Nike Air Max 90 is a designer shoe popular for its retro look and superior comfort. It’s a well-built shoe designed for durability. The shoe is great for daily wear as well. But if you want to run wearing it, you should know- are Nike Air Max 90 good for running?
In this article, I will discuss where the Air Max 90 fits in the Nike shoe universe, who it is for, how long it lasts, and whether it is suitable for running or not. Keep reading to know all this and more.
Can You Go Running in The Air Max 90?
Yes, you can wear the Air Max 90 for short-distance running. But it is not ideal for long-distance running. The shoe has been designed for road running. So, Nike puts them under running shoes.
However, the shoe does not have the flexibility of a running shoe. It can be used as a trainer. But if you try to cover long distances, you may feel some discomfort, and your feet might hurt.
The shoe has decent cushioning and padding for daily wear. However, after running a couple of hundred meters in my test, my feet started hurting. I tested the shoe several times, but the result was similar.
The Air Max 90 felt a bit heavy, and the breathability was bad as well. Because of these downsides, I don’t recommend the Air Max 90 for long-distance running. However, the pair is quite good for short-distance running.
So I hope that you have got the answer to your query, are Nike Air Max 90 good for running?
Let’s explore why Air Max 90 are good for short-distance running. You can also check our article, are Nike Air Max suitable for walking?
(Note: The shoe was broken in. I didn’t try running with a fresh pair.)
7 Reasons Why Nike Air Max 90 Are Good for Short-Distance Running
1. The Nike Air Max 90 Is Durable
The Air Max 90 comes with a thick outsole. A strong and durable rubber is used on the shoe to make it suitable for road running. The sole prevents the Air Max 90 from wearing down quickly. You can expect the shoe to last a long time with proper care.
The upper is durable as well. It has been made by combining high-quality materials for scratch resistance and covering many miles over the shoe’s lifespan. Overall, the Air Max 90 is quite a sturdy shoe.
2. The Air Max 90 Has Good Shock Absorbance
The Air Max 90 has excellent shock absorbance. The shoe is designed to protect your feet while running on the road. The shock absorbance system of the shoe absorbs the impact while running. Thus, it protects your feet from injuries.
3. The Air Max 90 Is Comfortable
The comfort of the Air Max 90 is unquestionable. It takes a couple of wears to break in properly. But once it does, it is one of the most comfortable short-distance running shoes.
The collar and tongue of the Air Max 90 contain added cushioning for extra comfort. The midsole supports personalized fit for different runners depending on their needs. The Air Max 90 is a bit narrow on the toe region, but it does not affect the shoe’s comfort.
Hope you are enjoying our guide on whether Nike Air Max 90 are good for running or not. Let’s move to the next point.
4. The Shoe Has Decent Responsiveness
The Air Max system combined with the thick midsole and outsole provides added bounce and responsiveness to the Air Max 90. However, the responsiveness is ideal for slow running or jogging.
If you want to train for developing speed, the Air Max 90 will not be responsive enough. You will not get your highest speed with this shoe.
5. The Air Max 90 Has Good Support
The Air Max 90 offers great support. You can adjust the tightness of the shoe with the front lacing system so you can get the most comfortable fit.
Extra cushioning on the upper keeps your feet snug, so it doesn’t move awkwardly while running. The midsole supports the other parts of the shoe to provide good support.
6. The Air Max 90 Protects Your Feet
The padding in the Air Max 90 is top-notch. It is designed to protect your feet while running on the road. The shoe reduces strain on your joints and reduces the risk of aggravating injuries while you run.
The tread on the outsole makes sure you don’t lose footing. There is extra cushioning to protect your feet from dealing with friction.
7. The Nike Air Max 90 Has Good Traction
The Air Max 90 has a strong rubber outsole to provide traction while running. The outsole is designed in a way so you don’t slip on wet or smooth surfaces. However, the shoe is not ideal for all terrains.
It will not do well in rugged terrains. You cannot wear this shoe while hiking either. The sole will wear down fast, and your feet will hurt.
You can also read our guide, are Nike Air Max good for working out in the GYM?
What is Air Max 90s good for?
The Nike Air Max 90s are built for durability. You can wear it daily. It’s excellent for all-day wear because of the comfort. Nike claims the shoes are designed for road running. I found that to be true for short-distance running, as discussed above.
Read another article to know if you can play basketball with Nike Air Max.
How long does Air Max 90 last?
I love the Nike Air Max 90. I have worn it almost daily for 2 years. The shoe is still in great condition. So, from my experience, the Nike Air Max 90 is quite durable. If you avoid high-impact activities like leg workouts and weight lifting, you can expect the shoe to last 2-3 years with regular usage.
However, the shoe loses its looks within 3-4 months. It will not look as good as a fresh pair. You should keep it in mind if that bothers you.
If interested, you can check our article regarding the durability of Nike Air Force 1.
Are Nike Air Max 90 Good for Running? (Summary)
The Air Max 90 is one of my personal favorites. The shoe was not specifically designed for performance, but it can get the job done in light activities. It’s a daily wearable shoe and will last a couple of years. But are Nike Air Max 90 good for running long distances?
You can definitely jog or take short-distance runs with this shoe, but it is not ideal for long-distance. The Air Max 90 is not as flexible as modern running shoes. The leather upper is not breathable enough, and the shoe weighs a bit more compared to other running shoes.
Overall, the Nike Air Max 90 is a durable and comfortable shoe. But it has not been made for long-distance running.
You can also check, can you run in Nike Blazers?