Closer Look At The Upcoming Neymar Air Max 2090s

Following the peek at the latest collaboration between Nike and Neymar back in May, we now get a full on close up with the NJR x Air Max 2090, which is set to launch in the coming days in two distinct colourways.

The first look at the Neymar Air Max 2090 arrived late last month, with the “Light Orewood Brown” getting a bigger reveal than the “Black/Gold” look. But that’s now changed, with the veil being fully lifted from both shoes. As well as showing off his new logo on the insole, that earlier look also hinted at signature details specific to the PSG striker throughout the upper, and what they are is now clear.

Each design uses special text to lock in its inspiration, with “Sao Vincente” and “Praia Grande,” on the lateral side, an acknowledgement of Neymar Jr.’s adopted home. Meanwhile, medial text is split between “Jardim Gloria” and “Nautica III” for nods to his Brazilian football school and childhood neighbourhood. The black version also features a hi-viz strip wrapped around the upper, revealed when the lights are switched off.

A close up of both also reveals a hidden detail on the heel: a small slit behind the ridged, Air Max 90-inspired badges holds interchangeable guitar picks with co-branded Neymar/Nike logos. This unique addition nods to one of the Brazilian’s favourite off-pitch pastimes, while also adding a clever customisable element.

Neymar's enjoyed a couple of signature edition sneakers recently, but that's been restricted to the Shox line, with the initial R4 release in two colourways followed by a sublime “Black/Gold” update, before he was then gifted both in gold ahead of Christmas. And now he's set for a signature take on the Air Max 2090.

The Air Max 2090 launched in January of this year as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations for the Air Max 90. It features a design that shows off what the future of sneakers holds, much as the original Air Max 90 did 30 years prior, mixing a range of classic Air Max 90 elements, including the mudguard, heel logo and cassette feature around the air unit, while introducing some new and altered elements, including different levels opacity on different panels. It’s a radical design that has seen several colourways since, including the Icy “Pure Platinum/White” and “Triple Black”, but now it's set for its first major crossover, with the Neymar x Air Max 2090.