The 2024 return of Nike’s Air Max SNDR (Sunder) sneaker has been well received thus far, with in-line colorways regularly selling out and an upcoming collaboration with Kids of Immigrants drawing crowds at ComplexCon. In addition to those styles, the recently revived model is set to release soon in a special colorway that can only be found in a certain corner of the world.
The Nike Air Max SNDR “Obscura” looks to the Nordic countries of Northern Europe for inspiration, coloring the sneaker in shades which are said to reference the dark and blistering cold winters in the region. The “Phantom/Black/Light Orewood Brown/Light Iron Ore” sneakers don a cream-colored upper with a stark jet black midsole and outsole.
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The materials of the shoe have been updated, opting for a durable textile upper in place of the Air Max SNDR’s usual stretch neoprene. Said textile upper also channels the Northern Lights with a reflective pattern inspired by solar particles. Somewhat surprisingly, the “Obscura” version of the sneaker does not go as far as to use Gore-Tex like some of the recently released Air Max SNDR styles.
A cult favorite model since its inception, the Air Max SNDR debuted at retail in 1999 and was originally known as the Air Sunder Max. The shoe features Max Air cushioning in the heel coupled with standard Nike Air in the forefoot, but it’s the model’s upper that truly stands out. The zipper-equipped sneakers feature a shroud which covers the shoelaces and reflective paneling across their mudguard. After being teased by Nike in Oct. 2023 during its SNKRS Showcase product preview, the Air Max SNDR made its long-awaited return in July.
Tracking down the Nike Air Max SNDR “Obscura” may prove tricky for those in the States. The sneaker comes exclusively in women’s sizing and will be released Nov. 22 from retailers including Sneakersnstuff and Naked. Sneakersnstuff is holding a raffle for the pair, while Naked will release the shoes on its website. Retail pricing varies: they’re 190 euros (which converts to around $201 as of publishing) at Sneakersnstuff and $227 from Naked.
