A New Nike Air Max 90 Goes on Safari This Week

Nike lay claim to more than just iconic models and colourways. They can also attribute themselves to instantly recognisable patterns and prints like Elephant, Lava, and Safari. While these prints were historically tied to particular styles, plenty of cross-pollination has occurred over the years with other Swoosh-clad designs.

For example, Safari print was first debuted on the eponymous Air Safari of 1987. Then the pebbled pattern came into contemporary sneakerhead consciousness with its reinterpreted use on the famous atmos x Air Max 1 collaboration from 2002. Dozens of Safari tributes followed over the years, including a recent application on the Nike SB Dunk Low. Now, a new Air Max 90 will again use the classic texture.

This AM90 stays fairly true to the original outdoors-inspired ethos of the Safari, using the pattern as a primary contrast, but not necessarily the main focal point of the design. It’s complemented by a mix of perforated black leather on the toe box, ballistic nylon around the ankle, and suede on the mudguard. Bright orange hits on the heel tab, eye stays, and midsole highlight help add just enough excitement, and connect nicely to the overall theme’s origins.

Releasing at various Nike retailers on October 3.