Sportswear brand Nike has teamed up with UK-based British-Nigerian artist Slawn for an exciting collaboration on the Air Max 90, introducing two distinctive colorways: Black Speckle and White Speckle. These releases showcase Slawn’s signature spray-paint-inspired design and give the classic Air Max 90 silhouette a fresh, artist-driven update.
Both colorways feature premium all-leather uppers that elevate the design, with a noticeable emphasis on quality craftsmanship. The Black Speckle version has a deep, dark tone that contrasts sharply with the vibrant specks of paint splattered across the front half of the sneaker. Meanwhile, the White Speckle pair maintains a lighter base, allowing the paint splatters to pop even more.
One of the most defining features of this collaboration is the intricate debossed detailing on the upper, which draws on Slawn’s signature graffiti-style artwork. The front portion of each sneaker is splattered with paint, while the back half showcases a more refined, molded leather texture that feels almost sculptural. This deliberate division in the design represents Slawn’s dual approach to raw expression and controlled craftsmanship. The sneakers’ mudguard has also been redesigned, with a sleek leather stripe wrapping around the shoe to create a streamlined, premium aesthetic.
The heel branding has been given a creative update, replacing the usual Nike Air logo with a design that features a stylized face inspired by Slawn’s art. The face is marked by elongated, semicircular eyes, adding an unexpected and artistic touch to the sneakers. Another unique element of the collaboration is the redesigned Swoosh. Slawn’s take on the iconic logo is more fluid and hand-drawn, departing from the usual sharp, clean lines of the standard Air Max 90.
Both colorways also feature metallic accents. The Black Speckle edition is adorned with metallic silver details, while the White Speckle pair features metallic gold highlights, adding a luxurious finish to the designs. The eyelets are given a distinct touch, with silver used on the Black pair and gold on the White pair, subtly accenting the overall design.
These Slawn x Nike Air Max 90 sneakers are expected to drop in Spring 2025 with a retail price of $160 USD.
