Image via Complex Original
The '90s was a crazy decade for sneakers. From the Air Jordan V to the Reebok Question to the Nike Air Max 95 to the Vans Half Cab, a ridiculous number of significant — and amazing — shoes hit shelves in the last decade of the 20th century. Yes, it was difficult to come up with a list of the 90 greatest sneakers of the '90s, but because there were too many, not too few. Click on through to find out where your favorites were ranked.
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and1Marbury
87. And 1 Marbury 1
Year released: 1997
Complex says: To put it simply, without Stephon Marbury, there is no And 1. Sure, they would have made it just fine as the t-shirt company they started as, but when they chose to expand to sneakers, they hitched their cart to a flashy point guard from Coney Island by way of Georgia Tech who took them to the promised land. Stephon's first signature joints weren't design classics by any means, but their significance cannot be understated.
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ReebokPumpPreseasonPaydirt
85. Reebok Pump Preseason "Paydirt"
Year released: 1992
Complex says: With the Pump at the height of its popularity on the court, Reebok busted out a version for football and baseball with the endorsem*nt of one Emmitt Smith and "The Big Hurt" Frank Thomas. The design was built for a beating as the Paydirts used one of the most rugged outsoles we've seen on any trainer.
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80. Nike Air Griffey Max II
Year released: 1997
Complex says: Mariner Moose running mate aside, no one ran late '90s sports like Ken Griffey, Jr. (OK, aside from that guy, too.) Baseball may be nothing more than a cleated afterthought to sneaker companies now, but Griffey's line was as fundamental as reading back then. The Griffey Max II was more streamlined than the first effort, fitted with a full Air Max sole and emblazoned with that Swingman logo. Perfection.
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79. adidas Oregon Ultra Tech
Year released: 1991
Complex says: adidas hit hard with a bunch of technical runners in the early '90s, outside the scape of the legendary ZX line. The Oregon Ultra Tech utilized Soft Cell cushioning in the heel, Dellinger webbing around the midsole, and reflective material where it was necessary. The pleasantly bulky shape fit right in with the aesthetic of the time.
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60. Air Jordan X
Year released: 1994
Complex says: Designed when Mike was off pursuing his baseball dreams, the first incarnation of the Air Jordan X did not meet his exacting standards. It wasn't the list of accomplishments on the outsole, or the all-leather construction. See that extra piece of leather on the toe? That would appear only on the first colorway, as the look reverted back to the clean toe MJ demanded. Hm, maybe he knew he would wind up wearing them in the NBA after all.
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58. Nike Air Rift
Year released: 1995
Complex says: The runner was inspired by Kenyans who preferred to run in their bare feet - the Air Rift had a very unusual camel-toesplit-toe design which was borrowed from early Onitsuka running shoes. Nike dropped them in numerous countries' colorways such as already mentioned Kenya and Brazil, as well as the always appropriate for competition — camo. Get your ninja on.
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57. Air Jordan VIII
Year released: 1993
Complex says: Following the minimalist design of the Air Jordan VII, the Air Jordan VIII represented a tremendous shift in philosophy. While the goal of the Huarache-inspired VII was light weight, the VIII relied on cross straps and a higher cut to provide the ultimate in cushioned support. A bit of an outlier in the Air Jordan line, the VIII still has no shortage of fans.
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56. New Balance M577
Year released: 1990
Complex says: A slightly more structured and luxurious take on the saddle-style silhouette, the 577's more forward-swept "N" branding gave them the illusion of speed, while the premium mesh and suede construction kept the New Balance reputation running strong.
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55. Air Jordan IX
Year released: 1993
Complex says: The first Jordan to release during MJ's first retirement (his PE was a little different that time around), the Air Jordan IX focused on the global influence Mike had had what with the Barcelona Olympics and the Bulls's three championships. Messages in various languages appeared on the outsole, and the familiar Jumpman logo on the back rested over a globe. And he was just getting started.
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54. Nike Air Force Max
Year released: 1993
Complex says: Nike's visible Air units were a must on the courts in the early '90s. The Air Force Max were donned by the likes of Chris Webber at Michigan and Sir Charles in the L as they punished their competition in the post (Jalen Rose and Grant Hill wore them on the wings). The nubuck leather and thick outsole were mad durable, and the midfoot strap made you look tough even if you just shot jumpers.
