Nike Air Max Sunder: price, colorways, and where to buy
The Nike Air Max Sunder stands out in the Nike lineup with its zippered upper and visible air bubbles, giving it a futuristic look. After being under the radar for over twenty years, it made a strong comeback in 2024 with regular colorway releases, priced at €180 in GR and available in a GORE-TEX version for the winter season.
From the Alpha Project to the 2024 Comeback
Launched in 1999, the Air Max Sunder is part of the Alpha Project, an internal Nike initiative led by Creative Director Michael Morrow to rethink running shoe construction. The silhouette is notable for its zippered lycra upper, a radical choice at the time that focused on lightweight and snug fit rather than traditional lacing.
After its initial run, the model remained low-key for over twenty years. Nike officially announced the retro at the first SNKRS Showcase in October 2023, with GR colorways launching from July 2024. The silhouette is positioned in Nike's mid-premium range, priced between €180 and €210 depending on the versions.
Collaborations Featuring the Air Max Sunder
Before making its way back to store shelves, two collaborations helped bring the silhouette back into the sneaker spotlight. The first is the Comme des Garçons collaboration, showcased at the Summer Spring 2022 runway, featuring iconic black and white colorways. This collab drew attention to the silhouette and positioned the Air Max Sunder as a collector's item.
The second is the Kids of Immigrants collaboration, launched in November 2024 with orange and purple colorways and a slightly different construction.
Key Features
The Air Max Sunder is built with a technical construction, featuring an unconventional assembly compared to typical Nike runners.
- Upper: double-layer stretch lycra with a central zippered shroud, breathable mesh underlayer, and nubuck mudguard on the sides and heel
- Midsole: full-length Phylon
- Cushioning: visible Air Max units in the heel and forefoot
- Retail price: €180-190, around €200-210 (GORE-TEX)
The zippered lycra construction is the main technical difference from other Air Max silhouettes in the lineup, such as the Nike Air Max 95 or the Nike Air Max 90, which use a traditional upper with lacing.
Size Guide for the Nike Air Max Sunder
The Nike Air Max Sunder fits narrow due to the lycra construction and zip closure system. Reviews recommend going half a size up from your usual Nike size.
For those with wide feet, it's advised to go up half a size or even a full size: the zip can be tricky to close. For standard or narrow feet, going half a size up is sufficient in most cases.
The lycra material offers slight stretch over time, but sizing up at purchase is still recommended.
Nike Air Max Sunder: price and where to buy
The Nike Air Max Sunder is available between €180 and €210 depending on the colorways and versions. Pairs retail for €180, with some releases at €190. The GORE-TEX version is priced around €200-210. Collaborations are generally offered at slightly higher prices.
The model is distributed at major official Nike retailers both online and in-store. WhenToCop? allows you to compare available offers in real-time across all retailers.
FAQ
What size should I take for the Nike Air Max Sunder?
The Nike Air Max Sunder fits narrow: take half a size up from your usual Nike size. If you have wide feet, a half size or even a full size up is recommended for comfortably closing the zip.
How much does the Nike Air Max Sunder cost?
The retail price of the standard Nike Air Max Sunder is €180.
Where can I buy the Nike Air Max Sunder for cheap?
The Nike Air Max Sunder is available at major official Nike retailers in France, both online and in-store. Prices vary depending on colorways and promotional periods. WhenToCop? aggregates available offers for easy comparison.
What is the difference between the Nike Air Max Sunder and the Nike Air Max Sunder GORE-TEX?
The standard version uses a zippered lycra upper. The GORE-TEX version replaces it with a waterproof upper to withstand the elements. Both versions share the same sole and Air Max system, with a slightly higher retail price for the GORE-TEX.
Is the Nike Air Max Sunder a running shoe?
The Nike Air Max Sunder was originally designed as a performance runner as part of the Alpha Project in 1999. Today, it is worn exclusively as a lifestyle sneaker. Its technical construction (lycra, central zip) is not suited for regular training.
