Nicknamed “Big Fundamental,” Tim Duncan lays claim to being one of the least aesthetically pleasing all-time greats in NBA history. But that hasn’t stopped sneakerheads from clamoring over the years for the revival of a shoe associated with Duncan more than any other player.
The Nike Total Air Foamposite Max’s return has been confirmed by Swoosh designer Frank Cooke. While the sneaker is still a good deal away from actually releasing, Cooke kicked off speculation by posting the model’s logo on his Instagram story. He then gave more concrete confirmation on another user’s post by commenting “Working to get them right… know that.”
Nike first released the Total Air Foamposite Max in 1998, a year after the Air Foamposite One introduced the molded upper technology enabled by heat and compression. It was the first Foamposite shoe to feature a visible Air unit and was made with big men in mind, whereas its predecessors were better suited to guards. Teammate and fellow Hall-of-Famer David Robinson also wore the shoe, which was molded with flame-like spikes across its upper and carried a holographic logo badge delivering high appeal. A carbon fiber plate helped deliver stability, while an inner bootie provided a snug fit.
Last year, Nike made a special edition of the GT Jump 2, a contemporary basketball shoe for big men, with a redesigned upper modeled after the Total Air Foamposite Max.
Release details for the Nike Total Air Foamposite Max won’t come for some time, and it’s possible the shoe arrives some time in 2027. Footwear News will keep you abreast of any new information.
Tim Duncan wearing the Nike Total Air Foamposite Max NBA Western Conference Playoffs.
PAUL BUCK/AFP via Getty Images
