ambitious shoes to date. Initially intended as a running shoe, collectors became more interested in its frankenstein design than any performance features the sneaker actually provided.
4. Air Jordan V
The Air Jordan 5 dropped in four colorways in its initial run in February 1990, with white/black, black/metallic, white/fire red and white/grape all released, the most famous of which is the 'Fire Red'. The AJ5 was the first Jordan model to feature a clear rubber sole and reflective 3M material on the tongue, giving it a unique look over its predecessors, and making it a trendsetter within the Air Jordan line. It was also the first basketball shoe to be given moulded foam in the upper.
You may be familiar with the model if you were a fan of the famous American 90s comedy series The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. The series was not only extremely funny, it also had a very big influence on the sneaker scene. The main character Will Smith was known for the awesome sneakers he wore in the series, most often the Jordan model.
In one of the promo pictures of the series, he wore the iconic Jordan V's without laces. Of all the sneaker models from the 90s, he sure picked one of the best!
5. Nike Air Max Plus
Released in 1998, the Nike Air Max Plus has had a huge fanbase for over two decades - but you might know the model better as the Nike Air Max TN, due to the Tuned Air system in the sole. Designer Sean McDowell was inspired by a whale, with the tail fin of the giant mammal reflected in the upper of the shoes.
6. Nike Air 180
Released in 1991 as a running shoe, the Nike Air 180 took its name from the visible Air Bubble that is distributed 180 degrees over the sole. Although not popular upon its initial debut, the Air 180 gained momentum when it was promoted by Michael Jordan during the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, where he wore the Air 180 'Concord', a special colorway that was developed with a striking golden Swoosh and purple accents. The 180 was also seen on the feet of Kanye West, Eminem, and Dizzee Rascal, amongst others.
7. Nike Air Max BW
The iconic Nike Air Max BW (also known as the Nike Air Max Classic, or originally the Air Max IV) was not only a favourite of long-distance runners in the states, but of American R&B stars and Europe’s rave scene, and had a huge impact on street-style in the 90s that has recently been seen again in an explosive comeback.
The Air Max BW was originally released in 1991 in a black, white, and ‘Persian Violet’ colorway. Although it’s since been released in many further colorways, the ‘Persian Violet’ remains its signature look.
8. New Balance 1500
The New Balance 1500 was launched in 1993 as a running shoe. At the drop of the 1500, New Balance proclaimed it: "the closest thing yet to a perfect running shoe". It was first seen in a 'Grey' colorway as part of the Made in England range.
Nowadays, this New Balance model is still very popular in street style. The sneaker has a classic silhouette with a comfortable fit.
9. ASICS GEL-Lyte III
In 1990, ASICS released the legendary Gel-Lyte III. The model has a timeless design with a sporty look. The sneaker also became famous for its contrasting colorways. In addition, the split tongue for better comfort distinguishes this particular sneaker model.
10. Air Jordan VI
The Air Jordan 6 was released in 1991, and is notable as Michael Jordan won his first championship while wearing the model. It was originally available in five colorways, including the 'Black', 'White', 'Carmine', 'Sport Blue', and 'Maroon.' MJ wore the 'Black/Infrared' colorway pictured above for the postseason in 1991.
The Air Jordan 6 is also notable also because it was the last time an Air Jordan would feature Nike branding. After the AJ6, the Air Jordan moved the sneakers into being their own brand.
One of Air Jordan's most iconic silhouettes, the Air Jordan VI remains popular to this day, selling out almost instantly on release.
11. Nike Air Max 90
Considered one of the most iconic silhouettes ever created, the Air Max 90 is known for its bold design ‘made to look fast’ and is the most successful Air Max sneaker in Nike history. Designer Tinker Hatfield took inspiration from previous Air Max designs, accentuating the Air Unit in the heel in colorways such as the 'Infrared' with a bold window, making it impossible to miss.
12. New Balance 998
Debuting in 1993, the New Balance 998 is a retro running sneaker that's popular for its "Dad Shoe" aesthetic. Known for its Abzorb midsole, high-vis reflective material, and layered upper, the model gives provides ultimate comfort both on the track and in day-to-day life.
