Patta and Nike are a double act that rarely misses. The Dutch label and the Swoosh have spent the last decade riffing on heritage silhouettes. This summer, they’re returning to familiar ground with a co-designed Patta Air Max 90 that pick up where the cult “Waves” series left off.
First teased last year and worn by Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck, the Patta x Nike Air Max 90 “Waves” has now been officially unveiled in two colourways. One trimmed in Sapphire blue, the other in a sharp Cyber green. Both land June 24 and feature everything we’ve come to expect from a Patta collab. We're talking subtle tweaks to a classic. Just enough to set it apart without ruining the original.
At a glance, it’s the mudguard that does the heavy lifting. The usual horizontal wrap has been reshaped into a wave motif. It's a clear nod to the 2021 AM1 collab that reignited Patta’s partnership with Nike in earnest. The effect is bold, but not brash – a sculptural detail that adds movement to a shoe that’s otherwise pleasingly familiar.
Patta Air Max 90: A closer look
The upper keeps things clean with layered greys in mesh and suede, while that lenticular logo at the heel flips between “Air Max” and “Patta” depending on the angle – a playful flex for those in the know. Colour pops land on the lace eyelets, Swoosh and visible Air unit, with either Sapphire or Cyber to choose from, depending on your mood (or your sock rotation).
Patta-branded insoles and a co-branded box round out the offering, and there’s talk of matching apparel dropping alongside. If the last Waves project is anything to go by, expect these to go quickly – Patta has a knack for injecting hype into Nike’s back catalogue without losing the soul of the original design.
Retail is set at $155, and they’ll release via Nike SNKRS and select retailers. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or just want a summer rotation upgrade, the Patta x Nike Air Max 90 “Waves” offers a compelling case. Thirty-five years on from its debut, the AM90 still finds ways to stay relevant – especially when Patta’s holding the pen.
Next up: Nike's Cryoshot is a sign that football sneakers are back.
