Nike Air Max Plus "Nightwing" Channels Gotham Energy for Summer 2026

Nike’s Tuned Air series has never shied away from bold storytelling through color, and its latest Nike Air Max Plus “Nightwing” iteration leans heavily into comic book inspiration.

While not an official DC collaboration, the pair unmistakably mirrors the legendary Nightwing — the former Robin who stepped out of Batman’s shadow to become one of Gotham’s most formidable heroes.

Nightwing, known for his black and electric blue suit, represents independence, agility, and calculated precision. His transition from sidekick to standalone vigilante mirrors a certain evolution within sneaker culture — where classics are continually reimagined with sharper identity and renewed presence.

That theme plays out clearly on the Nike Air Max Plus “Nightwing.” The upper features a black mesh base that fades into deep, electric blue across the midfoot, mimicking the signature chest emblem worn by the DC Comics hero. Glossy black TPU overlays reinforce the silhouette’s aggressive, flame-like structure, while the blacked-out mudguard and midsole ground the design in stealth.

Blue-tinted Tuned Air units sit within the midsole, adding subtle dimension and continuity to the comic-inspired palette. A pop of yellow on the heel’s Tuned Air badge nods to the hero’s utility-driven aesthetic without overwhelming the design. The result is a sneaker that feels thematic without being costume-like — a wearable tribute rather than a licensed product.

The Air Max Plus remains one of Nike’s most expressive retro runners, and this “Nightwing” colorway continues that legacy by tapping into pop culture without overt branding. For fans of both the silhouette and the Batman universe, it’s a clean execution that feels purposeful.

The Nike Air Max Plus “Nightwing” is expected to release in Summer 2026 via Nike.com and select retailers. Stay tuned for confirmed release dates as the season approaches.

Keep an eye on our dedicated Nike Release Dates page for updates.