Nike is expanding its premium leather Air Max 90 lineup with a new olive green colorway. Following the reveal of an all-black version of the updated silhouette, the sportswear giant is preparing to release the Nike Air Max 90 “Medium Olive/Sequoia,” a fall-friendly edition that swaps the model’s traditional mesh and suede construction for a padded leather upper. The new sneaker retains the familiar shape of Tinker Hatfield’s 1990 design while introducing a noticeably different material treatment and more restrained branding.
The two releases share the same construction, with the latest colorway offering an earthy alternative to the previously previewed triple-black pair. Announced through Nike’s SNKRS launch platform, the olive edition combines premium-looking materials with a tonal finish, giving the classic running shoe a more elevated appearance. It also continues Nike’s recent exploration of unconventional textures on established sneaker silhouettes, bringing a puffer-inspired aesthetic to one of the brand’s most recognizable designs.
Nike Gives the Air Max 90 a Padded Leather Makeover
The biggest talking point surrounding the Nike Air Max 90 “Medium Olive/Sequoia” is its construction. Rather than the familiar combination of mesh, suede, and synthetic overlays, Nike has covered the upper in supple, padded leather. Stitched sections give the material a quilted appearance, creating the impression of a miniature leather puffer jacket wrapped around the classic runner.
The unusual treatment recalls Nike’s earlier Vac-Tech releases, which experimented with smoother, more sculptural constructions, as well as the premium material choices associated with the brand’s NikeLab collections. It is a significant departure from the conventional Air Max 90 formula, although the sneaker maintains the silhouette’s recognizable proportions and signature details.
Nike has also retained the model’s defining performance-inspired features. The Waffle outsole, stitched overlays, and visible Max Air cushioning remain in place, connecting the updated design to its original running heritage.
Medium Olive and Sequoia Bring an Earthy Finish
Color-wise, the upcoming release keeps things relatively understated. Medium Olive covers most of the leather upper, while Sequoia accents introduce darker green tones throughout the sneaker. The tonal treatment gives the shoe a distinctly autumnal appearance without relying on the contrasting panels and brighter details often found on traditional Air Max 90 colorways.
The Air Max 90 “Medium Olive/Sequoia” also offers a different styling proposition from the triple-black version. Its earthy palette should work naturally with denim, cargo pants, relaxed trousers, and other casual wardrobe staples. Meanwhile, the padded construction gives the sneaker enough visual distinction to stand apart from more familiar olive green releases.
Nike describes the updated silhouette as a “serene remastering” of Tinker Hatfield’s original 1990 design, an approach that prioritizes material and texture rather than a complete redesign.
Nike Strips Away the Traditional Air Max Branding
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Besides the leather construction, Nike has made a notable change to the sneaker’s branding. The traditional Air Max callouts have been removed entirely, including the branding on the signature heel tab and the badge that usually sits just above the visible Air unit.
Nike branding remains on the lateral and medial Swooshes, tongue label, and insole. However, the reduced detailing gives the sneaker a cleaner appearance, allowing its padded leather upper and tonal color scheme to take center stage.
The decision also separates these releases from standard Air Max 90 iterations, which typically feature more prominent branding around the heel and cushioning unit. Combined with the premium materials, the stripped-back presentation gives the silhouette a more understated identity.
Air Max 90 “Medium Olive/Sequoia” Release Date and Price
Nike will release the Air Max 90 SP in Medium Olive/Sequoia on November 13 at 10 a.m. ET through the SNKRS app and select retailers. The sneaker will retail for $170 and carries the style code IV4504-201.
The accompanying triple-black leather edition is scheduled to arrive on the same day at the same price, completing the two-sneaker offering.
With its padded leather upper, muted green palette, and reduced branding, the Air Max 90 “Medium Olive/Sequoia” gives Nike’s classic runner a fresh material-focused update. Rather than dramatically altering the silhouette, the brand has used texture and construction to distinguish this release from the familiar versions that have defined the model for decades.
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Featured image: Nike
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