Nike is re-introducing the Air Max Plus for its 20th anniversary. The shoe is a cultural phenomenon that has transcending its “Tn” performance roots to become an icon of style all over the world.
The latest Air Max Plus retro will return to retail in Hyperblue, Sunset, and Purple in Europe first on November 8, November 24, and December 15 at Foot Locker and Nike SNKEAKRS. The North American launch dates are December 22, November 24, and December 15, respectively. No pricing information has been announced.
Designed by industry veteran Sean McDowell and originally released in 1998, McDowell actually began designing the shoe long before he got to Nike. However, some may not know that the Air Max Plus used some never-before-employed manufacturing techniques, according to Nike.
Original Air Max Plus sketch by Sean McDowell, courtesy of Nike.
It used a striking sublimated treatment to create the shoe’s iconic faded upper. Additionally, making the whole shoe out of thin welded TPU had never been done, and after manufacturing challenges, three separate welds were needed.
Original top-down sketch by Sean McDowell. Image via Nike
The shoe originally weighed less than 12 ounces because it was a performance runner, and McDowell says that’s lightweight for a PU (polyurethane) shoe — especially in the late-’90s.
Now, the Air Max Plus will be back in November for a whole new generation of kids to style it, run in it, and experiment with it. Let us know what you think about the Air Max Plus in the comments below.
The Air Max Plus ‘Sunset’ drop on November 24 in North America.
The Purple Air Max Plus drops on December 15 in North America.
Hyperblue launches on December 22 in North America.
Source: Nike