So, I finally got my hands on a pair of Nike Air Max Sundas. Been seeing them pop up again, these weird retro things.
I remember seeing pictures way back, maybe late 90s? Never owned them then. Always thought they looked kinda like water shoes or something, with that zipper thing instead of normal laces. Decided, why not, let’s try something different from the usual rotation.
Getting Them
Finding the right color wasn’t too bad, they re-released a few. Went for a pretty basic one, nothing too loud. Ordered them online, standard process. Waited a few days, you know how it is. Box arrived, pretty standard Nike box.
First Look & Feel
Pulled them out. Yeah, that zipper is the main event. It runs right up the front. Underneath, there’s this kind of mesh bootie thing. Feels kinda snug. The overall shape is bulky, definitely an old-school Air Max vibe. Chunky sole, visible air unit in the back. Build quality seemed okay, nothing amazing, nothing terrible.
- The Zipper: It’s smooth enough. Kinda satisfying to zip up. Makes putting them on quick.
- Comfort: Slipped them on. Felt alright. The inner bootie hugs your foot. Not the softest Air Max I’ve worn, but decent cushioning.
- Look: Definitely unique. They stand out. Not sure if it’s a good or bad way yet. Very… specific look.
Wearing Them Out
Took them for a walk around the neighborhood. They felt fine for just walking. The zipper held up, no issues there. They are a bit heavy, noticeable compared to newer sneakers. Got a couple of looks, probably people wondering what the heck they were. It’s not your everyday sneaker.
Honestly, wearing these strange things got me thinking. It’s funny how styles cycle back. Things that looked futuristic or just plain weird back then are now ‘retro cool’. Or at least, that’s what the brands tell us.
It reminds me of stuff I couldn’t afford or just wasn’t available to me when I was younger. Back then, getting any branded sneaker felt like a big deal. Didn’t have the internet to just browse and order whatever obscure model I wanted. You just had whatever the local store decided to stock. Usually the most basic stuff.
Seeing these Sundas now, easily available, just a click away… it’s strange. Makes you realize how much things change, access changes. Back then, owning something like this would have felt impossible, niche. Now it’s just another retro drop competing for attention.
It’s kind of like that job I had years ago. Worked crazy hours, thought it was the only way. Then things changed unexpectedly, got laid off during a company shuffle. Felt like the end of the world. Had to scramble, find something new. Ended up in a totally different field, way less stressful, better hours. Something I never would have considered back then seemed impossible, but turned out way better.
So yeah, the Sundas. They’re okay. A fun, weird shoe. A reminder that things change, what seems important or inaccessible now might just be a weird retro thing you buy online years later. Funny how that works. They’ll probably sit on the shelf more than they get worn, but they’re a cool piece of history to have, I guess.
