Nike
Metallic Air Max 90 Sneakers Women
This is a women's Nike Air Max 90 sneaker featuring a metallic faux-leather (thermoplastic polyurethane) upper, padded collar and tongue, removable foam footbed, and a foam midsole with a visible Max Air heel unit for shock absorption. The waffled rubber outer sole provides non-skid traction. Designed for everyday casual wear, it has a classic silhouette, but some users report a narrow toebox; sizing up may be advisable.
- Color
- Metallic
- Material
- Metallic faux-leather
- Gender
- female
- Style
- casual, retro, sporty
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Color
Size
Specifications
Metallic faux-leather Air Max 90 sneakers with Air Max cushioning and waffle outsole.
Padded collar and tongue, removable foam footbed, foam midsole with Max Air heel unit, waffled non-skid rubber outsole.
- Color
- Metallic
- Material
- Metallic faux-leather
- Style
- casual, retro, sporty
- Occasion
- casual, everyday
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Additional Attributes
- Metallic faux-leather upper
- Padded collar and tongue
- Removable foam footbed
- Foam midsole with shock-absorbing Max Air heel unit
- Waffled non-skid rubber outer sole
- Classic Air Max 90 silhouette
- Model number CQ6639-001
Product Insights
The Metallic Air Max 90 Sneakers from Nike, priced at $190 CAD, offer a heritage design rooted in 1990s rave culture and originally exclusive to Nike By You customization, now part of a limited Air Max Day 2020 release; the silver metallic finish adds versatile styling across casual to evening occasions, but the thermoplastic polyurethane upper with metallic coating scuffs permanently and requires soft cloth cleaning, and the narrow toebox with thick padding and 14.2mm heel drop necessitates ordering half a size up for comfort, while the firm, stable cushioning provides good shock absorption but less plushness than modern foams; the Air unit and midsole degrade in storage unless worn frequently, and at full price the value is considered low, making steep discounts the only worthwhile purchase for trend-conscious buyers who value collector heritage.
- Fit
Narrow toebox and thick padding cause foot pain; half size up is recommended.
Why this is supported
Reddit users describe the fit as constrictive:
Five minutes after I put on AM90 the top of my feet feels incredibly suffocated and I need to switch shoes.
u/Party-Papaya4115 in r/NikeOthers note immediate pain:
in the airmax your pinky toes starts paining within few steps
u/ProcessPure8797 in r/SneakersIndiaThe thick tongue and 14.2mm heel drop push the foot forward
the Air Max 90 features a plush 17.1mm thick tongue and a 14.2mm heel drop that pushes the foot forward.
sneakerlens.com, creating what one user calls a
snughug feeling cause they are padded, especially with thicker socks
u/No-Incident9215 in r/Sneakers. The common sizing advice is to go half a size up
the general oppion is to go half size up in AM90 from your true size.
u/No-Incident9215 in r/Sneakers, though this can cause heel slip.
- Cushioning
Firm, stable ride with good shock absorption but less comfort than modern foams.
Why this is supported
Lab tests show the Air Max 90 has an above-average energy return of 55%, adding bounce to toe-offs
With an above-average energy return of 55%, the AM 90 added some bounce to our toe-offs, making transitions slightly easier.
runrepeat.comand shock absorption of 107 SA, better than average lifestyle sneakers
With a shock absorption measurement of 107 SA, we found that this Nike sneaker can attenuate impact better than the average lifestyle sneaker.
runrepeat.com. However, the dense polyurethane midsole delivers a firm ride that many find uncomfortable for all-day wear, with one Redditor simply stating
they are not comfy at all
u/Odd-Trade-4693 in r/Sneakers.
- Sizing
Buyers recommend ordering half a size up from your true size for Air Max 90.
Why this is supported
the general oppion is to go half size up in AM90 from your true size.
u/No-Incident9215 in r/Sneakerssnughug feeling cause they are padded, especially with thicker socks
u/No-Incident9215 in r/Sneakersplush 17.1mm thick tongue
sneakerlens.comAudience | men, women
thedropdate.com, meaning men can wear this women's release by converting their men's size.
- Styling versatility
Pairs with a wide variety of clothes and occasions, from casual to evening across seasons.
