Previously ahead of its time, now beautifully on trend, the Nike Air Sunder Max is one of the best things the Swoosh has done in 2024. Created in 1999, the Air Sunder Max tells the tale of the turn of the century. Amidst the changing of the millennium Nike delivered this futuristic model fit for the new era. The 90s had been marked by extreme success for Nike. Fueled by Michael Jordan, their basketball division had reached unparalleled heights. Countless sneakerheads still hold that this is the golden era of Nike Basketball. Cross Trainers also defined this decade of Nike, highlighted by the likes of the Nike Air Griffey Max, the Nike Diamond Turf, and the Nike Air Trainer SC. Nike’s next chapter had big shoes to fill. They opened with the Sunder Max. The Sunder combined many trends of the time and focused on technology. The Lycra upper and zip closure were sleek and modern, while the TPU side panels added dimension to the sneaker. All of this sits atop three visible Air-Sole units. The sneaker was also identifiable by its signature color gradient look. As with many of Nike’s models the sneaker holds Easter eggs nodding to the company’s history. The 6453 inscription, which can be found on the tongue, are the keys needed to type “Nike” on an alphanumeric keypad. It is also the last four digits of Nike's office phone numbers. Additionally, the first Nike athlete ever was track star Steve Prefontaine. His personal best mile time was 3 minutes 54 seconds and 6 tenths. Yet, with all these elements going for it, the Sunder Max came and went.

In 2024, however, Nike struck gold with the return of the Nike Air Sunder Max; or as it is now known the Nike Air Max SNDR. Save for the name change the Air Max SNDR has made its triumphant resurgence true to its OG form. In an era of mesh runners, Y2K influences, and consumers prioritizing something different or unique the SNDR is Nike’s proof that they can make obscure shoes too. One could even assert that history shows that they were one of the first. Originally released in 1999, outside of the 2022 Comme des Garcons three-pack, the 25-year-old cross trainer never retroed. Earlier this year, similar to the CDG trifecta, the SNDR released in three colorways, ‘Canyon Gold,’ ‘Fuchsia Flash,’ and ‘Electric Green.’ These vibrantly colored sneakers were perfect for the summer months, and as time has passed can be seen in the wild with increasing regularity. Pleasantly, the SNDR has proven to be far more plush underfoot than expected of a shoe designed twenty-five years ago, making it a stylish and comfortable option. This blending of form and function is what draws consumers to Nike products and the SNDR doesn’t disappoint.

It seems good things come in threes, later this year Nike has another trio of SNDRs on the way. ‘Night Maroon,’ ‘Blue Ice,’ and ‘Burgundy Crush/Baltic Blue,’ all are expected to be released in October. The ‘Blue Ice’ and ‘Burgundy Crush/Baltic Blue’ colorways have already been released and can be found at select retailers. Both were more limited than the previous pairs from this summer. As the holiday season approaches Nike also has two GORE-TEX pairs slated to drop: a triple black option and a ‘Hyper Crimson.’ Nike has lived in the Air Jordan 1, Air Force 1, and Dunk universe for far too long of late. The rinse-and-repeat model of slapping a mediocre colorway and cheap leather on one of these models is exhausting. This over-saturation has pushed sneakerheads to the ledge, many of whom have jumped - just ask Nike’s latest quarterly report. (To their credit Nike has announced plans to cut back production of the AF1 to preserve it.) The SNDR is a breath of fresh air in this lackadaisical landscape of product offerings spawning from Beaverton. It is a new exciting option that stands out among the crowd. In a world that recently has seen Nike struggle to keep up with trends, the SNDR is not only on trend but perhaps predictive, as more and more of the early 2000s are heating up. Much has been made of Nike’s “downfall,” but much also ought to be made of the SNDR. Some will try to tell you that this grandma’s domino lookin shoe ain’t it, but don’t listen to them it just might be the best move of Nike’s year.

Air Sunder Max Turned SNDR

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