Patta Is Bringing Its Nike ‘Wave’ Collaborations to the Classic Air Max 90

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After Amsterdam retailer Patta celebrated its 20th anniversary this year by bringing back the fan-favorite “Chlorophyll” Nike Air Max 1 collaboration, it looks like the boutique will keep its Swoosh momentum going by applying a familiar design to a new sneaker.

Talk of a Patta x Nike Air Max 90 “Wave” first surfaced in early October, and now Patta co-founder Edson Sabajo has shared a first look at the new design. The collaboration repurposes the concept from Patta’s Air Max 1 “The Wave,” which was released in a total of six different styles throughout 2021 and 2022. Sometimes nicknamed “Waves,” the shoes feature a bumpy wave-like pattern on their mudguard. 

Patta x Nike Air Max 90 ‘Wave.’ Credit: @edsonbarbapapa

Like Patta’s work on the Air Max 1, the Air Max 90 revamps the traditionally linear mudguard for a wavy look. The pair shared by Sabajo features a white-and-silver style with accents reminiscent of the classic Air Max BW “Persian Violet” colorway. The Air Max 90’s mesh appears to match the same material Patta used on the “Wave” Air Max 1, and other panels look more premium than the model’s standard fair. Patta’s logo, designed by artist and fellow Nike collaborator Piet Parra, appears on the tongue.

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Patta and Nike’s partnership began in the mid 2000s, long before sneaker collaborations were ordinary. Their first joint release was 2006’s “Homegrown” Air Max 90, making the upcoming “Wave” style a full circle moment for both parties. Collaborations have included Air Jordans and obscure Nikes, but the retailer is best known for its work on the Air Max 1 and Air Max 90 silhouettes. Along with the retro of the “Chlorophyll” Air Max 1, 2024 saw Patta release the Air Huarache 20Y24 hybrid sneaker.

According to early reports, a number of Patta x Nike Air Max 90 “Wave” styles will be released similar to the output of the Air Max 1. 

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