Why this is supported
Fashion editorial sources describe the metallic silver upper as a versatile neutral suitable for all seasons. Harper's Bazaar notes that
In its lightest iterations, it can almost function like the best white styles, pairing just as well with airy summer fabrics and soft color palettes as it does with earthier tones and darker colors.
harpersbazaar.com. This aligns with the stylist-recommended 'wrong-shoe theory' where, as the same source explains,
It tracks with stylist Alison Bornstein's viral “wrong-shoe theory” of finishing outfits with shoes that add tension and contrast.
harpersbazaar.com. Additional sources highlight evening wear applicability, with one review stating that
Silver metallic sneakers can even be incorporated into date night and evening outfits, adding a touch of playful sophistication.
myshoesreview.com. The shoe's monochrome reflective finish covers the entire upper and the colorway was released for both men and women, widening its appeal. Buyer feedback from a seasoned collector confirms the versatility: they buy the Air Max 90 because the colorways
go with everything.
u/Odd-Trade-4693 in r/Sneakers.
- Design heritage
The metallic colorway was originally a Nike By You exclusive, and the Air Max 90 silhouette originated in 1990s rave culture.
Why this is supported
The Air Max 90 has deep roots in the UK acid house scene where
British EDM fans canonized the Air Max 90 as their go-to sneaker.
esquire.com. The silhouette was inspired by Italian sports cars, giving it a sharp profile. This metallic colorway was initially exclusively available through Nike By You customization, as per one source:
. It was re-released for Air Max Day 2020, marking the 30th anniversary of the design. Another source confirms that
thus bridging heritage and modern construction.
- Finish maintenance
Thermoplastic polyurethane upper with metallic coating that scuffs permanently.
Why this is supported
The metallic TPU upper is susceptible to permanent damage. According to one care guide,
They’ll scuff and scratch easily and, unfortunately, once that happens, they can’t be re-foiled.
shouz.com.auBecause of this, cleaning requires special methods. Another source warns:
Never use bristle brushes for cleaning your metallic shoes. This will also tear the metal foil. Instead, only use a soft cloth or skinny rag for wiping your shoes.
skeanie.com.au.
- Metallic finish care
Metallic upper scuffs permanently and needs soft-cloth cleaning only.
Why this is supported
The silver finish is a metallic foil layer applied over the upper.
metallic shoes are made by applying a layer of metallic foil over the underlying leather.
skeanie.com.auThis means any scuff or scratch cuts through the foil and is permanent.
They’ll scuff and scratch easily and, unfortunately, once that happens, they can’t be re-foiled.
shouz.com.auTo avoid damage, cleaning must be done with a soft cloth only; bristled brushes will cause microscratches.
Never use bristle brushes for cleaning your metallic shoes. This will also tear the metal foil.
skeanie.com.auAs a preventive measure, a water-repellent spray pretreatment can help protect the finish.
- Cultural impact
Adopted by UK rave culture, now a lifestyle staple and celebrity style choice.
Why this is supported
The Air Max 90 was adopted by UK rave culture.
British EDM fans canonized the Air Max 90 as their go-to sneaker.
esquire.comIt continues as a lifestyle staple:
really just buy them for the colorways and the fact that they go with everything.
u/Odd-Trade-4693 in r/SneakersThe silver metallic colorway also aligns with celebrity style trends.
Hailey Bieber has been seen out and about in kicks poignant hits of metallic
vogue.com.
- Exclusivity
Released on Air Max Day 2020; originally exclusive to Nike By You customization.
Why this is supported
The Metallic Pack was originally exclusive to Nike By You customization.
The shine of precious metals make their return on the Air Max 90 Metallic Pack, originally only available via Nike By You.
thesource.comThis silver colorway was released on Air Max Day 2020.
Released for Air Max Day 2020 as part of the 'Metallic Pack'
sneakers.com- Heel drop
14.2mm heel drop; half-size up recommended.
Why this is supported
Sneakerlens.com reports a
14.2mm heel drop that pushes the foot forward
sneakerlens.com. Consequently, a common recommendation is to
go half size up in AM90 from your true size
u/No-Incident9215 in r/Sneakers.
- Comfort
Midsole and Air unit degrade in storage; frequent wear prevents cracking.
Why this is supported
Solefeed.com warns that
The polyurethane midsole is prone to hydrolysis
solefeed.comand that
Buy a pair you intend to wear regularly rather than shelve, since rotation extends midsole life
solefeed.com.
- Full-price value
Widely considered overpriced at full price; only worthwhile at steep discounts.
