Nike Air Max Plus Drift

Air Max Plus Drift

When the Air Max Plus came out in 1998, its Tuned Air technology changed the game for cushioning, while its distinctive esthetic conceived by designer Sean McDowell featured unique elements like a structural TPU overlay based on swaying palm trees and a supportive shark-fin shank. On its 25th anniversary in 2023, the Plus was as popular as ever, so Nike celebrated with new colorways and updated models. One of these was a striking silhouette known as the Nike Air Max Plus Drift that maintained the bold look of the original while incorporating some significant alterations. 

The Drift’s most overt design update was its more substantial molded overlay, whose thin, wavy strips had become much thicker than on the ‘98 version. Despite being bulkier than the original, the overlay was made from a pliable TPU to keep it lightweight and flexible, while the layer of soft mesh behind it helped ventilate the foot. More subtle changes were introduced on the tread pattern, and the rubber toe cap was extended up from the outsole to create a more seamless connection between upper and sole. The Air Max Plus Drift had its own distinct branding as well, with the swoosh being shifted from the midfoot to the back of the shoe, and the heel Tn logo switched out for an elegant line of “Tuned Air” text.

For its release in 2024, Nike crafted a collection of stunning colorways, choosing to decorate the mesh and synthetic outer with captivating color fades and contrasting tones. This made the Nike Air Max Plus Drift a highly desirable sneaker as its eccentric esthetic took Tuned Air in an exciting new direction.