Air Maxes That Need to Make a Comeback

What Air Max runner deserve the retro treatment from Nike?

Mar 26, 2017
Nike Air Max
Image via Nike
Nike Air Max
Image via Nike

The arrival of Air Max Day is a good time to reflect on the sheer volume of Air Max sneakers that Nike has released since 1987. With so many classic runners in the catalog, it’s easy to overlook the less talked about Air Max silhouettes of the past.  Models like the Air Max 1, Air Max 90, and Air Max 95 have seen continued popularity and countless re-releases over the years, but many worthy models have gotten lost in the shuffle since their debuts. Here are five Nike Air Max models that have flown under the radar that we would love to see get a retro treatment sooner rather than later.

Air Max 96

Air Max 96
Image via Nike

Original Release: 1996

The Nike Air Max 96 technically made a return last year, but it didn't come back the way that people had hoped. Instead, we received a re-tooled version of the shoe, placing the 96's upper on a squished-down variation on the Air Max 95 sole. Nike needs to finally deliver a proper retro for this shoe that stays true to the OG silhouette.

Air Max2 Light

Nike Air Max2 Light
Image via Sneaker Freaker

Original Release: 1994

Nike's Air Max2 Light was the counterpart to the Air Max2 which released earlier the same year. Although similar in name, the Air units were the main feature the two shoes shared. It was an ounce lighter than its predecessor with a redesigned tooling and brand new upper. The squared-Air unit utilized dual chambers with varying pressures to aid both comfort and support.

Air Max Deluxe

Nike Air Max Deluxe
Image via Complex

Original Release: 1999

The Air Max Deluxe debuted right before the turn of the century. This pair featured a full-length Air unit, 3M hits, and was also offered in bright colorways that Nike could bring back for a retro run. 

Air Max 98 TL

Nike Air Max 98 TL
Image via Nike

Original Release: 1998

The Air Max 98 garnered some hype a few years ago thanks to a collaboration with Supreme, but more than one version released back in 1998. The Air Max 98 TL variation featured a modified Air unit with additional segmentation and a re-designed upper. The lime green Air bag and royal blue upper on the OG colorway would be sure to garner a lot of attention if this pair was given a retro release. 

Tuned Air Max

Nike Air Tuned Max
Image via Nike

Original Release: 1999

The Tuned Air Max was the first Nike shoe to feature full-length Tuned Air, a system that was designed to bring more comfort to the Air Max line through the use individual pods. This shoe came in a few different colorways, but the most unique of the bunch is the iridescent dark charcoal/celery/saturn red color scheme that would make for a great retro. 

NikeAir Max Running Shoes

Latest in Sneakers

The biggest sneaker scandal of the year is the bombshell allegation that James Whitner, owner of sneaker stories like A Ma Maniere and Social Status, has for years resold millions of dollars of product, breaching his Nike contract and getting involved in what prosecutors say is an illegal money laundering scheme. In this episode, the cohosts respond to the allegations and what they might mean for Nike and Whitner. Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty also react to the long-awaited debut of Jerry Lorenzo’s Fear of God Athletics line with Adidas and rehash a controversial Complex list from 2014—yes, we put the “Red October” Nike Air Yeezy 2 that low. Elsewhere: Samba memes and re-soling your sneakers.The biggest sneaker scandal of the year is the bombshell allegation that James Whitner, owner of sneaker stories like A Ma Maniere and Social Status, has for years resold millions of dollars of product, breaching his Nike contract and getting involved in what prosecutors say is an illegal money laundering scheme. In this episode, the cohosts respond to the allegations and what they might mean for Nike and Whitner. Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty also react to the long-awaited debut of Jerry Lorenzo’s Fear of God Athletics line with Adidas and rehash a controversial Complex list from 2014—yes, we put the “Red October” Nike Air Yeezy 2 that low. Elsewhere: Samba memes and re-soling your sneakers.Play button icon
SNEAKERS

| BY COMPLEX VIDEO

The $32 Million Sneaker Reselling Allegations Against James Whitner | The Complex Sneakers Show