Why this is supported
Community consensus and user reviews consistently indicate the Air Max 90 is overpriced at $190 CAD. Key complaints include discomfort; one owner states:
I’m a 90s person. Have a closet full of them, agreed they are not comfy at all, really just buy them for the colorways and the fact that they go with everything.
u/Odd-Trade-4693 in r/Sneakersand poor durability; experts note:
They’ll scuff and scratch easily and, unfortunately, once that happens, they can’t be re-foiled.
shouz.com.auCompetitors like the Vomero are cited as far more comfortable:
the vomeros are leaps ahead in terms of comfort
u/ProcessPure8797 in r/SneakersIndiaAdditionally, the Air unit can lose pressure with infrequent wear, and the polyurethane midsole delivers a firm ride compared to modern foams, reinforcing the view that the shoe is only worthwhile at a steep discount.
- Style appeal
Collector heritage and versatile silver finish add style value for trend-conscious buyers.
Why this is supported
The Air Max 90 holds cultural significance as a rave icon, and this Metallic Silver colorway was originally exclusive to Nike By You before a wider release, adding collector appeal. The silver finish also functions as a neutral that pairs with a wide range of outfits, and the trend of metallic sneakers has been endorsed by celebrities like Hailey Bieber.
British EDM fans canonized the Air Max 90 as their go-to sneaker.
esquire.comThe shine of precious metals make their return on the Air Max 90 Metallic Pack, originally only available via Nike By You.
thesource.comIn its lightest iterations, it can almost function like the best white styles, pairing just as well with airy summer fabrics and soft color palettes as it does with earthier tones and darker colors.
harpersbazaar.comHailey Bieber has been seen out and about in kicks poignant hits of metallic, while Emily Ratajkowski, meanwhile, is fond of the sneakerina in the trending metallic.
vogue.comThese attributes can justify the premium price for style-driven or trend-conscious buyers.
- Limited release
Part of the limited Metallic Pack released for Air Max Day 2020.
Why this is supported
This colorway is part of the Metallic Pack,
originally only available via Nike By You
thesource.com, and was released for Air Max Day 2020.
Released for Air Max Day 2020 as part of the 'Metallic Pack'
sneakers.com. The shoe is a
recrafted build that stays true to Tinker Hatfield’s original design from 1990
sneakers.com. The Air Max 90 is an archival icon; the 2020 retro included a near-identical recreation of the original 1990 Infrared colorway. The design evolved from earlier Air Max models,
giving it a sharper, more aggressive profile inspired by Italian sports cars.
sneakerjagers.com. This silver colorway inherits the limited-edition backstory and the Air Max 90’s celebrated design lineage.
- Upper finish
Metallic coating scuffs easily and requires soft cloth cleaning.
Why this is supported
The metallic foil coating on the TPU upper is prone to permanent scuffs and scratches.
They’ll scuff and scratch easily and, unfortunately, once that happens, they can’t be re-foiled.
shouz.com.auCleaning requires careful handling:
Never use bristle brushes for cleaning your metallic shoes. This will also tear the metal foil. Instead, only use a soft cloth or skinny rag for wiping your shoes.
skeanie.com.au. This means the finish requires special care to maintain its reflective sheen.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Right-side profile of a low-top athletic sneaker with a high-gloss metallic silver upper, white foam midsole with visible air window, white laces, and a textured rubber outsole.
- Overall silhouetteRight-facing side profile of a low-top sneaker resting on its outsole, showing the full lateral side from heel to toe.
1 region
x 0.04 · y 0.53 · w 0.92 · h 0.35 (high) - Upper materialHigh-gloss metallic silver synthetic panels covering most of the upper, with smooth reflective finish and stitched panel seams.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.54 · w 0.70 · h 0.27 (high) - Branding markRaised Swoosh-shaped panel integrated into the lateral upper formed from the same metallic material and visible by its stitched outline.
1 region
x 0.39 · y 0.58 · w 0.28 · h 0.17 (high) - Lace assemblyWhite flat laces threaded through metallic eyelet panels with visible metal-reinforced eyelets near the top.
1 region
x 0.56 · y 0.58 · w 0.25 · h 0.15 (high) - Tongue and collar liningLight grey padded collar and tongue visible at the top opening with a soft textile texture contrasting the metallic outer panels.
1 region
x 0.45 · y 0.52 · w 0.26 · h 0.12 (high) - Midsole and visible Air unitThick white foam midsole with a rectangular lateral cutout revealing a translucent air cushioning window and internal visible cavities.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.72 · w 0.85 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.20 · y 0.74 · w 0.18 · h 0.07 (high) - Outsole treadVisible rubber outsole with toothed tread visible along the shoe base and toe edge in a darker grey tone.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.80 · w 0.88 · h 0.06 (high) - Stitching detailContrasting stitched seams outlining upper panels and midsole interface, visible where panels join and around the Swoosh panel.
