Nike's turbulent relationship with Deion Sanders, a celebrated football and baseball star, has entered a new chapter with the upcoming release of the Nike Air DT Max 96 Black Varsity Maize in the Summer of 2024. After a hiatus and Sanders's declared departure from Nike, 2023 marked his notable return to the brand, reviving his connection with The Swoosh. The Air DT Max 96, a sneaker that played a significant role in Sanders's athletic career and influenced a once-PE cleat for Kyler Murray, is coming back in the Black Varsity Maize colorway, its first since the retro release in 2018.
The Nike Air DT Max 96 retains its original construction in this Black Varsity Maize colorway, a testament to the sneaker's enduring design. The upper combines nubuck overlays with a leather base, featuring black nubuck panels that create a striking slash effect. This dynamic overlay sits atop a white leather base, contrasting sharply. The tongue of the sneaker is adorned with a lockdown strap featuring a white Swoosh logo, complementing the football logo at the top of the tongue.
Varsity Maize accents, one of the key features of this colorway, are subtly incorporated through the embroidered Swoosh on the lateral heel and heel tab. Added to this new retro is Sanders' Prime logo, attached to the pull tab on the heel. A white and black foam midsole includes a Max Air unit in the heel for enhanced comfort. This is paired with a black and white rubber outsole for durability and traction, completing the look.
The Nike Air DT Max 96 Black Varsity Maize shock dropped via the Nike SNKRS app on February 10th, 2024. A wider release was originally set to follow on April 25 but a slight delay has pushed that date back to June 14. They will be available through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Coming in men's sizing, retail is set at $170. Keep up with the latest sneaker releases, raffles, and news in the streetwear world by downloading the Sole Retriever mobile app.
Nike Air DT Max 96 Black Varsity Maize
Images via Nike