13. New Balance 574
Originally released in 1988, the New Balance 574 was the brand's first foray into the lifestyle sneaker market, applying cost-cutting measures to the model such as changing the materials, reducing performance, and simplifying tech. The more affordable 574 quickly gained momentum, the suede upper and mesh paneling providing more than enough comfort for everyday wear. A true all-round classic, and a favourite for numerous collaborations over the years, the 574 is one of New Balance's most popular models of all time.
14. Nike Air Max 95
Massively hyped in Japan after it first released in the mid-90s, the Nike Air Max 95 also saw huge success around the rest of the world as sneakerheads admired its unique design and athletes praised its responsive performance.
Designer Sergio Lozano based the unique design on human anatomy, with the lacing system of the shoe resembling a set of ribs, a spine-inspired outsole and use of mesh on the upper to look like muscle fibres. The model was the first in the Air Max line to utilise air cushions in the forefoot, and it also featured a minimized Swoosh on the rear of the sneaker. A first-of-its-kind black outsole was also introduced on the model.
15. Nike Air Max 97
As hinted at from its name, the Nike Air Max 97 was first released in 1997. Commonly thought to take after the Japanese bullet train, the AM97 was the first shoe from Nike that introduced full-length air, and also a hidden lacing system. The model's original 'Metallic Silver' colorway was inspired by designer Christian Tresser's interest in mountain biking.
While it never quite gained the popularity of its predecessor, the AM95, the sneaker enjoyed immediate attention in Italy, adopted by DJ and other creative subcultures as a lifestyle sneaker.
16. Air Jordan XI
Legendary designer Tinker Hatfield created the Air Jordan 11 in 1995, combining immaculate technology and design into a sneaker model that became a hit on both the court and the street. Its mesh upper provided more durability than the average sneaker, and the patent leather gave the model structure while still providing the necessary lightness. Conveniently, the mix of smooth lines and wavy leather on the simple silhouette made it perfect for dressing up or down.
Dropped at the same time that Michael Jordan announced he would be returning to the NBA, the basketball star went on to wear the sneaker in a 'Concord' colorway throughout his 1995-96 season, making the model a symbol of MJ's return to NBA stardom and becoming immortalised in sporting history.
17. Vans Half Cab
The Vans Half Cab was born in 1992, three years after the original Caballero model was introduced from skateboarding legend Steve Caballero in collaboration with Vans. Skaters quickly adopted the Caballero for its grippy sole, comfort and style, but Steve realised that the skaters were cutting down the high-top model to adapt it to the streets, hence the official appearance of the Half Cab. Constructed from a pig suede upper, molded heel counter and locked-in tongue straps, the model is flexible and provides maximum durability where skaters need it most.
Even now, the Half Cab is still recognised as one of the must trusted sneakers in skateboarding.
18. Puma Disc
In 1991, PUMA launched the DISC System, which was the first laceless sports shoe with a system of internal wires that tightened the upper for a perfect fit. It worked perfectly in tandom with PUMA's existing cushioning technology, and its incredible structure and performance metrics meant it was quickly rolled out across all categories of the brand. More than 30 years later, the Puma DISC is still celebrated as a revolutionary game-changer.
19. Reebok Classic Leather
The clean silhouette of the Reebok Classic Leather was originally introduced in 1983, where it gradually evolved from a running shoe into a pop culture favourite during the 90s. Its simple leather upper defined its look and set it apart from the pack, establishing it as an early streetwear and hip-hop must-have in the UK in particular. The crisp white leather means this sneaker will always be a classic for the style-conscious.
20. Converse One Star
The Converse One Star was actually first released as a basketball sneaker in 1974, but the model was re-issued in 1993 after its popularly soared as vintage collectors went through a craze of finding the footwear between the 80s and 90s, especially in Japan, and skaters and people in the grunge scene started adopting it. Kurt Cobain was often seen wearing the One Star, helping establish the silhouette with as a symbol of rebellion and youth.
Named after the single star emblazoned in its flank, the One Star remains a hugely popular model today, receiving a third run across shelves in 2017 with a new vulcanized rubber sole.
