Which Air Max Sneaker Matches Your Personality?

Bold colorways. Layered materials. Cushioning so revolutionary you have to feel it to believe it. Whether you witnessed the first Air Max sneaker drop in 1987 or you prefer its retro-style models built for today’s performance needs, Nike has the perfect shoe for you.

For over 30 years, Nike has continued moving forward with an ever-evolving colorful lineup of Air Max sneaker editions in a wide range of men’s, women’s and kids’ sizes. While we’d argue that all Air Max models are must-haves, each style is as unique as the sneakerhead or sneakerista who wears it.

So which Air Max best matches you? Check out these five fan-favorites!

Lover of the Limelight: Air Max 90

You don’t mind soaking in the spotlight – having all eyes on what you’re saying and doing or how you’re dressing. If you have a little room to share the stage, the Air Max 90‘s standout style is your perfect match.

The third iteration of Tinker Hatfield’s breakthrough Nike Air Max line, the Air Max 90 introduced a larger Air unit than the collection’s first two models, as well as improved flexibility and a lacing system that allowed for a more customizable fit.

Much like the people who wear them, the Air Max 90 is larger than life with its chunkier silhouette and expanded window through which you can view the shoe’s oversized Air cushion.

This sneaker is often dressed in vibrant neon colors like “White/Hot Lime/Spruce,” “White/Black/Pink Blast/Ghost Green”, and “Black/Radiant Red” — which can’t help but draw attention from everyone passing by. Similarly, the person who wears this iconic Nike shoe likes to stand out in a crowd, is confident in his or her skin and isn’t afraid to be a little (or a lot) extra.

Case in point, Slim Shady himself loved the silhouette so much that he created a custom Air Max 90 line back in the day. Charles Barkley, Dizzee Rascal and even former President George H. W. Bush have all rocked Air Max 90s in the limelight. If you never shy away from the spotlight, love loud kicks and can’t go anywhere without making a statement, the Nike Air Max 90 is for you.

The Queen Bee: Air Max Up

You’re sporty and always rocking that comfy, casual athleisure apparel, but let’s face it: You’re one busy woman, and you mean business, making your way from the gym to the office — and everywhere in between — like the boss babe you are.

You’re confident, capable and a master at whatever you try your hand at. You need a sneaker that’s as versatile as you are that will keep you comfortable throughout your busy day, without sacrificing style.

Introduced in 2020, the women’s-exclusive Air Max Up resembles a mash-up of the Nike Air Max Verona and Air Max Dia. The narrow, feminine sneaker features a lifted aesthetic and a large, dynamic ramp Air unit that’s filled with non-pressurized air to produce a different design from any seen on previous women’s Air models. The ramp Air unit can also take on new shapes.

Air Max Up Color Designer, Arielle Ebenholtz, said it best, “This silhouette, and specifically the colors, are inspired by bold women who have thought outside of the bubble, stepping out of their comfort zones to pave the way of future female generations.”

The slim proportion and extended heel combine with flashes of bold colors for a revolutionary look and feel. Paired with a foam midsole designed specifically for a woman’s foot and the silhouette’s lightweight TPU frame, the women’s-exclusive Air Max Up lets you slay in style AND comfort.

This Nike women’s running shoe comes in a palette of pastels and bold neons. Layers of synthetic leather and textiles meet in perfect harmony for a deceptively delicate palette that allows for exceptional durability, go-anywhere comfort and a fashion-forward statement, even if you’re rocking a pair of yoga pants for the day.

The Next Great Leader: Air Max 2090

You’re the type of person that doesn’t always necessarily enjoy the journey; you’re looking for the most straightforward way to get to your destination and crush your goals. No shoe suits you better than the revolutionary Nike Air Max 2090.

This is yet another Air Max silhouette that plays off the Air Max 90 silhouette — and launches it into the stratosphere of the future with a forward-facing remix. Everything about this shoe is bigger and bolder than its OG counterpart.

While the amped-up Air Max 2090 preserves such features as the heel logo and mudguards, it ditches the traditional layered upper in favor of a sleeker rendition that employs ripstop nylon, translucent layers and zig-zag seaming. The streamlined 2090 shoe also gives go-getters 200% more underfoot Air than the 90.

Consider this sneaker the Gen Z version of a Gen Y sneaker — just as relevant, but younger, fresher, and on the cusp of new beginnings. This super fresh sneaker comes in out-of-this-world color-blocked palettes inspired by space travel.

The Assertive Doer: Air Max 270

When someone asks your opinion (and sometimes when they don’t), you’re not afraid to speak your mind. You don’t shy away from conflict, and that’s not a bad thing; it’s how you get ahead in life.

Whether you’re at school, home or work, you’re a natural problem-solver due to your innate ability to talk through issues with honesty. Speaking of your forward nature, you’ll probably have plenty of thoughts on the Air Max 270.

If you need further proof that you should rock these shoes, they’ve have graced the feet of LeBron James, Jenna Dewan Tatum and Suki Waterhouse — celebs who aren’t afraid to show off their bold personalities, whether on the court or the red carpet.

Colorways like “Oracle Aqua/Black-Ghost Green” and “Summit White/Bleached Aqua/Light Violet/Sail” characterize these spectacular sneaks. Plus, they’ve got that super-tall Max Air unit to give you a lift and a super soft, flexible ride.

Borrowing design elements of the Air Max 180 and the 93, if you’re looking for a shoe that’s about being upfront, then the 270 is for you.

The Innovator: VaporMax

You’re always at the forefront of hot new tech and have all the newest gadgets at your disposal. So you probably had your finger on the pulse when Nike Air introduced its VaporMax shoes.

You love the full-foot look of Air and the innovation contained within these ultra-lightweight sneakers. You’re game for all its techy goodness, particularly when it looks sleek and modern, like the Air VaporMax 2020’s FlyEase lacing system.

You also love the futuristic stylings of VaporMax models like the Flyknit 3 and the VaporMax 360, and the Vapor Max Plus. VaporMax shoes give you that crave-worthy street style elevated with the goodness of Air Max technology.

If this shoe were advertised on your favorite podcast, or if it came in a subscription box, you’d take advantage.

No matter what your style is or how old you are, Nike has an Air Max sneaker (or sneakers) to match your personality. Visit Hibbett | City Gear online or in-stores to connect with some of the most iconic Air Max shoes on the planet.