"Bright Blue" Animates the Nike Air Max Plus

Sean McDowell was tasked with a lofty goal in 1998: to create a performance-driven sneaker featuring new Tuned Air cushioning. Although his resulting Nike Air Max Plus didn't find its footing amongst serious runners, it was quickly adopted by bold dressers and street kids.

McDowell's design was followed by a handful of iterations, but none quite captured the magic of the original. Debut 'Hyper Blue' and 'Sunset' colorways continue to form part of sneaker rotations across the globe, while modern takes expand the Air Max Plus' lore. Ahead of spring, the Tn has emerged in an eye-catching black and bright blue ensemble. At quick glance, the sneaker falls in line with Nike Sportswear's seasonal 'Black/Aurora Green' offerings, but closer inspection suggests the colorful Air Max Plus might be inspired by Skepta's Tailwind V collaboration from 2021.

“Note”Skepta x Nike Air Max Tailwind V 'Chrome Blue.' Photo via Nike.

Although the brand would never admit it, the similarities between both pairs are too close to be coincidental. Furthermore, Skepta himself found the Air Max 90 'Celery' curious given its similarities to his debut Air Max collaboration from 2017.

Enjoy official photos of the two-tone Air Max Plus below ahead of their Nike.com release on March 20.

For more from the Nike, Inc. family, check out all upcoming Air Jordan Release Dates, which includes the Air Jordan 5 'Black Metallic Reimagined' on Feb. 8.