PRICE: $170 RELEASE: May 9, 2025 PURCHASE: Nike Sneaker culture thrives on stories, and few are as touching as the upcoming release of the Nike Air DT Max ’96 “Love Letter to Connie,” set to hit shelves on May 9, 2025. This vibrant, red-hot sneaker isn’t just a nod to style or performance—it’s a deeply personal homage from NFL legend and cultural icon Deion Sanders to his late mother, Connie Knight. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, the timing of this release amplifies its emotional resonance, making it a must-have for sneakerheads, Sanders fans, and anyone who values the power of family. The Story Behind the Sneaker Deion Sanders, known as “Prime Time” for his electrifying presence on the football field and baseball diamond, has always been vocal about the guiding force in his life: his mother, Connie. She was the cornerstone of his journey, from his youth in Fort Myers, Florida, to his Hall of Fame career and current role as head coach of the Univers...
The Reebok's Electrolyte 97' and Aztec 96' running shoes have been transported from the 90s once more. Their first transportation was in 2017, where we got the many retro and modern colorways that appealed to our old school heart.
This time, Bape is trying to tug at our heartstrings again with its Reebok collection. In essence, they're trying to make the original shoes look cooler and flashier rather than embracing the oldness with retro colorways.
We still have the same bulky heel as the original, but remember these shoes were known for their lightness and as premier running shoes. The looks are deceiving.
Despite the paint job, these kicks still honor the 90s with their bulk and hexagonal features. The Electrolyte 97 comes in two colorways, one with a soft cream look contrasting the black colors of its fellow electrolyte. It's partially dressed in leather as an overlay, covering a mesh layer featuring camo patterns.
The Aztrek 96' also comes in two colorways, almost mirroring the tones of the Electrolytes, cream, and black tones. The harmonious color blends are a really nice touch for this collection. The Aztrek 96' maintains its classic look, of course, with Bape Black visioning.
Both colored pairs come with lace shields, donning Reebok, and Bape branding. The web lacing goes nicely with the shields, with it reaching near the midsole, so the lacing loops through the middle vamp and runs down the low laterals.
And yes, all the shoes in this collection have bulky heels. (They make for super off-road shoes.) It wouldn't be genuine without them.
It's a treat. Shoe companies are using the way-back machine for profit, relying on the nostalgia effect from fans, but they're banking on the newcomers and word of mouth from social media.
The Aztrek 96' also comes in two colorways, almost mirroring the tones of the Electrolytes, cream, and black tones. The harmonious color blends are a really nice touch for this collection. The Aztrek 96' maintains its classic look, of course, with Bape Black visioning.
Both colored pairs come with lace shields, donning Reebok, and Bape branding. The web lacing goes nicely with the shields, with it reaching near the midsole, so the lacing loops through the middle vamp and runs down the low laterals.
And yes, all the shoes in this collection have bulky heels. (They make for super off-road shoes.) It wouldn't be genuine without them.
It's a treat. Shoe companies are using the way-back machine for profit, relying on the nostalgia effect from fans, but they're banking on the newcomers and word of mouth from social media.
Reebok did so with the Aztrek in 2018. They went above and beyond for these shoes that had been relinquishing in their archives. They were released with an incredible amount of fanfare and promotion.
Hand-selected media influencers were recruited. These hand-picked influencers had established themselves as lovers of vintage items and everything old. Even the influencers had their versions of the sneakers to woo their fanbase and help spread Reebok's products to the masses.
This second revival isn't getting the same hype as the first, though being released alongside another legend, the Electrolyte 97'.
We will have to wait and see if Reebok does anything spectacular with social media. The Reebok Black Bape Aztrek 96' and Electrolyte 97' will be released on February 12th at select shops and Reebok.com.
Hand-selected media influencers were recruited. These hand-picked influencers had established themselves as lovers of vintage items and everything old. Even the influencers had their versions of the sneakers to woo their fanbase and help spread Reebok's products to the masses.
This second revival isn't getting the same hype as the first, though being released alongside another legend, the Electrolyte 97'.
We will have to wait and see if Reebok does anything spectacular with social media. The Reebok Black Bape Aztrek 96' and Electrolyte 97' will be released on February 12th at select shops and Reebok.com.
Written By: Craig Volney