NikeFirst Look at the Nike Air Max Metro, a Return to Running...

First Look at the Nike Air Max Metro, a Return to Running Roots

Key Details

Price: $130Style Code: IW4935-003Release Date: October 1, 2026

  • The Nike Air Max Metro draws its midsole tooling from the Pegasus Premium running shoe at a more accessible price point.
  • The silhouette features a full-length Air bag that runs nearly toe-to-toe, paired with breathable mesh and suede overlays.
  • The Metro marks a potential return to performance running for the Air Max line after decades as lifestyle-focused models.
Nike Air Max Metro 2026

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 1, 2026
Price: $130

Check out the early images below, and stay tuned to JustFreshKicks on TwitterInstagram, and Facebook for more of the latest sneaker news, release dates, and restock alerts. 

Ben Serleth
Ben Serleth
Industrial designer, sneakerhead, and general fan of all things fashion & pop culture. Find me on Twitter and Instagram to talk more about sneakers.

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