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53. Reebok Court Victory Pump
Year released: 1990
Complex says: Sure Michael Chang won the French Open when he was just 17, but his lasting legacy is this puffed-up tennis sneaker. Later flipped in fuzzy tennis ball material by ALIFE, the Court Victory Pump was a winner in its own right, from the tennis ball "Pump" to the bold strokes of the upper. Game, set, match.
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52. adidas KB8
Year released: 1997
Complex says: Kobe Bryant's first kicks that were branded with his name (well, initials), the KB8 featured the Feet You Wear technology that was made to be an extension of your foot. The shoe was just as popular (and aggressive) as the high-flying off-guard who drew a lot of comparisons to Mike except for his claim of the Three Stripes versus the Swoosh. The shoe saw some retro love in the 2000s with a re-release in 2005 and again all over the feet of adidas sponsored squads throughout the 2011 NCAA Tournament as the Crazy 8s.
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51. Nike Air Force 180 Low
Year released: 1992
Complex says: Labeled as a low-top, the Air Force 180 Low looks more like a mid by today's standards. They were often worn by Charles Barkley, both as a Sixer and during the Dream Team's romper-stomper tour of Barcelona. The shoe started what would be a trend for Barkley-endorsed shoes — a midfoot strap, a low-ish cut, and a big Air bag under heel. The fade midsole and ventilated plastic side panels were quite era-correct.
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49. Nike Air Max 2 Uptempo
Year released: 1995
Complex says: Air Max 2 looked much like regular Air Max from the outside, but the updated cushioning system delivered a much more finely tuned ride. It found its home in the first Air Max Uptempo, worn by many college teams in the mid-'90s including the Duke Blue Devils. The distinctive segmented upper featured an easily-tightened lacing system that would pass on nearly unchanged to its successor, the Air Max Uptempo.
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48. adidas Mutombo
Year released: 1992
Complex says: In the early '90s, no one was holding down the middle quite like Dikembe Mutombo was for the Nuggets. adidas laced Mutombo with a signature shoe that celebrated his African heritage (the "55" and "M" shield logo was outstanding) and aesthetically is unlike any other basketball sneaker we have ever seen — at least until the UNDRCRWN TMAC VI.
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47. Nike Air Bakin
Year released: 1997
Complex says: Thanks to some ambiguous flame-styled "Air" lettering on the heel, there was some amount of uproar about the Air Bakin when it first released, with suggestions that the lettering actually could have been read as "Allah" in Arabic script. Nike agreed to withdraw the shoe, and it was later re-released with some aesthetic changes. But the overall shoe was a banger, with the flame-inspired colorway, vertical vents, and Air Max cushioning. It was worn by Tim Hardaway, who'd later endure some drama of his own.
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46. Nike Air Zoom Citizen
Year released: 1998
Complex says: The Air Zoom Citizen wasNike's first shoe to feature visible Zoom Air in the forefoot and heel. They were constructed of lightweight synthetic leather and mesh, and featured a nylon shank in the midfoot. The Paramount Blue colorway was sick and the heel tab made them easy to slip on and off. As part of Nike's top-line Alpha Project, they sported the five dots on the tongue pull, and only a small Swoosh on the outer heel.
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45. Air Jordan XII
Year released: 1996
Complex says: Number 4-5, although by the time these came out, Money was long back in the 2-3. The first Air Jordan to feature Zoom Air, the Rising Sun inspired Air Jordan XII also sported a carbon shank and a full-grain leather upper, which made them suitable to just about any position. They were worn not only by Jordan and Scottie Pippen, but by Bulls centers Bill Wennington and Luc Longley, who were fighting foot problems. Jordan himself compared it to "putting whitewalls on a garbage truck."
