The Nike Air Max Plus — officially rebranded as the Nike Air Max TN — is perhaps one of Nike’s most instantly recognisable silhouettes to date. With over 25 years of history and heritage, we’re diving deep into the Nike Air Max TN, piecing together what makes this sneaker special.
Released in 1998, the Air Max TN has survived the waves of cyclical fashion trends. Since the late 90s, this sneaker has survived nearly every fashion niche, finding a home in streetwear, Gorpcore, athleisure, Y2K, and even the punk and hardcore scenes — a testament to the silhouette’s range.
To celebrate the Nike Air Max TN, we’re breaking down the technology of the sneaker, how to style the shoe, and the best below-retail offerings you can cop right now on StockX.
Image courtesy of Sneakersnstuff.com
Is it the Air Max Plus, or Air Max TN?
The shoe most people call the Air Max Plus — first released in 1998 — was later rebranded to the Nike Air Max TN, which stands for “Tuned Air.” Today, both names are used interchangeably in the culture, but all official releases from Nike will include TN, not Plus, following the rebrand.
What Does Tuned Air Mean?
Tuned Air technology was invented by Nike in the late 90s by legendary designer Sean McDowell. The then Air Max Plus was the first Nike sneaker to feature this technology and the industry-leading cushioning system promoted comfort and wearability for different areas of your foot. Great as an everyday sneaker or a performance workout shoe, the technology today is still revered as much as it was in the 1990s.
According to legend, McDowell worked on the design before he joined Nike. Tuned Air has come to define the Air Max line for over two decades and is one of the most instantly recognisable sneaker silhouettes, arguably, ever.
The Best Air Max TN Deals Available now on StockX
Air Max Plus (Black Silver White)
Starting the list with a simple colour scheme, we’re showing off the Nike Air Max Plus in black, silver, and white. Like all other Air Max TN sneakers, this model features the iconic mesh upper enclosed by a TPU cage of wavy lines, mimicking ocean waves and trees. This design choice has allowed for some interesting colourways over the years, and the understated Air Max Plus Black Silver White is no different.
The sneaker features a beautiful gradient of white silver and black along the mesh and TPU cage, giving way to the white midsole where the Tuned Air detailing sits. Despite its minimal look and feel, the Air Max Plus Black Silver White is full of mesmerising detail the more you look. Plus, the colour blocking makes it a great everyday sneaker.
Right now you can get the Black Silver White for just a little over £100, saving you nearly £70 off retail.
Nike Air Max Plus White Black Metallic Pewter
Keeping with the monochromatic theme, we’re showing off the Nike Air Max Plus White Black Metallic Pewter, featuring a mostly white colour blocking with hints of black throughout. Like the Black Silver White, this sneaker features a black-to-white gradient effect on the TPU cage, with black blasted on the mesh upper. The white midsole, tongue, laces, and accent details complete the look. Despite having similar colours to our last showcase, the White Black Metallic Pewter feels a little bolder in its presentation. Pick your poison.
You can cop the silhouette right now for just under retail on StockX.
Nike Air Max Aquarius Blue
The Nike Air Max Aquarius Blue takes inspiration from the deep blue, conveying a deep connection to water and the unknown of the ocean’s wonders below the surface. The sneaker features a deep blue colour throughout the upper and mesh that fades to a rich, dark black. A baby blue outline hugs the all-white Nike Swoosh and a white midsole around the Tune Air bubbles completes the look.
It’s one of the most beautiful yet understated Air Max Plus sneakers to date, and a great one to add to the collection.
Nike Air Max Plus 25th Anniversary
To celebrate 25 years of the Nike Air Max TN, Nike released one of the most beautifully contracted Air Max Plus designs to date, full stop. The sneaker features a split colour design of red and blue, which meets in the middle with a natural gradient that blends the colours together. The sneaker features an all-black midsole and TPU cage, allowing the gradient between the blue and red to take center stage.
If you like rocking all-black outfits and want your sneakers to take center stage, this is a silhouette you don’t want to miss out on.
Nike Air Max Plus Phantom Cargo Khaki
To round out our list of the best Nike Air Max Plus sneakers on StockX, we have the Phantom Cargo Khaki, a minimal yet vibrant sneaker that is made to be rocked in summer. The sneaker features a neutral olive colour that tonally matches the tongue’s mesh base, collar lining, and rubber outsole. The olive accents throughout, especially the gradient effects in the midsole TPU cage, add mesmerising details to the sneaker.
If minimal and Earth tone colours are your love language, the Nike Air Max Plus Phantom Cargo Khaki is a great choice for the upcoming summer months.
How to Style the Air Max TN
The Nike Air Max TN is a deceptively plug-and-play sneaker that will find a natural home in your wardrobe, regardless of style. Despite the sneaker’s sharp, prominent lines and narrow silhouette, the Air Max TN works with slim and baggy outfits, Gorpcore, athleisure, and even a quiet luxury-inspired fit.
Keep it Baggy
Baggier jeans, lowrise Y2K-inspired looks, and monochromatic silhouettes are still in style heading into summer 2024 — a style profile that bodes well with the Air Max Plus TN.
Rock an all-white or black pair like the Phantom Cargo Khaki or the Black Silver White with a pair of baggy black jeans, a loose-fitting hoodie, a baseball hat, and your favorite daily crossbody bag for a great all-day summer look. Timeless, comfortable, and understated — what more could you want?
