Air Max Plus II’s. In 1999, I convinced my mom to buy me a pair of these for my birthday (you can probably still see the catalog shot @eastbay.archive ) - and she did. When they arrived, I tried them on - didn’t like how they felt (and also thought she spent too much money on them) so I told her she could just return them instead. She did. It was kind of a hassle for her - a few days later she said ‘I’m never going to order shoes for you again, so don’t ask.’ I didn’t. Shoutout to ma, tho.

Air Max Plus II’s.

In 1999, I convinced my mom to buy me a pair of these for my birthday (you can probably still see the catalog shot @eastbay.archive ) - and she did.

When they arrived, I tried them on - didn’t like how they felt (and also thought she spent too much money on them) so I told her she could just return them instead. She did.

It was kind of a hassle for her - a few days later she said ‘I’m never going to order shoes for you again, so don’t ask.’ I didn’t.

Shoutout to ma, tho.

I bought and sold many of those late 90’s pairs through the years but never found a pair in my size…it was such a strange, unique design…and a seemingly small group of collectors that cared about them.

Nike kinda dropped these outta left field as an unexpected retro in 2020 - I thought I’d for sure finally get my pair. Found a pair on mercari for cheap and when they arrived…I didn’t like the way they fit. I sought out another pair but prices blew up. Only a handful of colorways for a niche collector subculture? Not a good (out)look.

Sought this pair out, paid more than I wanted to, and they sat on my shelf buried amongst some others, up until today - the first time I’ve ever worn them.

And.

Guess what?