Some pairs tell a story. Others transform it. As we gear up for the 2026 World Cup, Nike bridges two worlds: the cleats that have shaped football history and its heritage. Through the Air Max 90, the Swoosh reinterprets four silhouettes directly inspired by football models. Leading the pack is the Nike Air Max 90 “Hypervenom”. Drawing inspiration from the iconic 2013 silhouette, this pair merges the iconography and lines of the Hypervenom, offering colors and materials close to the original shoe. The Air Max 90 “Mercurial” continues the narrative, inspired by the Mercurial Vapor 2002, a pair that revolutionized the perception of speed among footballers and fans alike. The silhouette captures the fluid lines and colorway of the original model, delivering a modern take on the visual language of early 2000s football.
Photo credits: Nike
The Nike Air Max 90 “Laser 90” represents another take on football: that of absolute precision. Inspired by the Total 90, this sportswear version revisits the iconic skeleton pattern of the shoe, visible through a transparent rubber outsole. The striking area details, inherited from the original model, give the contemporary silhouette a more aerodynamic look, true to the design worn on the pitch, while the Total 90 logo replaces the classic Nike Air badge at the heel. Finally, the Air Max 90 Tiempo closes the loop. Inspired by the Tiempo from 2005, this reinterpretation features premium leather, distinctive stitching, all wrapped in a contemporary design with a rebellious and nonconformist touch.
Photo credits: Nike
But that's not all. Each silhouette comes with a complete wardrobe. The Hypervenom collection draws inspiration from the fusion of identities in Los Angeles, where self-expression, determination, and community spirit drive the movement. The sportswear inspired by the Mercurial reflects Korean culture, while the Total 90 collection features iconic yellow accents, a nod to the Nike football pieces from the early 2000s that propelled English football culture onto the international stage. Finally, the Tiempo collection merges Chinese football culture. The Mad 90 pack of shoes and apparel from Nike will be available worldwide starting May 11 on the website.