Air Max 98
It’s not new for Nike to utilise the same tooling to a different or even a succeeding model. We’ve seen the Nike Dunk Low and Air Jordan 1’s sole. As for the Air Max series, one cushioning setup from an iconic silhouette made its way once again to the following model. Here comes the Nike Air Max 98.
Aside from the return of the exact same Air Max setup from the 97, the Air Max 98 also saw the return of Sergio Lozano as the designer. Various design semblances from the Air Max 95 can be seen on the 98 – specifically the multi-layered upper.
It seemed like every succeeding model after the success of its predecessor end up falling short. And that’s what happened with the Nike Air Max 98 during its first launch. The Air Max 97 was just so hard to surpass, making the next silhouette full of expectations. The 98 wasn’t that bad, it’s actually comfortable due to the full-length Air Max setup. It just lacked the certain hype unlike the Air Max 90 and Air Max 95 which were both instant classics.
Aside from that, the shoe was overshadowed by even more Air Max releases in 1998. Tuned Air Max technology came out during that year, pushing the flagship model further back. Even the Air Max 95 re-released for its first retro run.
Even Nike refused to include the shoe during Air Max Day celebrations. Such an unfortunate journey for an Air Max trainer that just wanted to capitalise on the rise of full-length cushioning systems.
The upper of the AM 98 comprises mainly of a mesh body and layers of reinforcements on the lower panels. The wavy overlays either use leather or suede depending on the colourway.
Gone is the hidden lacing system, now opting for a reinforced top eyestay.
Underneath, Air Max 97’s same midsole and outsole tooling return. So expect the same comfy ride and impact protection in the 98.
Despite the obstacles it had to face, the Nike Air Max 98 returned in retro form as early as the year 2000. Just two years after it launched. It took 14 years before it surfaced in retailers once again.
In 2016, the Nike Air Max 98 finally get some mainstream attention when Nike and Supreme collaborated.
The perfect term to call the Air Max 98 is “underrated”. It still earned a cult following even when it barely caught the attention of the sneaker community. There’s really nothing wrong with the shoe, it just arrived at the worst possible period.
2020 was the most recent release of the Nike Air Max 98. Stay tuned on the Captain Creps website and social media accounts to get more updates about its possible return.