The Nike Air Max 90 Essential+ “Cave Stone” lands with a calm energy, blending classic features with an earthy new look. This colourway strips things back without making it boring — and that’s the beauty of it.
Built from smooth leather, the upper shifts away from the usual mesh-and-suede mix. Instead, it leans fully into premium paneling. The muted Cave Stone tone covers the base and overlays, giving the shoe a subtle, near-monochrome finish.
But Nike didn’t stop there. To add contrast, they dropped in smart Adobe red hits — popping up on the tongue label, heel badge, insole branding and visible Air unit. These flashes of colour add just enough energy to keep things interesting, without disrupting the overall calm vibe.
Underfoot, you’re still getting the classic Waffle sole and visible Air Max cushioning, which makes this more than just a retro look. It’s built for everyday comfort. Whether you’re walking to work or pairing them with cargos on the weekend, this pair handles it.
Some sneakerheads say the colour balance gives a quiet nod to the Nike SB Dunk Low “Bison” from 2003. That could be a reach — or a subtle Easter egg for those who were there the first time round.