The original designers of the 990 were tasked with creating the best running shoe on the market. The finished product more than lived up to its claims. When the 990 was first launched in 1982, it was a sleek, understated grey and cost a three-figure sum at the time. For enthusiastic runners and trendsetters alike, the 990 was a sign of quality and excellent taste. Since '82, the design has been revised and there have been more colour options, but the aura of the 990's aspirational status symbol has remained unchanged.