1 region
x 0.16 · y 0.58 · w 0.60 · h 0.20 (high)
Other
Studio product shot showing the shoe isolated on a light grey background with a subtle ground shadow, centered horizontally and occupying the lower half of the frame.
- Shot compositionSingle shoe photographed in profile on a neutral light grey backdrop with even, diffuse lighting and a soft shadow beneath the outsole.
- ShadowSoft drop shadow directly beneath and slightly to the right of the shoe indicating overhead studio lighting.
1 region
x 0.04 · y 0.84 · w 0.92 · h 0.06 (high)
Colors
metallic silver· upper panels#C3C6C9white· midsole#F1F1F4white· lace and eyelet area#C4C5CAtranslucent beige· air window interiordark grey· outsole treadlight grey· collar and tongue lining#C4C5CA- Overall silhouetteRight-facing side profile of a low-top sneaker resting on its outsole, showing the full lateral side from heel to toe.
- 02
Product
Pair of low-top sneakers shown from rear-right and partial sole views; metallic mirrored upper panels, stitched overlays, white foam midsole with visible air cushioning window, and textured rubber outsole.
- Upper materialReflective metallic silver panels covering the heel and lateral quarters with smooth mirror-like finish and visible stitched seams.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.36 · w 0.48 · h 0.34 (high) - Heel badge embossing“Raised horizontal-ridged heel tab with stacked embossed wording 'NIKE' above 'AIR'.”
1 region
x 0.33 · y 0.44 · w 0.20 · h 0.18 (high) - Side oval marking“Small oval plaque on the lateral side with embossed text 'AIR MAX'.”
1 region
x 0.58 · y 0.59 · w 0.14 · h 0.09 (medium) - Midsole and air unitThick white foam midsole incorporating a rectangular visible air cushioning window with a translucent insert.
2 regions
x 0.30 · y 0.66 · w 0.48 · h 0.24 (high); x 0.51 · y 0.70 · w 0.08 · h 0.06 (high) - Outsole treadWhite rubber outsole with blocky, geometric tread pattern visible on the outsoles of both shoes; deep grooves and raised lugs.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.44 · w 0.62 · h 0.42 (high) - Collar liningPadded collar and inner lining in light grey mesh fabric visible inside the shoe opening.
1 region
x 0.56 · y 0.33 · w 0.18 · h 0.16 (high) - Stitching detailContrasting stitched seams following panel edges around heel and quarter, visible as raised lines in the metallic finish.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.46 · w 0.50 · h 0.26 (high)
Other
Studio product shot showing two shoes on a light neutral background with soft shadowing; right shoe oriented to show rear-quarter and midsole, left shoe placed sole-up to show outsole.
- Shot compositionTwo shoes arranged on a flat light grey background; one shoe positioned on its side showing outsole, the other showing rear and lateral profiles.
- Background and lightingEven soft studio lighting with minimal shadows and neutral light grey backdrop.
- ShadowingSoft diffuse shadow beneath and slightly behind the shoes indicating overhead frontal lighting.
Colors
metallic silver· upper panels#C3C5CAbright white· midsole#C4C4C4white rubber· outsole#C4C5CAlight grey· inner lining#C3C5CApale translucent green· air window insert- Upper materialReflective metallic silver panels covering the heel and lateral quarters with smooth mirror-like finish and visible stitched seams.
- 03
Product
Top-down view of a pair of low-top sneakers with highly reflective metallic silver uppers, white flat laces, light grey textile inner liners, visible insoles printed with 'NIKE' and 'AIR', and white midsoles.
- Overall silhouettePair of low-top sneakers shown from directly above, toes at top of image and heels at bottom, both shoes parallel and spaced slightly apart.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.03 · w 0.90 · h 0.94 (high) - Upper materialHighly reflective metallic silver panels cover the toe box, vamp, and quarter panels producing mirror-like highlights and reflections.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.03 · w 0.44 · h 0.48 (high); x 0.50 · y 0.03 · w 0.44 · h 0.48 (high) - LacingWhite flat woven laces threaded through multiple eyelets, tied in a standard crisscross pattern on each shoe; lace ends tucked under the top cross on both shoes.