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44. Fila Grant Hill 2
Year released: 1995
Complex says: Before the career-interrupting injuries, Grant Hill was arguably just as big of a star in the NBA as Jordan (SLAM put him on the cover with the wishful line "Just Like Mike, Only Better") or Shaq. He signed with Fila for an obscene amount at the time ($80 million) to be the face of the Italian brand. The Grant Hill 2 is the most memorable of his five Fila signature models, featuring a tumbled leather upper with patent leather trim and a Velcro strap across the back. If Hill's performance on the court wasn't enough to convince you, the great late Tupac Shakur even rocked them during his photo shoot for All Eyez on Me.
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43. Nike Air Mowabb
Year released: 1991
Complex says: Nike's ACG line brought sneakers into the wilderness, proving that you didn't need to lace up six-pound boots every time you left the pavement. Tinker Hatfield's Air Mowabb, named after Moab, Utah, and essentially a beefed-up Huarache runner, was at the forefront of the movement, and its design is still mined for gold today.
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42. Nike Air Penny I
Year released: 1995
Complex says:Penny's first signature shoe was easily his greatest shoe in the I-IV series. The sneaker featured the visible heel Air Unit with the "1 Cent" logo right above it, a pinstriped tongue and a PU support panel, and its great design and black/white/varisty-royal colorway made these just as appealing for hoopin' in or rockin' to school. The Nike ad campaign is still one of the most memorable to date starring "Lil' Penny," a puppet voiced by Chris Rock, and Tyra Banks at the height of her fineness.
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41. Nike Air Diamond Turf
Year released: 1993
Complex says: Showboating at its finest, "Neon Deion" Sanders rocked the Diamond Turfs with the 49ers and Atlanta Braves during his '93 dual sport campaign. Nike did an incredible job bringing a multisport shoe to life to fit the persona of "Prime Time," whether he was taking one to the house on a pick six or attempting to turn a double into a triple with his 4.21 40-speed. The Diamond Turf featured the exceedingly popular midfoot strap and a bulky outsole to take the beating of both the gridiron and the diamond. As for the gold, no explanation necessary.
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40. Nike Zoom Flight "The Glove"
Year released: 1998
Complex says: Why not wrap a shroud around an entire shoe? Commonplace now, ridiculously daring in 1998. For Gary Payton's 1998 shoe, designer Eric Avar built up a high-tech chassis, complete with Zoom Air cushioning and a "monkey paw" anti-inversion device, then covered it all up with either a black nylon or white synthetic leather cover. Car inspirations have always been popular in the sneaker world, and this took it to a whole 'nother level, breaking things down to body and engine.
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38. Nike Air Griffey Max I
Year released: 1996
Complex says: "The Kid" had the smoothest swing we've ever seen on a lefty, was winning Golden Glove awards nonchalantly, and was laced with one of the sickest signature kicks of all-time.In the middle of possibly Nike's best run for basketball shoes they also released a gem for the diamond with the Air Griffey Max I. The shoe featured Air Max cushioning and a unique use of branding with The Swoosh slicing around the foot much like Ken's swing. The Velcro ankle strap with his No. 24 was a nice finishing touch — and the Mariners's colors were just a bonus.
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37. Nike Air Trainer SC II
Year released: 1991
Complex says: The Air Trainer SC II saw a much-needed return in 2011. The Bo Jackson signature shoe is likely near the top of everyone's favorite trainer list. The forefoot strap, sail cloth anchoring, interior boot for stability, and Infrared colorway makes this one of the sickest models from the '90s. These represented the pinnacle of the tech-looking trainers that Nike had rolled out for Bo, especially with the somewhat bizarre low-cut/mid-cut combo caused by the high inner bootie.
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34. Reebok Shaqnosis
Year Released: 1993
Complex says: It's not easy designing a sneaker for a big man that provides the kind of support to go hard in the paint and still appeal to people visually. Reebok killed it with the Shaqnosis, featuring a hypnotic use of black and white circles throughout the shoe and remaining bulky and supportive yet cushioned perfectly for Shaq to dominate his foes under the boards. You didn't even need to see the Dunkman logo to know who these were for.
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33. Etnies Sal 23
Year released:1994
Complex says: Nothing complicated here — just a basic suede lowcut with a familiar-looking No. 23 embroidered on the heel. That said, Sal Barbier's signature kicks stood out because they were so basic, not in spite of it. Skate shoes got pretty ridiculous for a while, and these no-nonsense joints with their simple ollie guard offered another way.
