Nike TN enthusiasts, where are you at? The iconic 'Nike Tuned' aka 'Nike Air Max Plus,' just hit the 25-year mark! These strong retro runners are popular for their vibrant and collectible colorways. So, it should come as no surprise that here at the Home of Nike TN, these shoes have consistently maintained a strong grip on our shelves.

To celebrate the anniversary, we have prepared a list of the 25 most iconic Nike TN pairs over the years. We picked them out based on their design, colorways, and the waves they created, just like the sunset-inspired on the shoes. What's more? Some of these can still be bought at Foot Locker! Sit tight. We're going down memory lane.

How did the story of the Nike TN begin?

Let's start from the top for the new Air Max Plus fans and explorers. Back in the 90s, Nike's designer Sean McDowell was tasked with designing the aesthetic for a new running shoe. He drew inspiration from the trip to Florida he had just returned from. He was particularly struck by the picture of palm trees against the backdrop of the tropical skyline. McDowell designed a one-piece upper with a network of highlights indicative of the palm trees. He chose shades of rich purple and blue, evoking the dusk-falling Florida sky.

At a brainstorming session, his coworkers convinced McDowell to rethink his initial cloud-pattern design. A coworker drew a vertical grid design as an alternative, which ended up matching the high-end technical style of the shoe better. In the final edition, wave highlights are used instead of pure black highlights. This modification was proposed by McDowell's supervisor, Dave Schenone, to give the shoe greater motion. Moreover, McDowell moved the Swoosh from the back to the middle to match the style of Nike's home run sneakers.

Air Max Plus, TN, Tuned, or Tuned Air?

Wondering why these terms are used interchangeably for the same model? We'll fill you in on all the good stuff. The Air Max Plus has been released in numerous colorways and iterations over the years, contributing to its various names and nicknames.

'Air Max Plus' was the first and original name of this model in 1998. The ‘TN' or 'Tuned Air' is another name for the Nike Air Max Plus. This comes from the Tuned Air cushioning technology developed by Nike for the sole of this shoe. It consists of individual pods in the shoe's sole, each of which is 'tuned' to provide specific levels of cushioning and support for different parts of the foot. The technology also offers a customized and responsive cushioning system, making it popular among athletes and sneaker enthusiasts. In short, 'Air Max Plus' is the name of the Nike sneaker model that features 'Tuned Air' (TN) technology.

These shoes are also often called by their famous colorways or versions. When they're called 'Nike Tuned 1', it is to differentiate the original Air Max Plus from later versions. These are just some of the nicknames. There are many others based on local or cultural preferences too.

The Most Iconic 25 Nike TNs

Nike Tuned is a sneaker line that just keeps on giving, and 25 is such a limiting number, in our opinion. While some from the earlier Nike Tuned era are not in production anymore, you could look for comebacks inspired by these originals. At the Home of Nike TN, we're always hard at work preparing for the next TN X Foot Locker exclusive. This list also has some of these hidden gems that you can buy at our store. Ready to start collecting and expanding? Here we go:

1998 marked the beginning of the phenomenon that's now the Nike TN. Back then, Sean McDowell and his team would have never imagined the immense success of this rebellious model. To pay respect to the roots that still stay firm, we picked the 'Hyper Blue' colorway. The original Nike TN Blue was love at first sight for most fans due to its notable colorway. 'Tiger’ was another famous colorway released in the same year. These originals are still considered one of the most comfortable shoes ever. Nike has officially announced a reissue of Hyper Blue that's set to be released in 2024. OG fans, this is your chance to snag them. 

2. Tiger, 1998

Another OG from 1998. The Nike TN ‘Tiger,' also popularly referred to as 'Fire,’ ‘Sunset,' and ‘Orange Tiger' by fans, is a timeless and iconic style. All these names are owed to the blazing design of these kicks. Featuring a fierce yellow-to-orange gradient with glossy black accents that resemble tiger stripes, this colorway embodies a rebellious spirit and unrestrained creativity. What's more? Nike has released a 2024 reiteration of this sought-after colorway that you can cop right here. If you want to bring the heat to your Nike Tuned Air experience, this right here is the one for you.

Another one that we absolutely love is this women's Nike TN Air Max. The gradient goes from yellow and orange to red and purple from the front to the back. If the debutant 'Hyper Blue' and 'Tiger' colorways proved the potential of the model's gradient uppers, the ‘Rainbow' takes it to the next level. This uber-bright Air Max Plus is not for the faint-hearted. This colorway also made a comeback this year. You might just get lucky if you keep your eyes out for them. 

Back in 2000, releasing a sneaker with print graphics all over was a strong move for Nike TN. Bringing the original inspiration to the fore, the palm tree print is decorated in a dark blue base in the original 'Cannabis.' These are overhung by exoskeleton-like lines in metallic silver that show off the gradient. The floral motifs have become especially trendy with its reissues. The freshest comeback is available at Foot Locker

Popularly called 'Sanguine,' this edition is still considered one of the most popular black and red Nike Tuned ever released. Seen from the top, the varsity red is vibrant and bright while quite dark and edgy on the sides with a shade of black. The black veined lines over this add to the gradient. This edition was released only in Europe and Australia. If you like this style, check out the newer reissue inspired by it. If you want to go for a fuller red look, the Nike Tuned 3  in the bright crimson colorway might be the one for you. 