2 regions
x 0.16 · y 0.22 · w 0.32 · h 0.28 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.22 · w 0.32 · h 0.28 (high) - Tongue patchMetallic rectangular tongue patch on each shoe matching the silver upper, positioned above the laces and reflecting light.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.15 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.64 · y 0.15 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high) - Inner liningLight grey textile padded collar and inner lining visible around the ankle opening on both shoes.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.45 · w 0.25 · h 0.32 (high); x 0.63 · y 0.45 · w 0.25 · h 0.32 (high) - Midsole and outsole rimWhite midsole visible along outer edges under the metallic upper around the perimeter of both shoes.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.60 · w 0.44 · h 0.37 (high); x 0.50 · y 0.60 · w 0.44 · h 0.37 (high) - Insole branding“Printed logo and text on each insole reading 'NIKE' above 'AIR'.”
2 regions
x 0.20 · y 0.55 · w 0.18 · h 0.25 (high); x 0.62 · y 0.55 · w 0.18 · h 0.25 (high)
Other
Studio top-down product shot on a neutral light grey background with soft directional lighting and subtle shadowing under the shoes.
- Shot compositionTop-down studio photograph centered on the pair of shoes with equal margin on left and right, shoes aligned vertically with toes at top.
- BackgroundUniform light grey background occupying the full image area outside the shoes.
- Lighting and shadowsSoft diffuse lighting creates gentle shadows beneath each shoe and bright specular highlights on the metallic surfaces.
- Image framingBoth shoes fully visible and uncropped within frame; small even border of background around shoes.
Colors
metallic silver· upper (metallic panels)#C4C5CAwhite· laces#C5C5CAlight grey· inner lining#C3C6CAmedium grey· insole#A2A5ACwhite· midsole#C3C5CA- Overall silhouettePair of low-top sneakers shown from directly above, toes at top of image and heels at bottom, both shoes parallel and spaced slightly apart.
Documents & Data
Reddit Insights
6 threads · r/Sneakers, r/SneakersIndia, r/NikeReddit discussions on the Nike Air Max 90 reveal a mix of appreciation for its classic design and versatility, overshadowed by widespread complaints about comfort, narrow fit, and outdated cushioning technology, with many concluding it's only a good buy at steep discounts.
While the silhouette and style receive consistent praise, the majority of users report significant comfort issues such as narrow toebox, pinky toe pain, and lack of modern cushioning. Value is seen as poor at full price but acceptable when heavily discounted.
Themes
Use Cases
- Everyday casual and lifestyle wear
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Nike Vomero 5
Vomero 5 is widely regarded as significantly more comfortable, with better cushioning, leading some to return AM90s in favor of Vomeros.
vs Nike Air Force 1 / Jordans
Users find Air Force 1 and Jordans more comfortable, with less pressure on the top of the foot compared to the AM90's tight toebox.
Source Threads
Sizing advice for Air Max 90
An Airmax 90 in US 10 is actually 28cm long inside (it's on the box), so Nike actually add 1cm to your foot length for your true size to have a little room (which is the general approach most people recommend for it to fit properly). I bought AM90s in size 10US recently, and whilst I could wear them true to size in a 10 ... it's snughug feeling cause they are padded, especially with thicker socks, so the general oppion is to go half size up in AM90 from your true size.
u/No-Incident9215r/SneakersView thread →
Pinky toe pain in Air Max 90 compared to Vomero 5
Yeah 👍 even I feel the same using both airmax 90 and vomero 5, the vomeros are leaps ahead in terms of comfort, in the airmax your pinky toes starts paining within few steps
u/ProcessPure8797r/SneakersIndiaView thread →
Average comfort, poor materials, narrow toebox
Where is the hype? Average comfort. Poor materials. Too narrow in the toebox. Looks ok-ish.
u/myLord-God-ofNothingr/SneakersIndiaView thread →
Not comfortable but bought for looks and versatility
I’m a 90s person. Have a closet full of them, agreed they are not comfy at all, really just buy them for the colorways and the fact that they go with everything.
u/Odd-Trade-4693r/SneakersView thread →
Toebox discomfort and suffocating feeling
The toebox on airmax is incredibly uncomfortable in my experience. I have plenty of shoes and some feet issues. I can wear spizike, Jordans, AF1 no problem. Five minutes after I put on AM90 the top of my feet feels incredibly suffocated and I need to switch shoes.
u/Party-Papaya4115r/NikeView thread →