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32. adidas EQT Elevation
Year released: 1997
Complex says: Fresh from Lower Merion High School, Kobe entered the league rocking the EQT Top 10 2010 and moved quickly into the quasi-signature EQT Elevations featuring Feet You Wear technology. The shoes were a great step in the right direction for the Three Stripes brand, balancing design and performance to a T (even if the holographic badge on the ankle seems a little dated now). Check the purple PE's out on Kobes feet when he took the '97 Slam Dunk Contest Championship(back when up and coming stars weren't afraid to partake) and we can't help but notice Brandy in the first row cheering him on with a "that's my boy."
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30. éS Koston 1
Year released: 1997
Complex says: The first pro model skate shoe to feature a heel air unit, the Koston 1 is still Eric Koston's most popular shoe of all-time. The combination of the great design and his Michael Jordan like popularity in his world created a lot of hype around these when they dropped. Later they saw an upgrade of a vulcanized sole (and a Lakai remake) but they still don't mess with the OGs. If you're hoping for a Lunar version down the line now that Koston's with Nike SB, don't hold your breath.
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29. Reebok Answer I
Year released: 1997
Complex says: D-M-X! The Reebok Answer I was a huge step away from The Question in terms of design and technology. The shoe was lighter, slimmer, and lower than The Question and also were the first basketball shoe to feature DMX technology, which made you feel likeyou were hoopin' on clouds. The full-on patent leather models (a blue that released in the US and a red that didn't) gave you instant street cred.
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28. Nike Air Trainer Max
Year released: 1991
Complex says:Are you seeing a trend here? The aggressive straps were a must in the early '90s. These Bo Jackson signature all-purpose trainers featured padded ankle support, a sleek mid-cut, and the line patterns cutting across each other on the midfoot further proving that Nike was making a conscious attempt to go just as deep with its designs as they were with the performance aspect for its athletes. They did NOT however, feature Air Max, which made the name more than a bit confusing.
ConverseAeroJam
27. Converse Aero Jam
Year released: 1992
Complex says: In the '90s there seemed to be a little more comptetiton throughout the brands for basketball sneakers. Yeah, Nike was king, but Reebok, adidas, Fila, and Converse all had their top-tier kicks that pushed units. In 1992 Converse inked Runnin' Rebel Larry Johnson fresh out of college and hooked him up with a signature kick. The Converse Aero Jam featured REACT Juice in the heel and rear ankle for maximum support so Grandmama could get it in on the court down in the paint. The design was true to the times — the airbrush fade look on the midsole and of course that velcro strap was a must. If Converse didn't sell you on the sneaker alone, the bizarre Grandmama campaign was enough to intrigue consumers and the cameo on "Family Matters" by Larry Johnson didn't hurt.
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26. Nike Air Flight Huarache
Year released: 1992
Complex says: Yeah, you remember these on the feet of the infamous Michigan Fab Five and to this day they remain one of the most iconic Nikes ever made — again you can thank Tinker Hatfield here. Inspired by a Mayan sandal, Nike cut excess materials to keep them light and supportive for battle, offering multiple lacing options and decent ankle support — engineered to the exact specifications of championship athletes *insert Chris Webber joke here*.
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25. Nike Air Zoom Flight
Year released: 1995
Complex says: In '95 we saw Nike incorporate the Zoom Air unit into its basketball shoes for a low and responsive feel for many of the guard-targeted kicks. The unofficial shoe of Jason Kidd often received the same reaction to the design - "what's up with the bug-eyed sneakers?" The space age Jetsons feel appealed to the youth and and the carbonesque flyers often found their way onto the feet of ballers at all levels, even Donovan McNabb rocked them as a walk-on at Syracuse University. (There was also a high-cut version that's best left alone.)
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24. Air Jordan XIII
Year released: 1997
Complex says: Probably the best shoe ever inspired by a golf ball, the Air Jordan XIII also took cues from Michael Jordan's other-other nickname, "Black Cat" (note the "cateye" hologram on the heels, and the cat's paw inspired outsoles). Lighter and more flexible than its predecessor, the Air Jordan XIII was a Zoom-cushioned sprint shoe for the game's most lethal 30-something.
