The Women’s Nike Air Max 90 “Rice Ball” is a women’s exclusive colorway of the running shoe inspired by Onigiri, a traditional Japanese dish also known as rice ball. Made from white rice, shaped into a triangle and commonly wrapped in nori, Onigiri is one of the more unusual (but delicious) inspirations Nike has ever used when designing a colorway of the Air Max 90. Design wise, the pattern found on the mudguard is inspired by plastic wrappers, a nod to how rice balls are packaged when bought from a store. A glossy teal Swoosh and red “Air Max” insignia inside of the branding window on the mid-panel and lateral heel, respectively, offer a contrast in color against the seaweed-like textured base. Red “Nike Air” branding can be found on the translucent overlay on the heel. A close-up graphic of rice grains is printed on the insole and “Pull” on the laces. A teal panel surrounds the visible Air unit in the heel of the white foam midsole to complete the look. Release date: Spring 2021. Rice Ball
