The Air Max models released in the 1990s are famous for their numbered releases, such as the Air Max 95, Air Max 97, and Air Max 90, but the Air Max Plus is a classic that is as popular as those models. Many fans are fascinated by the details unique to this model, such as the unique tuned Air sole and the upper lined with plastic parts. This time, we focus on Nike’s ” Air Max Plus ” and introduce its charm and classic models!
Suponsered by
Nike’s signature “Air Max” series, whose reissued models are still immensely popular
The first Air Max was released by Nike in March 1987. Although the technology of injecting air into the sole itself had been demonstrated in the late 1970s with the ” Air Tailwind,” it was the Air Max 1 that was the first to achieve success. Its most distinctive feature is the ” Visible Air ” air design, which is visible from the outside. Designer Tinker Hatfield was inspired by the architectural design of the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, where the inside structure can be seen from the outside. The Air Max was created not only for comfort, but also for visual enjoyment, and it has taken the sports market and the streets by storm. The Air Max 95 also featured Visible Air in the forefoot, and its popularity exploded in Japan, causing social problems such as “Air Max hunting.
In 1997, the Air Max 97 with full-length Visible Air was introduced, followed the next year by the Air Max Plus with new technology called Tuned Air, and the Air Max series became the driving force of the high-tech sneaker boom. Even today, remakes of the Air Max series from the 1990s are constantly released, and they have gained strong support from sneaker fans.
The “Air Max Plus”, a hidden masterpiece that is highly acclaimed for its original design
The Air Max Plus was released in 1998. When it was first released, it was limited to the major U.S. sports store FOOT LOCKER, and later became popular in Japan when it was sold outside of FOOT LOCKER. The Air Max Plus was released in the same year as the Air Max 98 with full-length Visible Air, but the Visible Air is divided into front and back like the Air Max 95. The unique feature of this model is the Tuned Air, which combines a plastic hemispherical cushioning material in the air portion. In addition, the mesh upper is covered with plastic parts, and the design has a distinctive presence among the Air Max series, which has led the era with its innovative design.
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Among the Air Max shoes of the 90s, the Air Max 95 and Air Max 97 are generally well-known, but the Air Max Plus is a hidden gem that has been loved by sneaker freaks. In Japan, it was also known by the nickname ” MAPLA. In recent years, models with coloring that take advantage of its original design and models equipped with the Vapormax Air unit have also been developed. They are gaining more and more attention on the streets.
Three notable features of the Air Max Plus
Air Max Plus features (1) “Tuned Air” with excellent impact resistance
The biggest feature that differentiates the Air Max Plus from other Air Max series is the air cushioning. This model uses a cushioning system called ” Tuned Air. Tuned Air is a hemispherical plastic resin material placed over the air. These hemispherical bands act as a suspension system, providing stability and cushioning the impact of landing.
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Visible Air is arranged like the Air Max 93, covering the curve of the heel. In addition, the forefoot is also equipped with Visible Air, which follows the style of the Air Max 95.
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Air Max Plus feature #2: “An upper design inspired by a palm tree and the setting sun over the ocean.
The originality of the Air Max Plus is not limited to the Tuned Air. The upper design also follows a unique line not found in the Air Max. Based on a highly breathable mesh upper, jagged rubber lines are placed. These rubber parts are based on the palm tree motif. The original model released in 1998 came in a bright orange color. According to designer Sean McDowell, who was in charge of the production at the time, this bold style was inspired by the image of a sunset over the ocean. “One day at dusk,” Sean says, “I saw the bright blue sky turn a dark blue and the palm trees swaying in the wind. From a single sketch drawn on a Florida beach, the Air Max Plus was born.
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The swoosh features a small logo, just like the Air Max of the 90s. The “Tn” on the heel is the “Tuned Air” logo. This logo is also a unique feature of the Air Max Plus.
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Air Max Plus Feature #3: “Outsole that combines original design with high performance.
The outsole design is also unique. The center of the outsole features the same palm tree detailing as the upper, and the Tn logo. The heel has a clear window reminiscent of visible air, and the four hemispherical details are unique to this model, which uses tuned air. In addition to the design, the tread pattern is also a masterpiece to demonstrate high-level performance as a running shoe. The excellent grip enables a stable walk or run.
