The 9 Coolest Running Shoes of the 1990’s
Earlier this week I presented the 8 Coolest Running Shoes of the 1980’s, and now we’ll take a look at the best of the 1990’s. If running shoes matured in the 80’s, the 90’s are where they learned a whole new set of tricks. Across all brands, there were all sorts of new technology, whether it was cushioning, support systems, better fits or all-around more responsive designs for every type of runner. Vibrant neon colors trended in the 90’s across all fashion, but nowhere were the eye-catching hues more abundant in the sneaker world than on running shoes, which in turn made for some of the most iconic sneaker colorways of all-time.
The modern running shoe may have evolved in the 1980’s but it got funky—and cooler than ever—in the 90’s. Here are my picks for the nine coolest running shoes of the decade.
I’ve already written an entire article on the Gel-Lyte III, so I won’t go into too much detail here. Suffice it to say that the unique split-tongued sneaker is the most popular retro model from ASICS—and they have some pretty cool ones.
The cult following of the adidas EQT line might kill me if I didn’t include any of the models from the beloved early 90’s line of premium runners, so here’s my pick for the best of the bunch, the EQT Guidance. adidas Originals blessed us all with the first-ever re-release of the Guidance in 2014, now giving the shoe a much wider fan base.
Still one of the most radical running shoes ever, the Instapump Fury is a laceless sneaker which utilizes a series of air chambers inflated with the iconic Pump technology to provide a custom fit. Making it even bolder, the shoe’s original colorway featured an eye searing ‘Citron’ yellow with accents in bright red and black. Love it or hate it, there’s no arguing that it’s one of the most memorable running shoes ever.
There are a few worthy shoes that maybe could make the list over the Air Huarache Light, namely the Air Max 95, which I took out to fit these in. But this shoe has always been one of my personal favorites, so I couldn’t help but include it. The original colorway seen here is one of the best color combinations ever on a running shoe, and the overall unique design secures it as one of the coolest running shoes of the 90’s.
The modern running shoe may have evolved in the 1980’s but it got funky—and cooler than ever—in the 90’s. Here are my picks for the nine coolest running shoes of the decade.
Nike Air Max 90 – 1990
One of the most popular sneakers from any brand, the Air Max 90 is about as classic as it gets for running shoes. The shoe featured more visible Air than ever before when it released, and also introduced the now-iconic “Infrared” colorway seen here. If there was a sneaker hall of fame, the Air Max 90 would be in on the first ballot.
ASICS Gel-Lyte III – 1990
I’ve already written an entire article on the Gel-Lyte III, so I won’t go into too much detail here. Suffice it to say that the unique split-tongued sneaker is the most popular retro model from ASICS—and they have some pretty cool ones.
Nike Air 180 – 1991
The sleek Nike Air 180 again upped the ante from the previous year’s amount of visible Air in the Air Max 90, bringing a full 180° across the outsole of the shoe. The Air 180 debuted another distinct and instantly classic colorway for Nike running shoes: the “Ultramarine” colorway seen here.
Nike Air Huarache – 1992
In 1992 Nike introduced one of their most radical sneaker designs yet with the Swooshless, neoprene bootie-equipped Air Huarache. Tinker Hatfield designed the model after being inspired by the neoprene booties on water skis when he noticed how nicely they conform to your foot and offer a snug fit. The innovative design has since become one of the most celebrated silhouettes ever from the Nike running department.
adidas EQT Guidance – 1994
The cult following of the adidas EQT line might kill me if I didn’t include any of the models from the beloved early 90’s line of premium runners, so here’s my pick for the best of the bunch, the EQT Guidance. adidas Originals blessed us all with the first-ever re-release of the Guidance in 2014, now giving the shoe a much wider fan base.
Reebok Instapump Fury – 1994
Still one of the most radical running shoes ever, the Instapump Fury is a laceless sneaker which utilizes a series of air chambers inflated with the iconic Pump technology to provide a custom fit. Making it even bolder, the shoe’s original colorway featured an eye searing ‘Citron’ yellow with accents in bright red and black. Love it or hate it, there’s no arguing that it’s one of the most memorable running shoes ever.
Nike Air Huarache Light – 1994
There are a few worthy shoes that maybe could make the list over the Air Huarache Light, namely the Air Max 95, which I took out to fit these in. But this shoe has always been one of my personal favorites, so I couldn’t help but include it. The original colorway seen here is one of the best color combinations ever on a running shoe, and the overall unique design secures it as one of the coolest running shoes of the 90’s.
Nike Air Zoom Spiridon – 1997
The Spiridon is a cult classic model for many running shoe collectors, and for good reason. The silver mesh, the shiny Swooshes and plenty of Zoom Air cushioning underneath all combine for one of the best running shoes—looks and performance-wise—of the late 90’s.
Nike Zoom Talaria – 1997
Much like the Spiridon, the Talaria is another runner forgotten by the masses but obsessed over by the hardcore running shoe collectors. Every colorway it released in is dynamite, but nothing beats the neon tennis ball-esque version seen here.
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