The Swoosh has had a considerable amount of success with retro releases and reinterpretations of their Air Max models from the length and breadth of the Nineties, from the all-time classics like the Air Max 90, 95 and 97 to the lesser-known but still appreciated Air Max 93, 98 and Air 180. But their catalogue doesn’t begin and end with the Air Max line, and there’s a considerable amount of gold to be found among the more obscure models that are beloved by sneakerheads who want to stand out from the crowd.

Case in point: this spot-on retro of the seldom-seen Air Span II silhouette from 1990. While it may not sport the headline-grabbing Max Air bubble of its stablemates, the 1989 Air Span and its sequel from the next year was no less revolutionary, being one of the first running shoes to utilise a full-length Phylon midsole that bid farewell to the heavy polyurethane models of the past. Coupling this with a (hidden) encapsulated Max Air bubble in the heel and an internal footbridge, this was a model intended for serious runners, at a more affordable price than the flagship Air Max models but just as stylish.

Today’s edition really nails the shape and overall aesthetic of the original, while switching up the tooling for all-day comfort with plenty of cushioning. The classic monochrome colourway with hits of Laser Blue is a real winner, too. It’s great to see Nike bringing back some of their more sought-out running styles for those looking for a break from the norm. Don’t wait around if you want to add this obscure classic to your collection.

The Nike Air Span II in White / Dust / Laser Blue is releasing on the 2^nd of February from Aphrodite Clothing.