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23. Nike Air Max 97
Year released: 1997
Complex says: The visible Air Max unit from the heel all the way to the toes had the 97s stunting on other runners during its original release, and if that wasn't enough, there was the 3M-laden upper that bore some familial resemblance to the Air Max 95. These embodied sleek in the late '90s.
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22. Air Jordan XIV
Released: 1999
Complex says: The Jordan XIVs were another Tinker Hatfield makeup and used inspiration from MJ’s Ferrari 550M to create a fast-looking, lower-cut model. The Ferrari-like badge, air "intakes" in the midsole and the metal tips on the laces added to the high-tech, high-end feel. The shoes debuted super-early in the '98 NBA Finals, and figured big in highlight reels across the nation as Mike hit that famous step back “final shot” against the Utah Jazz. Poor Bryon Russell.
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21. Reebok Pump Omni Lite
Year released: 1990
Complex says: The "Dee Browns" did for Paul Litchfield's Reebok Pump what the the Bandit's ride did for Pontiac Trans Ams. The refined Hexalite-cushioned silhouette, birthed from the Omni Zone series, gave the Pump a sleeker, more up-to-date feel, and when Dee paused to Pump up before winning the '91 Slam Dunk contest, a star was born. (Sorry Dee, we meant the shoes.)
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20. New Balance M998
Year released: 1993
Complex says: The embodiment of a luxury runner, 1993's M998 effortlessly mixed high-quality materials with the state-of-the-art in running tech to create an absolutely timeless silhouette. New Balance's traditional palette of greys and blues doesn't cover up design mistakes, and with the 998, there were none.
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18. Nike Air Zoom Spiridon
Year released: 1997
Complex says: One of the first Nikes to feature the Zoom Air cushioning system, the Spiridon utilized simple lines, contrasting material stories, 3M hits and a foil Swoosh to draw attention to what would be an all-time classic runner. While not held in the same esteem as some of the better-known members of the Air Max line, the Spiridon more than holds its own.
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17. Asics GEL Lyte III
Year released: 1990
Complex says: The GEL cushioning unit was the selling point on these timeless Asics that dropped in '90. The maximum comfort was major, but the lines on the shoe really allowed for the designers to go crazy, dropping numerous colorways of the runner that werejust as appealing aesthetically as they were performance wise. The split tongue was distinctive — if an evolutionary dead end — and the GEL Lyte III lives on today as one of Asics most sought-after models.
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16. Nike Air Max Uptempo
Year released: 1995
Complex says: One of the most popular basketball shoes for the '95-96 season, they were worn by NBA stars like David Robinson and Scottie Pippen. The shoe was extremely lightweight even though it had such a bulky look, and featured durability, support, and flexibility to hold up to all aspects of the game and allow someone like Pippen to run the 1 spot or post up smaller guards on the block. Color blocking wasn't the first concern of someone like Scottie or the Admiral, but the Uptempo looked as good as it performed.
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15. Air Jordan VII
Year released: 1992
Complex says: Hare Jordan. The Tinker-designed Air Jordan VII borrowed influences from his Huarache line and incorporated Western African tribal art. The shoe shared a similar cut to the VIs but stripped away the heel tab and two-hole pull on the tongue (along with the padding in the ankle collar and the Visible Air) for a cleaner look. The VIIs were part of numerous highlights for Mike including his second NBA title, an Olympic gold medal, and even a one-on-one game with the king of pop — Michael Jackson.
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14. Nike Air Max 2 CB
Year released: 1994
Complex says: Charles Barkley's first signature model embodied exactly what the "Round Mound of Rebound" was all about — it was strong, durable, and ready for battle in the paint. The shoe featured an Air Max 2 Unit in the heel for extra cushioning for a player with a few extra pounds of pushing, and the metallic-underlayed upper was reportedly inspired by a straitjacket. Appropriate.
