Nike Air Max Sunder “Gym Red” sneakers: First look, design speculations, and everything we know so far

Nike is reportedly set to bring back a classic from the late ‘90s: the Air Max Sunder with a new “Gym Red” colorway.

According to Sneaker Bar Detroit, the shoes will have a retail price point of around $180 and are slated to be released in Spring 2025. Fans can expect to find the pair on the official Nike website, the SNKRS app, and other select retail locations.

Disclaimer: Details of the Nike Air Max Sunder “Gym Red” sneakers are only speculated, and are not yet confirmed by the brand. They are subject to change.

Originally released in 1999 as part of the Nike Alpha Project, the Air Max Sunder was quick to gain attention from sneaker enthusiasts for its futuristic design. While the silhouette has remained relatively under the radar compared to other Air Max models, Nike has been trying to expand its lineup with new materials and colorways.

For 2025, Nike will allegedly introduce the Air Max Sunder “Gym Red,” a reimagination of the model. It will feature a denim upper for the first time in the model’s history. This departure from traditional materials is seemingly a part of the brand's efforts toward experimental designs. The sneaker will be available in women’s sizing, reports claim.

---

Reported design elements and features of the Nike Air Max Sunder “Gym Red” sneakers

The Air Max Sunder “Gym Red” has taken the original neoprene shroud design and updated it with a red denim upper, Sneaker Bar Detroit reports.

This is a notable shift, as Nike usually opts for darker or more neutral shades when incorporating denim. The material covers most of the shoe. The shoe's colorway is reportedly labeled Gym Red/ Smoke Grey.

Upper

• Gym Red denim shroud: This replaces the traditional soft neoprene.
• Leather and synthetic overlays: These are allegedly incorporated on the mudguard of the upcoming shoes.
• Perforated panels: These are dressed in pink accents, creating a Valentine’s Day-friendly color scheme.
• Metallic silver hardware and logos: This provides a contrast to the overall design and look of the "Gym Red" shoes. It is also expected to add to the premium feel of the sneaker.

Midsole

The midsole is finished in Smoke Grey. It creates a visual balance between the red upper and the visible Air Max cushioning. The Air Max unit is believed to offer comfort to the wearer with impact protection.

Outsole

The rubber outsole features a textured grip pattern. While originally designed for sports, this version of the Air Max Sunder leans more toward lifestyle wear, which means the traction may not be as good as a performance sneaker.

---

Potential pros and cons of the upcoming "Gym Red" shoes

Pros

• The first Sunder edition of the Air Max line to feature denim.
• The Gym Red colorway and pink details will suit sneakerheads who seek bold tones.

Cons

• Denim isn’t as flexible or breathable as neoprene
• The women’s-exclusive release may limit accessibility for male sneaker fans.

---

Keep an eye on the official pages for more updates.