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Nike Air Max SC Little Kids' Shoe vs Nike Air Max 90 Kids

The Air Max 90 is the better pick for most kids. It has a more structured build, a visible Max Air unit in the heel and a design that has held up since 1990, and owners rate it highly. The Air Max SC is the simpler, lighter option with a leather-and-mesh upper and Max Air in the heel, and it suits a child who wants an easy everyday shoe. Both are low-top lace-ups with rubber outsoles; the 90 is the step up in style and cushioning, the SC the easier first pair.

  • Choose the Air Max SC if you want a light, easy everyday shoe for a younger child and don't need the retro look.
  • Choose the Air Max 90 if you want the classic silhouette, a bigger visible Air unit and a shoe that holds its shape longer.

Prices

  • Nike Air Max SC Little Kids' Shoe: $33.00 at Lovell Sports (last seen Nov 10)
  • Nike Air Max 90 Kids: $97.16 at Amazon (last seen Nov 13)
  • Difference: the Nike Air Max SC Little Kids' Shoe is $64.16 cheaper than the Nike Air Max 90 Kids at the latest prices (Nov 10 and Nov 13)
Nike
Nike Air Max Sc Little Kids Shoe

Nike Air Max SC Little Kids' Shoe

Nike Air Max Sc Little Kids Shoe

$33.00at Lovell SportsChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit Lovell Sports
Pros
  • Light and easy for everyday wear
  • Leather and mesh upper breathes well
  • Max Air heel cushioning for play
  • Simple lacing a child can learn on
Cons
  • Less structure than the 90
  • Fewer colorways to choose from
  • Less recognizable silhouette
Nike
Nike Air Max 90 Kids

Nike Air Max 90 Kids

5(193 ratings)
$97.16at AmazonChecked Nov 13
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Iconic 1990 design that still looks current
  • Visible Max Air heel unit
  • Structured upper holds up to daily wear
  • Wide choice of kid-exclusive and mini adult colorways
  • Strong owner ratings
Cons
  • Heavier and stiffer out of the box than the SC
  • More layers mean more seams to break in

What separates them

Nike Air Max SC Little Kids' ShoeNike Air Max 90 Kids
Heritage and designModern take on the Air Max line with simple linesTinker Hatfield design first released in 1990, still one of Nike's most recognized models
CushioningMax Air unit in the heel over a foam midsoleVisible Max Air heel unit, the largest bubble of its time at launch
UpperReal and synthetic leather mixed with airy textile and meshLayered retro upper with mesh panels and plastic accents
Build and structureLighter, softer feel that suits younger feetMore structured and supportive, holds its shape with wear
ClosureTraditional laces with a tongue connected to the upperTraditional laces
OutsoleRubber outsoleRubber waffle-style outsole
Sizing and colorwaysLittle kids sizing in a small set of colorwaysPreschool sizing with a wide range of kid-exclusive and mini adult colorways
Owner feedbackFew published ratings for this exact model5 out of 5 from 193 ratings

Price history

$97.16$64.00
Oct 30Nov 13
  • Nike Air Max SC Little Kids' Shoe: lowest $64.00 on Nov 9 at Shoe Bizz.
  • Nike Air Max 90 Kids: lowest $97.16 on Nov 13 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

Nike Air Max SC Little Kids' Shoe

  • Lovell SportsNew

    In stock

    $33.00Checked Nov 10
    Visit Lovell Sports
  • Get the LabelNew

    In stockShips from abroad · duties may applyReturn policy

    $33.00Checked Nov 10
    Visit Get the Label
  • Shoe BizzNew

    In stockShips from New Zealand · duties may applyReturn policy

    $58.00Checked Nov 9
    Visit Shoe Bizz
  • ModeSensNew

    Availability unknown

    $71.00+ $24.00 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit ModeSens

Also available at

  • Shoe BizzCheck price at Shoe Bizz
All 10 stores and price history →

Nike Air Max 90 Kids

  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $97.16Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Amazon
  • WhatnotNew

    Availability unknown

    $100.00Checked Nov 13
    Visit Whatnot
  • GOATNew

    Availability unknown

    $106.00Checked Nov 13
    Visit GOAT
  • Flight ClubNew

    Availability unknown

    $106.00Checked Nov 13
    Visit Flight Club

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 12 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecNike Air Max SC Little Kids' ShoeNike Air Max 90 Kids
Shown colorWhite/Team Orange/Metallic Summit White/Black—
Upper materialReal and synthetic leather combines with airy t…—
CushioningMax Air units in the heels—
OutsoleRubber outsole—
MidsoleFoam in the midsole—
ClosureTraditional lacing—
Country of originVietnam—
Footwear heightLow—
TongueConnected to the upper—
UpperLeather, textile and mesh—

What reviewers say

Nike Air Max 90 Kids

  • 5 / 5193 ratings

Owners rate the kids Air Max 90 very highly, praising the retro look and the cushioning under small feet. Complaints center on a narrow fit and uppers that scuff and stain fast.

What people mention
  • StylePraisedBuyers love the classic layered Air Max 90 look in kid sizing.
  • ComfortPraisedThe visible Air heel unit is called comfortable for all-day wear.
  • FitCriticisedSome parents say the shoe runs narrow and pinches wider feet.
  • DurabilityMixedThe build holds up to play, but light uppers scuff and stain easily.

Questions and answers

Which is better for everyday school wear?
The Air Max 90. Its more structured upper holds its shape through daily wear, and the visible Max Air heel takes repeated impact well. The SC is lighter but softer.
Which lasts longer?
The Air Max 90 generally outlasts the SC. Its layered upper and waffle-style rubber outsole resist scuffing and wear better than the SC's simpler leather-and-mesh build.
Is the Air Max 90 worth stepping up to?
Yes if you want the classic look, more cushioning and a wider choice of colorways. Stay with the SC if you want the lightest, simplest shoe for a younger child.
Which is easier for a child to put on?
Both use traditional laces, so neither is a slip-on. The SC's softer upper and connected tongue make it slightly easier to pull on and adjust.
Do both have Air cushioning?
Yes. Both have a Max Air unit in the heel over a foam midsole. The 90's visible bubble is larger and more prominent.
Which has more color choices?
The Air Max 90. It comes in kid-exclusive colorways plus mini versions of adult releases, while the SC is offered in a smaller set of colorways.

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