Two 90s Nike runners, two cult followings, one decision. The Air Max Plus and the Air Max 95 are the most cross-shopped pair in the Air Max line-up, and both have a genuine claim to being the most culturally important. Here is how to choose. Shop the Air Max Plus and Air Max 95 collections at Shoe Religion.
The origins
The Air Max 95 arrived first, in 1995, designed by Sergio Lozano and famously inspired by human anatomy: the layered panels reference muscle fibres, the lacing suggests ribs, the midsole the spine. It was a radical departure at the time and remains one of Nike's most conceptually complete designs.
The Air Max Plus followed in 1998, designed by Sean McDowell, taking inspiration from a Florida sunset and palm trees and introducing Tuned Air cushioning, which gave the shoe its TN nickname. More on that in our history of the TN.
Design and presence
The 95 is layered and horizontal, built from stacked panels that give it a low, wide, planted look. The TN is vertical and structural, with the spiky TPU cage and gradient upper drawing the eye up and around the shoe.
In practice: the 95 reads as heavier and more grounded; the TN reads as sharper and more aggressive. Both are unmistakable at ten paces, which is the entire point of buying either.
Comfort and cushioning
The 95 was the first Air Max with visible Air in the forefoot as well as the heel, and it feels substantial underfoot. The TN's Tuned Air setup is designed for support and stability and is widely regarded as comfortable for all-day wear.
Realistically both are comfortable enough for daily use. Neither is a modern running shoe, and neither pretends to be.
Fit
Both generally fit true to size in length. The TN can feel snug across the midfoot at first because of the cage, softening with wear; wider feet often go up half a size. The 95's layered upper is a little more forgiving from the start. See our TN sizing guide for detail.
Styling
Both are statement shoes, so the same rule applies: keep the outfit relatively simple. The 95's wider stance sits especially well under baggier jeans and cargos. The TN's sharper profile works well with tapered trackwear as well as denim. Our TN styling guide covers the detail.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Air Max Plus if you want the sharper, more aggressive silhouette, gradient colourways and the deep UK street heritage that comes with the TN. Browse Air Max Plus.
- Choose the Air Max 95 if you prefer a lower, wider, layered look with one of the strongest design stories in sneaker history. Browse Air Max 95.
If you are still torn, colourway is often the tiebreaker. Look at the iconic TN colourways and see whether anything grabs you before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
Which came first? The Air Max 95, in 1995. The Air Max Plus followed in 1998.
Which is more comfortable? Both are comfortable for everyday wear; the TN's Tuned Air is often praised for support, while the 95 feels substantial underfoot.
Which is more popular in the UK? Both have serious followings, though the TN in particular has an unusually deep connection with UK street culture.
Do they fit the same? Broadly, both true to size, but the TN can feel snugger across the midfoot initially.
Related reading: The Complete TN Guide | Plus 3 vs OG | Best TNs to Buy