Though the majority of the uppers are solid-colored, there’s a pop of color around the Nike swoosh. It contrasts with the black or the white uppers and is eye-catching, yet not overwhelming. The gradient adds to their originality and 90s vibe. Three colorways offered with this model: white upper with an orange-yellow gradient; white upper with a purple-red gradient, and black upper with a blue-purple gradient.

With the original first released in the 1990s, it goes without saying that they’ve got an authentic and distinct 90s vibe. There’s just something about the combination of overlays and the pop of color; it’s tasteful yet refreshing to look at. As a result, they are great for streetwear and pair perfectly with casual outfits. Wear them with jeans, leggings, or shorts, and a top that compliments their color - or better yet, let them complete a retro-inspired attire!

The uppers are made with a combination of different materials. Nylon mesh is used in the toe box, tongue, and heel collar. It’s also used in the midsole panel, though it feels slightly different due to the color gradient painted there. They also feature felt overlays that are designed to mimic suede and have a nice, rich texture to the touch.

Based on the model’s name, it’s no surprise that they feature Nike’s groundbreaking footwear technology. Nike Air consists of a tough and flexible bag of pressurized air. With each step, it absorbs impact and gives a spring to the step of the wearer by rebounding immediately back to its original shape. Its responsiveness gives a boost to each new stride and, in the long term, can enhance endurance and keep the wearer energized for longer. Not only that, it’s lightweight and made with at least 50% recycled materials and 100% renewable energy.

As we mentioned, this model you can purchase now is a comeback of the 1990s original. Not much, if anything at all, has been changed from that original. But the funny thing is that these shoes come with a tag on the inside saying “RECRAFTED.” Many say it’s possible that the new version might really have been re-made to resemble the original, but without the original mold. In this case, they would’ve had to borrow an old pair, maybe from a shoe collector, and take detailed measurements to do their best and recreate the original from scratch. Safe to say that there’s a lot of history in this one model!

Nike shoes tend to run a bit smaller than those of other athletic brands like Adidas and Reebok. This pair, on the other hand, is fairly accurate when it comes to length. Width-wise they, unfortunately, don’t have width variations. People with wide feet may find them overly cozy and a bit constricting at first, but a short period of wear will break them in. In short, order your typical size, and you’ll most likely get a good fit.

The Nike Air technology is designed to help athletes - including elites and amateurs - improve their performance and stay comfortable and protected during exercise. However, some Nike Air Maxnew models have become clunky, almost boot-like, and not practical for exercise. But the Nike Skylon II remains practical and supportive, enhancing performance rather than hindering it. Runners will benefit from their comfort and rebounding sole.

Did you know that Nike’s basketball footwear has over 42 years of experience with traction technology? Their progress has been reflected in the outsoles of their other shoes, too. Though the Air Skylon 2 doesn’t feature the traditional herringbone pattern, (they are, after all, running shoes), the manufacturer has still made sure they get a steady grip on the ground. Made of durable rubber, the outsole has a simple yet reliable tread that offers excellent traction.

Though the manufacturer claims breathable, the reviews they’ve gotten suggest otherwise. It’s true that breathable nylon mesh is used in the toe box, tongue, and heel collar; however, the felt overlays blocks it and prevents it from providing much ventilation. As a result, they can get a bit toasty. It’s a good thing for chilly days, but in the heat of summer, opt for a different pair. As well, if you plan on running in them, make sure they won’t make your feet sweat an uncomfortable amount.

Here’s the catch; though this pair is comfortable, cushioning, and quite supportive for running, they are still “impractical” to some extent. The reason is purely psychological: they’re just such a nice pair! If you’re really into footwear, this model’s sure to have hit you with the nostalgia of the 90s. Their comeback was miraculous enough, and now that you’ve really got a pair in your possession, you might not want to beat them all up. It’s even worse if you’ve got the white pair - just walking down the street means you risk getting a dirt mark, and the felt material’s not easy to clean. Because of this, they might not ultimately do the job they’re supposed to do, which is helping you run.

Overall, this 1990s comeback is definitely worth the hype. Not only do they look great with their felt overlays, color gradient, and retro vibe, they are incredibly cushioning and comfortable for both running and for streetwear. They run true to size, provide traction, and have three color options. The only thing to note is that the overlays restrict their breathability and that wearers with wide feet will need to break them in; as well, that they’re so stylish and nostalgic that you might not want to wear them to run or go outside at all. But it’s not hard to see that the pros far outweigh the cons.