Coach Prime Reveals A First Look At The Nike Air DT Max ’96 Retro

Updated January 19th, 2024: Deion Sanders took to Instagram to reveal a first look at the upcoming Nike Air DT Max ’96. Along with confirming the original details and goal-post logos on the tongue and heel, the Colorado coach also reveals more colorways of the cleated version of the shoe.

Deion Sanders’ first year as head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes may not have panned out as initially anticipated, but his renewed partnership with Nike continues to win.

According to Sole Retriever, Coach Prime’s iconic Air DT Max ’96 is set to return in its original “White/Black/Varsity Maize” color scheme come Summer 2024. Prior to this year, Sanders and the Swoosh had not had a working relationship since parting ways in the early aughts. Prior to joining the University of Colorado, Boulder, Sanders often wore Under Armour gear as Jackson State was sponsored by the Baltimore-based sportswear outfitter. Since July, however, the Hall of Fame former-athlete has been rocking pairs by the Swoosh.

Months after news broke that the two partners that dominated throughout the 1990s mended their relationship, Sanders was seen wearing a modified version of his cross-training Air DT Max ’96 (Diamond Turf 3). The pair featured an instantly-recognizable upper, but replaced aggressive sole units for the turf with plush ZoomX cushioning from the Invincible Run 2. The sneaker remained an exclusive for Coach Prime, but opened up the rumor mill that the third Nike Diamond Turf would eventually return. If rumors are true, the next retro of the “Varsity Maize”-accented design will make the first time in twenty years that the sneaker will return with Sanders’ blessing. The pair will likely resemble 2018’s reissue, but may take after the Air Jordan series and enjoy a remastered approach. Only time will tell.

Enjoy official photos of the 2018 Air DT Max ’96 ahead. No firm nike.com launch details have been disclosed by the brand, but that should change ahead of Summer 2024.

For more sneaker news, check out the “Kobe Reverse Grinch” set to drop for adults and kids in mid-December.

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