Nike Air Max Plus

About

The Nike Air Max Plus debuted in 1998, designed by Sean McDowell and inspired by the motion of palm trees and the beaches of South Florida. The design is dominated by a wave-shaped thermoplastic urethane (TPU) cage that wraps the foot from heel to forefoot, referencing the form of a breaking wave. The original Tiger colorway — a gradient of red, yellow, and orange on a black base with gold metalwork — became one of the most instantly recognisable releases in Air Max history. The upper combines full-grain leather on the base with a gradient mesh panel, providing both structure and breathability. Underfoot, three separate Air units in the forefoot and a large Max Air heel unit deliver plush cushioning across long wear. Initially popular in Southern European football culture — particularly in France and the UK — the TN developed a devoted street following through the 2000s. An Ultra version introduced in 2016 raised the retail price to approximately 170 USD. The Air Max Plus remains in continuous production, with seasonal releases referencing the original Tiger gradient.