Nike Air Max 98 Release Info

Nike Air Max 98

The Nike Air Max 98 is a Seismic Change from its Predecessor

For anyone with half an eye on the footwear world, it’s clear that Nike’s Air Max 97 was the success story of 2017. Reintroduced in force for its 20th anniversary, the timely rerelease managed to capture the zeitgeist a second time around, with its retro-futuristic water ripple inspired design and bold 3M accents resonating with both old-school collectors and new generation fashionistas alike.

Nike Air Max 98

Late last year, we wondered whether or not the Air Max 98 could achieve a similar level of praise. After all, despite using the same full-length Max Air sole unit, the Air Max 98 couldn’t be more different than its older sibling: if the Air Max 97 is ripples on a pond, the Air Max 98 is an earthquake. Gone are the sleek, aerodynamic lines, replaced with built-up overlays in a wide mix of materials, a contrasting mudguard and exposed lace loops – a truly seismic change.

A year or two ago, it would have been a hard sell to all but ardent sneakerheads. But in 2018, the winds of change are once again blowing in Nike’s favour: the chunky, overstated trainer is having a serious moment, with high fashion brands like Balenciaga and Gucci leading the charge, bolstered by Kanye West’s ever-present influence. Suddenly the Air Max 98 looks as forward thinking as its predecessor, and the hype for the silhouette is very much real.

Nike Air Max 98 Sneakers

As with the 97, there are numerous colourways of the Air Max 98 in the pipeline, but as usual it’s the OG renditions that are the most sought after – especially as they haven’t rereleased at all since 1998. January 26th sees the European release of both the ‘Gundam’ and ‘Michigan’ colourways, as they are affectionately known; the former named for the robotic protagonist in the mecha anime of the same name, the latter after the traditional navy and yellow school colours of the University of Michigan. Both are a far cry from the sleek Air Max ‘Silver Bullet’ OG, but are equally eyecatching, channelling the fearless, uncompromising design of the 90s, and are sure to be highly sought after.

The Nike Air Max 98 ‘Gundam’ in White/University Red/Obsidian and ‘Michigan’ in White/Tour Yellow/Navy are due to release in very limited quantities soon at Aphrodite Clothing. Keep an eye on our social media feed for more updates.

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