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11. Nike Air Trainer SC
Year released: 1990
Complex says: Bo knows shoes. The Air Trainer SC dropped right at the start of the '90s behind a major campaign for Bo Jackson, the first major two-sport athlete (for the Raiders and Royals). The shoe was built to handle the durability of Bo's high-level training and play on the field. The release of numerous colorways including the "Auburn" pair that paid homage to his alma mater were just as legit on the turf as they were with everyday fashion.
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10. Nike Air Foamposite One
Year released: 1997
Complex says: A real game-changer. The molded Nike Air Foamposite 1 was different from anything Nike had ever done before, different from anything ANYONE had done before. Allegedly a design intended for Scottie Pippen, when Pip passed it up, Penny Hardaway stepped in. Eric Avar's design used the best Nike had to offer, from Zoom Air to a translucent outsole to a carbon spring plate. The $180 price point was astronomical at the time — but perhaps appropriate for some shoes that looked like they came straight from a NASA laboratory.
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9. Vans Half Cab
Year released: 1991
Complex says:When it comes to a kickflip is there any better shoe to get down in than the Vans Half Cab? Steve Caballero's second signature shoe (a hacked-down version of his first, inspired by what actual street skaters were doing) remains a staple among kids taking over an empty pool in your neighbor's backyard. The Waffle Grip and vulcanized sole make them durable enough to hold up to the most serious skaters and at an average price of $60, you can keep those random hours at In-N-Out Burger and still cop a few pairs.
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8. Nike Air Tech Challenge II
Year released: 1990
Complex says: One of the sickest colorways of any shoe and it's a tennis shoe? Nike (and — say it with me — Tinker Hatfield) hooked acidwash king Andre Agassi up proper with the "Hot Lava" Air Tech Challenge II. The shoe featured a Visible Air unit in the rear and the steps in the midsole by the forefoot has inspired one of the current most hyped releases. Back in the '90s, you were the king of the high school hallways if you had these.
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7. New Balance M574
Year released: 1990
Complex says: So simple, so good. The New Balance 574 spread like wildfire, engulfing casual runners and casual non-runners alike with it's enormous "N" branding, ENCAP midsole andwide array (especuially for New Balance) of colors. If you say "New Balance" to anyone, chances are they think of the 574 first. Try it!
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5. Air Jordan VI
Year released: 1991
Complex says: Iconic for so many reasons — the design is on point thanks to Tinker Hatfield's use of the translucent outsole, hits of Infrared, Visible Air unit, and the rear heel tab inspired by the spoiler on Mike's Porsche. Between that and the fingerholes in the tongue, these were probably the easiest Jordans to put on ever. Not to mention this was the shoe worn by his Airness as he finally overcame the Bad Boys of Detroit and Magic and the Lake Show to win his first NBA title. Even Mr. West himself has endorsed these pretty heavily even 20 years later.
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4. Nike Air Max 90
Year released: 1990
Complex says: Known as the Air Max III when they originally dropped, the Air Max 90 arrived when Air Max technology was fairly new to the game. Building off of the success of the previous two models, the 90 was designed with a breathable mesh and multi-lacing system for added comfort, along with a reinforced midsole that supplied unmatched support. Whether you were putting in miles or trying to impress the girls, there is no doubt the Air Max 90 was built for success.
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3. Air Jordan V
Year Released: 1990
Complex says: The IIIs and IVs really set it off for the Jordan line, but Tinker Hatfield's Vs really took the Air Jordan line to another level. The kicks were inspired in part by the World War II Mustang fighter plane, which led to the shark-like "teeth" on the forefoot. The first Jordans to utilize translucent rubber on the outsole (with the Jumpman logo underneath), the V made more refined use of the Air Jordan IVs mesh sidepanels, allowed for multiple lacing options around the asymmetrical ankle collar, and topped it all off with a reflective 3M tongue to give the design some literal flash.
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2. Nike Air Max 95
Year released: 1995
Complex says: The attention to detail on these were crazy. The upper from midsole to center was inspired by human skin and spine, the colors building atop one another from the outsole to tongue, and the quality of materials were on point. The initial "Neon" gradient still looks fresh today, a full 15-plus years after their original release. Designer Sergio Lozano was able to nearly do away with the Swoosh entirely, as if the Air Max soled runner (the first shoe to utilize forefoot Visible Air) could have been made by anyone else.
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