First Look at the Nike Air Max Metro, a Return to Running Roots
What to know
ClosetKept AI- Nike Air Max Metro midsole inspired by Pegasus Premium running shoe, downsized for accessibility.
- Full-length Air bag in sole; standard Air configuration, slightly shorter than Pegasus Zoom Air.
- Breathable mesh base with suede and plastic overlays; Nike button heel branding.
- Retail price $160; originally rumored at $130. Fall 2026 release expected October 1st.
- Air Max family expansion; first new silhouette returning to running-influenced design roots.
UPDATE 8/22/26: Official images of Nike’s upcoming Air Max Metro have arrived, confirming the model’s arrival sometime soon in Fall. October 1st is still the expected date, though this has not been made official quite yet. Two more colorways of the runner have emerged as well, with all three expected to make up the Metro’s initial slate. Additionally, the retail price has been upped from $130 to $160.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Nike is expanding their Air Max family again this year with another new silhouette. The Air Max Metro takes midsole inspiration from the Pegasus Premium running show, paring it down a touch for a more approachable price tag.
Air Max has been Nike’s bread & butter for nearly four decades now, since their visible Air technology first released in 1986 with the Air Max 1. The tech has evolved steadily over the years, with new configurations and manufacturing methods to adjust comfort and fit. Air Max has long been removed from the Swoosh’s performance running offerings, with their classic silhouettes transitioning to lifestyle models, and each new silhouette following suit. This week, we have an early look at the Air Max Metro, a new member of the family coming this Fall. At first glance, the model seems to borrow its midsole from the Pegasus Premium, one of their flagship running shoes that carries a hefty $230 price tag. However, the Metro is rumored to only cost $130, a considerable drop for a model that features a full-length Air bag embedded in the sole. The Pegasus uses Zoom Air, in a configuration that stretches all the way to the toe of the shoe. The Metro’s air bag is just barely shorter, and appears to be a standard Air bag. Up top, the Metro features a breathable mesh base, and a combination of suede and plastic overlays. The Nike button branding on the heel is also borrowed from their running sneakers.
NIKE AIR MAX METRO “PHOTO BLUE” RELEASE INFORMATION
The latest new silhouette in Nike’s decades-old Air Max line, the Metro, is currently rumored to release this Fall on October 1st, 2026. The new silhouette combines years of Air Max heritage with modern running tooling borrowed from the Pegasus Premium. It is currently unclear if this is truly a performance running shoe, or a lifestyle model with advanced cushioning. The “Photo Blue” colorway is up first, releasing from both Nike and select retailers for $130.
Nike Air Max Metro
Color: Black/Black-Light Photo Blue-Illusion Green
Style Code: IW4935-003
Release Date: October 1st, 2026
Price: $160
Nike Air Max Metro
Color: Pale Ivory/Black
Style Code: IW4935-102
Release Date: October 1st, 2026
Price: $160
Nike Air Max Metro
Color: Black/Metallic Dark Grey-Bright Crimson
Style Code: IW4935-004
Release Date: October 1st, 2026
Price: $160
Check out the early images below, and stay tuned to JustFreshKicks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more of the latest sneaker news, release dates, and restock alerts.
