Introducing
the Nike Air Max 98:
20 Years Ahead of Its Time?
Unlike its predecessor, the Air Max 97, the Air Max 98 wasn't exactly a success when it debuted in 1998. With its clunky, futuristic-looking design and oversized Max Air units that ran from heel to toe, the running shoe was ignored by collectors for years.–a lot to dish out for a pair of running shoes in the late '90s. Perhaps it was the other Air Max versions released at the same time. Or maybe it was the bad reputation it got as looking like a "dad shoe." Whatever the reason, Nike locked the Air Max 98 away in its also-ran shoe vault from 2000 to 2014.
Today, with "dad shoes" now a fashion movement and the Y2K aesthetic hotter than ever, the Air Max 98 is getting a second chance to shine. The Air Max 98 has been spotted on NBA stars LeBron James and P.J. Tucker and rapper-turned-broadcaster Joe Budden. A sleeper shoe no more, the Air Max 98 is now a go-to Air Max for running shoe enthusiasts worldwide.
Design and Performance to the Max
The Air Max 98 was designed by Sergio Lozano, who crafted the ground-breaking Air Max 95 and numerous Nike ACG models. Lozano's Air Max 98 design was inspired by the wavy design lines of the 95 and 97. It added complex layers of materials and textures, bisected and crisscrossed by debossed patterns and embroidery.
The goal with the Air Max line has been to pump up the volume on its Air unit. The Air Max 98 features a full-length, dual-pressure Max Air unit that runs the length of the shoe. For the first time, people were literally walking on air. Other quality features include:
- Breathable mesh and synthetic upper
- Overlay strapping system for superb fit and support
- Sculpted polyurethane midsole
- Durable BRS 1000 Nike Regrind outsole for excellent traction
With its thick, multi-layered upper and imposing sole, the 98 didn't feel much like a runner. It was practically made to be retroed as a lifestyle running shoe, with an intricate design that allows for unlimited colourways, including streamlined black and white models.
Nike Air Max 98: Classic Colourways and Cool Collabs
The original Air Max 98 colourways to release in 1998 were brought back as retros later :
- Gundam. This model got its nickname due to its likeness to a character in the mecha anime series, Mobile Suit Gundam. This white/obsidian/game royal silhouette with university and metallic silver accents is renowned as the quintessential Air Max 98 OG colourway.
- Tour Yellow. The white/tour yellow/midnight navy/grey cement colour scheme epitomises late-'90s fashion.
- Cool Grey Volt. Y2K was all about futuristic designs in shimmering silver colours, like the Audi TT or the rap group TLC in coordinated silver outfits. This metallic silver/cool grey/black/volt colourway fits right in.
- Team Orange. Another classic late-'90s look, Team Orange, mixes the futuristic design with a subtler colourway in team orange, black and plenty of white space.
Nike Air Max 98 Colourways
The Air Max 98 saw a rerelease in 2000 with colourways inspired by the Air Max 95. This palette was more tonal grey with pops of colour. Then, in 2014, Nike released a handful of colourways, including two OGs:
Nike - 2014 Cool Grey Volt
Nike - 2014 Team Orange
The 2014 OG colourway releases started getting noticed, and their resale values began to rise. In 2016, Nike collaborated with New York-based Supreme to release a series of over-the-top Air Max 98s. These models brought tons of new attention to the humble Air Max 98–and they hit just as chunkier "dad shoes" were gaining in popularity. These highly sought-after colourways include:
Nike - 2016 Supreme Black
Nike - 2016 Supreme Snakeskin
Nike - 2016 Supreme Varsity Red
Nike - 2016 Supreme Obsidian
By 2018, the 20th anniversary of the Air Max 98, the stars had finally aligned, and the "dad shoe" reigned supreme. Nike then dropped a fleet Air Max 98s, starting with two OG colourways:
Nike - 2018 Gundam
Nike - 2018 Tour Yellow
Nike continues to release lots of new colourways, special editions and collabs—with no end in sight.
Running Shoe Enthusiast Dilemma: Rock Them or Stock Them?
The Air Max 98's future outlook is completely up in the air (literally). If nostalgia for the Y2K aesthetic continues and Nike keeps pumping out new Air Max 98 releases, prices for rare and OG colourways could skyrocket. And if they stop releasing 98s altogether, the shoes will be hot commodities to running shoe enthusiasts and sellers.
Whether you're a running shoe enthusiast or just want to own a piece of the Air Max action, keep an eye on rising resale prices. The Air Max 98 OG colourways and Supreme collabs are safe bets to hold their value. Some of the most coveted Air Max 98s include:
- 2018 Gundam
- 2018 Tour Yellow
2018 Cone
- 2016 Supreme Black, Varsity Red and Obsidian
- 2016 Supreme Snakeskin
