#VAPORMAX PLUS PLUS#

#VAPORMAX PLUS PLUS#

The Air Vapormax Plus is the perfect balance of old and new, with it still maintaining a strong reputation among footwear fans over 5 years on. This was early on in the model’s life, although it didn’t encourage many other experimental versions as it didn’t receive the same level of hype as the other contest winners. Stripping back all unnecessary structural elements, visually the VaporMax sole unit is a radical departure from previous Air Max models. In 2019, we saw a more experimental take on the silhouette with the release of the “ Work In Progress ” edition that came out of the Nike: On Air Workshop the year prior. The hybrid would also integrate other iconic colourways such as the “ Black Volt ” version from 2018 which of course mimicked the famous Air Max 95 OG “ Neon ” make-up. Other launch colourways like the “ Tropical Sunset ” brought a more vibrant palette to the silhouette, while also recognising the story that inspired designer Sean McDowell’s own OG Air Max Plus. Not only was it a status symbol but it was also easy to wear, replacing people’s regular go-to that was the all-black Air Max 90 or 95, resulting in huge demand. It’s worth mentioning again how key the “Triple Black” edition from 2018 was in creating the success of the VaporMax Plus. Simply put, five years have passed since it first launched and you can still find the silhouette available in various colourways on Nike’s own website. The Air VaporMax Plus spoke to fans old and new, both of which were quick to establish a level of reputation that a new Air Max hadn’t experienced since the ‘90s. It is rare to see Nike keep a hybrid edition on as a mainstay, an example we saw with the Air VaporMax 360 that had a very short lifespan in comparison. The hexagonal logo on the heel had also been updated, reading “Vm AIR” instead of the previous “Tn AIR”. The iconic mini-Swoosh logo was relocated towards the ankle collar, similar to the position seen on the Air Max 95. The Vapormax Plus would also echo the Tn’s distinct design language by adding debossed detailing into the upper that reflected its ‘98 DNA. The neoprene upper kept the shoe lightweight, while the welded line-inspired rib cage provided ample support for its sleek design. The “ Triple Black ” edition was by far the most sought-after and took the VaporMax moniker to unexplored heights. It retailed for a mighty £170 and became the most expensive Air Max to date, however not even that could deter its huge rise in popularity.

Combining a Tn Air Max Plus -inspired upper with the Vapormax’s revolutionary outsole below resulted in a vast number of Air Max heads eager to hand over their hard-earned cash. Released on Air Max Day in 2018, the Air VaporMax Plus was a hybrid that took the industry by storm.

Vapormax plus