Nike Air Inventor Frank Rudy Honoured with New Air Max 90

An overwhelming majority of Nike’s success after circa 1978 arguably would not have happened without Marion ‘Frank’ Rudy, who was best known for inventing Nike Air technology. His contribution to one of the world’s most recognisable technologies is being immortalised with a similarly iconic sneaker born from his creation: the Air Max 90.

Like the Swoosh’s immense fortunes, the AM90 was made possible thanks to taking Rudy’s concept and making it visible (something achieved with its predecessor, the Air Max 1). This colourway is left purposely all-white to highlight its technology. The heel Air unit reads ‘Est. 1990’ in reference to the model’s introduction. While the outsole is a yellowed ice variant – a clever nod to translucent Air units that have aged with time. This finish is also found on the heel tabs. Any doubt about who these sneakers honour is dispelled by the ‘M. Frank Rudy’ on the aglets.

Further references to Rudy can be found on the insoles, which depict blueprint sketches and potential usages of Nike Air. Curiously enough, these pictures are actually from Nike’s Air bag patent application from 1989, which originally weren’t lodged by the inventor. There’s that classic historical revisionism at play…

In any case, these clean AM90s should be arriving in coming weeks at Nike retailers.