Few sneakers command the loyalty of the Nike Air Max Plus. Known almost universally as the TN, it has been a cornerstone of UK and European street culture for over two decades, and it remains one of the most recognisable silhouettes Nike has ever produced. This guide covers everything: where the TN came from, what makes the design so distinctive, the colourways worth knowing, how it fits and how to style it. Shop the full range in the Air Max Plus collection at Shoe Religion.
What is the Nike Air Max Plus?
The Air Max Plus launched in 1998, designed by Sean McDowell. It introduced Nike's Tuned Air cushioning system, and it is that technology that gave the shoe its enduring nickname: TN. Where most Air Max models of the era leaned sporty, the Plus arrived with something closer to attitude, and it was adopted almost immediately by a street audience rather than a running one.
That crossover is the whole story of the TN. It was engineered as a performance runner and adopted as a cultural object, and in the UK in particular it became shorthand for a certain kind of confidence. Decades later, demand has not softened.
The design: gradients, whale tail and Tuned Air
Three elements make a TN instantly identifiable. The first is the gradient upper, famously inspired by a Florida sunset and the silhouette of palm trees, which is echoed in the spiky TPU cage that wraps the mesh. The second is the whale tail heel, the sculpted TPU piece at the back of the shoe. The third is the visible Tuned Air cushioning, which delivers the comfort that keeps people wearing TNs all day.
It is a maximalist design, and that is precisely the appeal. In a market full of minimal silhouettes, the TN is unapologetically loud.
The colourways that define the TN
Part of the fun of the Air Max Plus is the sheer breadth of colourways. Some highlights currently at Shoe Religion:
- Nike Air Max Plus TN Triple Black - the everyday workhorse that goes with everything.
- Nike Air Max Plus Shark Attack - one of the most storied TN colourways.
- Nike TN Air Max Plus Reverse Grape - a nod to an all-time classic palette.
- Nike TN Air Max Plus Neon - loud, bright and unmistakably TN.
- Nike TN Air Max Plus 25th Anniversary - a celebration of the silhouette's longevity.
For a full rundown, read our guide to iconic Air Max Plus colourways and the best TNs to buy right now.
How do Air Max Plus fit?
Most people find the Air Max Plus fits true to size in length, though the TPU cage means the upper can feel snug across the midfoot at first. It softens with wear. If you have wider feet, going up half a size is a common choice. Our full TN sizing guide covers this in detail, including GS versus adult sizing.
How to style a TN
The TN is a statement shoe, so the reliable approach is to let it lead. Tapered trackpants, straight or slightly baggy denim, and shorts in summer all work; keep the clothing relatively simple and let the gradient do the talking. See our full TN styling guide for outfit formulas, and browse clothing at Shoe Religion to complete the fit.
Air Max Plus versus other Air Max
The natural comparison is the Air Max 95, the other great 90s Nike runner with a cult following. The two share a maximalist spirit but differ in silhouette and feel. We compare them properly in Air Max Plus vs Air Max 95. If you are weighing the newer model against the original, see Air Max Plus 3 vs OG.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Air Max Plus called the TN? TN stands for Tuned Air, the cushioning system the shoe introduced in 1998.
When did the Air Max Plus release? 1998, designed by Sean McDowell.
Are Air Max Plus comfortable? Yes. Tuned Air cushioning makes them well suited to all-day wear, which is part of why they became an everyday staple.
Where can I buy Air Max Plus in the UK? Shop the Air Max Plus collection at Shoe Religion, with UK delivery and click and collect.
Related reading: The History of the TN | How to Style TNs | TN Sizing Guide