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Buyer's Guide

Nike Air Max 98 Review & Sizing Guide

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The Nike Air Max 98, Sergio Lozano's busier 1998 follow-up to the Air Max 97, is a niche-collector pick whose weak arch support makes long days uncomfortable, best bought on sale.

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Key facts

Popularity
Niche collector piece, overshadowed by AM1, AM90, AM95, AM97.
Comfort
Rates poorly for all-day wear; weak arch support, heavy build.
Fit
True to size; runs narrow like other 9x-era Air Maxes.
Value
Regularly found well below retail; a sale-first buy.
Use case
Collecting and casual streetwear; hard to style broadly.

Full breakdown

The Air Max 98 arrived in 1998 as Sergio Lozano's follow-up to his own Air Max 97, keeping the full-length Air sole but swapping the smooth ripples for a louder layered upper. It launched in the shadow of the Air Max Plus and never reached flagship status. That history shapes its place today: a niche late-90s collector piece for buyers who want maximal Air Max color blocking.

FAQ

Does the Nike Air Max 98 fit true to size?

It fits true to size in length but runs narrow, like most late-90s Air Max models. Owners with wider feet find these and similar 9x-era Air Maxes tight and should consider a half size up or a roomier Air Max, since the layered synthetic upper has little give.

Is the Nike Air Max 98 comfortable for all-day wear?

Not particularly. The full-length Air sole gives some cushioning, but owners rate it low for long days because of weak arch support and a heavy build. It is fine for short casual wear; for walking or standing, the Air Max 90 or a modern runner is the more comfortable choice.

How is the Nike Air Max 98 different from the Air Max 97?

Both share the same full-length Air sole, but the 98 trades the 97's smooth ripple lines for a busier layered upper with louder color blocking. The 98 arrived as a niche sequel rather than the cleaner icon, so choose it only if you specifically want the maximal late-90s look over the sleeker 97.

How is the Nike Air Max 98 different from the Air Max 95?

The 98 has a more horizontal, less anatomically aggressive upper than the gradient-paneled 95. The 95 holds a much stronger community following, while the 98 mostly draws collectors who like specific colorways. For a more versatile, easier-to-style buy go with the 95; choose the 98 only when you want the layered Lozano sequel look.

How durable is the Nike Air Max 98?

Durability depends heavily on age and storage. Owners report sole separation requiring a full reglue on older pairs, and the polyurethane midsole degrades with age. Before you buy a deadstock or vintage pair, request current-condition photos and flex the sole to check the bond; skip cheap vintage listings that may need a costly reglue and choose recent releases for actual wear.