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Another key feature is the ” separate sole ” that separates the ground contact surface into front and back. While most sneaker soles are flat, the Air Max Plus has a gap in the center. This separate sole creates a stylish atmosphere despite its thickness.
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Introducing recommended Air Max Plus models currently available for purchase
Even now, more than 20 years after its release, the Air Max Plus is frequently released in new colors and special models. Here are some recommended Air Max Plus models that you can buy today!
Air Max Plus BLACK/WHITE-PURE PLATINUM-HABANERO RED” with a beautiful orange gradation reminiscent of the setting sun
This pair was reconstructed based on the original color at the time of its release. The orange gradient upper was colored by designer Sean McDowell to resemble the sky over a beach in Florida at dusk. From the original model, the midsole was changed to black and the laces and Swoosh to white. The overall color scheme, including the resin parts, looks like a tiger, hence the name “Tiger.
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The “Air Max Plus BLACK/VOLT-DARK GREY-WHITE” features an impressive palm tree and swoosh in neon colors.
The model features a black-based upper with the bolt coloring that was popular on the Air Max 95. The key point of this model is the gradation of resin parts that resemble palm trees instead of mesh parts. The Swoosh, outsole, and Visible Air are also colored with fluorescent bolts.
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The cool monochromatic style with the bolt coloring is a masterpiece ” Air Max Plus Premium BLACK/MATTE SILVER-VOLT-WOLF GREY
This premium model expresses the details of the palm tree, which would normally consist of resin parts, by means of stitching and perforations. Shiny leather parts are placed on the toe and a matte silver swoosh is placed on the sight. The plastic parts on the outsole and the inside of the Visible Air are finished in a bolt color for a trendy look.
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The Air Max Plus TN SE HYPER CRIMSON/DARK GREY-BLACK-WHITE is an eye-catching, original spray-on design.
At first glance, this pair is designed in such a way that you would not notice it is the Air Max Plus. The iconic palm tree plastic parts have been completely eliminated, and the large Swoosh is boldly placed on the white upper. The design is innovative in that it looks as if orange has been sprayed on top. The change in color from orange to white is a true Air Max Plus expression. The orange gradation in the center of the separate sole is also linked to this design.
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The “Air Max Plus QS BLACK/BLACK-WHITE” features an innovative design with the Tn logo placed throughout the upper.
This model pays respect to the Tuned Air (Tn Air), the symbol of the Air Max Plus, with the Tn logo pattern on the entire upper. The black base color is used for the midfoot section, and a bright yellow color is placed on the outsole. In addition, the hemisphere inside the Visible Air is colored red to represent the Tn logo. It is a pair with a strong assertion different from other Air Max Plus.
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The flashy yellow upper will draw attention on the streets ” Air Max Plus “Frequency Pack” Tour Yellow/White/Black
The “Frequency Pack” series is the result of a collaboration between Playboi Carti and Foot Locker, a long-established sneaker store. He is one of the young hip-hop artists who has been attracting a lot of attention from the fashion scene, and has been featured as a runway model for Louis Vuitton. The Air Max Plus is composed of bright yellow and black, with a resin part on the heel side that creates a flame-like atmosphere. The white Swoosh inserted on the side creates an exquisite sense of balance.
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Two of the most popular models in the series are combined in the “Air Max Plus 97
The Air Max 97, nicknamed the “Cybermax” for its futuristic design, was released in 1997. The Air Max 97 is also known as the “Cybermax” because of its “Cybermax” design. The Air Max 97 has a less cyber feel than the original 97 with full-length Visible Air. The separate sole with a cinched waist creates a stylish atmosphere.
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The “Air Vapormax Plus” is a hybrid model with an innovative air sole.
The “AIR VAPORMAX” was created by Japanese designer Tetsuya Minami in 2017. By using the entire outsole as an air unit, it demonstrates originality and comfort. The AIR VAPORMAX PLUS combines that sole unit with the Air Max Plus upper. The latest lightweight VAPORMAX air unit is a perfect match for the unconventional style of the AIR MAX PLUS. Unlike the upper of the regular model, it is made of neoprene fabric with a debossed, thicker cage. In addition, the Swoosh logo is placed in a different part than usual, and the “Vm air (vapor max air)” is designed to resemble the “Tn air (tuned air)” logo on the cuff.
