Nike Air Max 90 "Diffused Blue" Offers Summer-Ready Material Mix

Nike Sportswear‘s ever-popular Air Max 90 is continuing its 30th anniversary celebrations with a multitude of makeups this summer, the latest of which is an appealing “Diffused Blue.” This striking take on the Tinker Hatfield-designed silhouette swaps out its standard mesh-and-leather construction for an inherently casual mixture of blue linens and suedes. This alternate build makes for a look that sits somewhere between a pair of blue jeans and the colors of the New York Yankees.

Woven blue nylon serves as the base layer, noticeable on toebox, throat and collar alike. However, it’s quickly overlaid by a sumptuous serving of supple suedes, all of which are dressed in navy. These include a more shaggy style around the eyestays and a shorter, nubuck-like material on the mudguard. Swooshes are dressed in an ivory shade, while tongue/heel badges and the midfoot window all take on a light periwinkle tone.

Although it’s a detail that can’t be seen in this set of images, insoles are made of a spongy cork, just like the recently released Air Max 90 “Summit White.” These cork insoles are inscribed with a black “Just Do it” hit, which is presented in a Tom Sachs-esque font. A clear Air Max cushioning unit encased in navy and ivory-toned EVA foam provides cushioning down below, with a Space Hippie-style flecked outsole adding a touch of concealed vibrance to complete the look.

The Nike Air Max 90 “Diffused Blue” released at Japanese retailers like mita for ¥13,000 JPY (approximately $122 USD) and has since sold out, but will likely arrive at US stockists in the coming weeks.

For more from Nike, get a look at the self-lacing Adapt Auto Max in a new “Infrared” colorway.