Double Tap to Zoom

The Nike Air Max 90 sneaker is in its grunge era (for now, at least).

Nike's comfiest Air Max sneaker enters 2026 with a new grunge-style look, realized in a pleasing "Light Violet Ore" colorway, which is basically this pale purple scheme mixed with grey and black shades.

Underneath the satisfying yet slightly dystopian scheme, the Air Max model also features some pretty sumptuous textures, like velvety suede. There's also some sturdy woven touches with frayed edges, joined by other distressed details.

Interestingly, just before we bid farewell to 2025, Nike dropped an Air Force 1 Low with torn-up uppers and similar punk-ish styling. Call the two models cousins, even.

Now, the sportswear giant is kicking off the year with perfectly destroyed Air Maxes.

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Twitter post.

2025 brought us several nice Air Max 90s, including impressive "cookies and cream"-style pairs, cozy campfire-themed versions, and clean all-leather iterations.

It looks like we're in for more good-looking Air Max 90s in 2026, starting with these purple AM90s.

Speaking of which, the Air Max 90 "Light Violet Ore" sneakers are now available on Nike Luxembourg's website for €149.99, or roughly $176.

Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase. Want to shop the products our editors actually love? Visit HS Shopping for recs on all things fashion, footwear, and beauty.

We Recommend
  • Nike’s Vibram GORE-TEX Air Force 1 Is Almost Too Clean For the Trails
  • Nike’s Best Running Sneaker Looks Like a Sexy Lava Lamp
  • The Lemony Fresh Jordan 1’s GORE-TEX Era Peaks on The Trail
  • Nike’s Chunky Winterized Air Max DN Is More Boot Than Sneaker
What To Read Next
  • Nike’s Flawless Leather Dad Shoe Is a Beautiful Stallion
  • Converse’s Slickest Sneaker-Loafer Just Got Dressier (Squarer, Too)
  • This Is Vans’ Oldest Skate Shoe at Its Finest Hour
  • Nike’s Very Own “Bode” Sneaker Gets Nutty (in a Good Way)
  • The North Face’s Best Gear Looks Even Better Bigger
  • Nike’s Comfiest Air Max Sneaker Is a Grunge Girlie Now