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Learn About the Surprising Comeback of the Nike Air Total 90

Lifestyle

Learn About the Surprising Comeback of the Nike Air Total 90

Sep 4, 2025

If you followed soccer back in the early 2000s, you know about the Nike Total 90: Legendary cleats that adorned the feet of greats like Eric Cantona, Luis Figo and Roberto Carlos. Those guys retired and seemed to have taken T90s with them, but the shoes are back, reimagined as a lifestyle sneaker for style-conscious sneakerheads. 

It's time to get to know the Nike Air Total 90.

Close-up of Nike Air Zoom 90 sneakers in white and blue with gum soles, placed on pavement next to a net of colorful soccer balls.

Why the T90 Mattered Then and Now

p>Back in the 2000s, the T90 stood out with key design elements like asymmetrical lacing and a quilted upper — allowing players a larger area of the boot for ball striking — as well as iconic branding. Backed by living sports legends like Ronaldinho, the T90 resonated with on-field performance and off-field cool.

It's that association that has Gen Z absolutely eating up the Nike Air Zoom III Total 90 in 2025. Nike has reinvented a storied sports shoe as a lifestyle sneaker, brimming with retro energy and tapping into the ongoing Y2K revival.

What’s New in the 2025 Revival

The Nike Air Zoom Total 90 III keeps the overall aesthetic and design of the original cleat, including the notable asymmetrical lacing and quilted upper. But the transition from cleat to sneaker brings a slew of comfort-first lifestyle updates. A leather build and padded collar are supplemented by Zoom Air cushioning and a grippy rubber sole. Overall, the sneaker is a cleaner silhouette than the original cleat, adding a touch of modern confidence to its retro flair.

We've already seen some variations on the theme for the Nike Air Zoom II Total 90. In a collab with Maha Amsterdam, Nike dropped the T90 Shox Magia this summer. The stunning hybrid takes its cues from a Y2K-era indoor soccer shoe, combining the T90's quilted upper with stacked Shox cushioning in the heel. The collab suggests Nike sees a lot of potential still to mine from reimagining its archival 2000s sports shoes as fashion-forward lifestyle sneakers.

Person wearing Nike Air Zoom 90 sneakers in blue and white with gum soles, holding a net filled with soccer balls against a concrete wall

Style the Total 90 Your Way

As might be expected from a shoe modeled on soccer cleats, the fit is true to size but snug. For wider feet, consider sizing up a half size.

Style the Air Zoom Nike Total 90 with tech joggers, layered neutrals and bold socks. Recommended gear to pair with these retro sneakers includes the Nike Men's Tech Jacket and accessories like the Nike Tech Statement Zip Wallet Lanyard.

Grab Your Pair Before They’re Gone

Act fast to cop: the Nike Total 90 is a coveted retro rerelease. Secure your pair from Hibbett online or via the Hibbett mobile app, where you can also explore our full lineup of classic sneakers and trendy new arrivals. Or stop by your nearest Hibbett store to try the latest shoes for yourself.

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