Nike's Air Max Plus Reappears in Another "Sport Red" Air Max 1-Like Style

Sean McDowell's Nike Air Max Plus from 1998 took the visible Air-cushioned franchise to new heights, expanding both its design language and performance. As it inches closer to its 30th anniversary, the silhouette continues to emerge in compelling styles, with its most recent finish seemingly drawing inspiration from the original Air Max 1 (again).

Self-referencing isn't a new process for the Oregon-based institution. Throughout its history, popular sneakers from the Air Jordan series have taken on iconic finishes from the Air Max line, for example, creating product that blends the best of multiple worlds.

Back in 2021, two years ahead of its 25th anniversary, McDowell's legendary design emerged in a "White/Pure Platinum/Black/University Red" color scheme resembling the Air Max 1's inaugural "Sport Red" ensemble. Pairs (available now on StockX), featured an identical color-blocking that saw the Tuned Air-proposal's mudguard covered in ruby flair. The palm tree-inspired TPU overlays along the profiles kept things greyscale, helping modernize the then 34-year-old sneaker's legacy.

Ahead of summer, the Air Max Plus has resurfaced with a similar color palette as yesteryear's pair. The "Sport Red"-like titular hue, however, animates more of the upper, divvying up overlays with a glossy grey tone. The whale tail-shaped mid-foot shank features a quieter finish that matches inner lining and visible Air units underfoot. Branding on the top of the tongue also forgoes any vibrant red flair in favor of a "Pure Platinum"-like finish that keeps the pair fresh.

Enjoy official photos of the tro-colored Air Max Plus below. Pairs are expected to hit Nike.com by August for $180.

For more from the North American brand, check out all remaining Jordan Release Dates in 2025—including the Air Jordan 1 "UNC Reimagined" retro scheduled for May.