This red and white Nike TN was an exclusive colorway released in the US for Valentine's Day. Fans everywhere are still hoping for its comeback someday. We are rooting for this too. The double fade from pink to red that goes one way on the upper and the other way on the veins is just stunning to look at, and it would be a shame never to see this beauty again.

We love print graphics, so here's another one that DELIVERS on the theme. Released only in Europe, this predominantly white Nike TN also features tones of black and grey. There are small illustrations all over the upper in neon yellow and pink. The illustrations range from football and clouds to aliens and the letters UFO.

Due to its breakthrough in the fashion space, this European edition is undeniably one of the most recognizable Nike Air Max TN. This popular rendition comes in a loud neon green and pink shade and was part of a pack of three Nike Tuned 1s. All three of them have colorful prints all over them. This one is draped in black polka-like dots over the neon shade. The Mercurial line rendition you'll see as you scroll further down is reminiscent of this version.

While the colorway did not really pick up, we still think this all-white Nike TN is special with its printed veins and underarch featuring a metallic checkerboard. It was the first time there was a pattern on these parts that were previously untouched and monochrome. It’s quite iconic just for that reason.

Once again, the double gradient doesn't disappoint! The mesh upper goes from purple to vivid magenta over a black mudguard and sole. The white Swoosh pops nicely on the outside side panels. What we love more is that the inside side panels have a vivid green Swoosh since it's rare to see a Nike Air Max Plus with Swooshes in different colors. Released originally in Europe and Australia, this rendition is popularly called 'Fireberry' due to its colorway. Earlier this year, we collaborated with Nike and launched a Nike Tuned 1  to tribute the Mercurial line. This black and bold berry tone rendition is a more graphic version of the original. You can find the Striper Review for this version here.

Another one from the same year. This iteration was inspired by a tropical fish in the tones of neon green, blue, and green. It's one of the loudest TNs you can find! Released originally in Europe and Australia, this hyper blue and black colorway is a hit or miss among fans. Needless to say, it's a colorway that's quite rare to find today.

Whenever there's a region-specific exclusive release of Nike TN Air Max, collectors would do anything to secure a pair. This Australian exclusive in sky blue, red, and white tones has been a collector's favorite. This colorway was even used on a big mural that kicked off the 25th anniversary of Foot Locker APAC. The same year also witnessed the release of two other Australian exclusives called 'Sunburn' and 'Dream.' While the former had an orange accent, the latter had a blue accent.

Yes, we absolutely adore nature-inspired colorways, and we think Air Max Plus really cracked that code. The Amphibian is another one of these that was released in Europe and Australia. It's inspired by the small but very colorful orange poison dart frog. It's a black Nike TN that also boasts shades of orange. The upper is covered in a dotted pattern that resembles the frog's spots. It's eye candy, that's for sure.

Using an iconic Air Max colorway on a different shoe is a classic playbook trick, but we simply can't stop adoring it anyway. Nike used the colorway that was made famous by Air Max BW and applied it to the Air Max Plus silhouette. The Australian exclusive boasts a full black mesh upper contrasting with white overlay detailing. Persian Violet accents take over the Nike Swoosh, toecap, back heel, and midsole. A shared white midsole and black rubber outsole finish the look. Check out our Striper Style article on this classic and bold model.

This iteration is also in contestation for being one the most striking and menacing yet. The colorway was a great teaser for Nike TN's 20th anniversary the following year. This offering boasts black and white options alongside eye-catching, jagged line motifs across their uppers. When worn in dim lighting, there is reflective detailing throughout the shoe, adding a dramatic effect. As a tribute to the original 'Tiger' and 'Hyper Blue' colorways, the upper is swathed in a teeth-like motif in which the upper teeth are in shades of orange and red, while the bottom teeth are in shades of blue and yellow.

A rendition that broke the Air Max Plus world when the first images came out. We think the black, Tiffany, and silver colorway is a combination that goes together perfectly. The fade is beautiful, and the contrast between the black veins and the emerald fade just makes the whole colorway pop. The shoe's upper is supported by welded caging and wrap-around mudguard paneling. The upper also features a gradient textile, and the 'whale tail' shank picks up the gradient for a cohesive look. The new retro and summit white Nike Tuned 1 has a similar colorway scheme.  

If we must pick a Foot Locker favorite among the 25, this is it. This Foot Locker X TN pack features two dashing colorways in grey and red inspired by the great white sharks and their knack for attacking. The grey rendition is based on the shark's appearance before the hunt, while the blood-red one reflects the aftermath of the bite. With this pack, we're reflecting and championing the relentless hustle along the journey to success. Released in the US, Europe, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, the iteration is draped in the iconic design lines of the '98 model projected onto the mesh upper. This means that for the first time since 1998, the offering did not have its iconic veins overlay.

Released in the USA, Australia, and Hong Kong, this bold colorway rang in the 20th anniversary of Nike TN. The upper is built by combining three of the most revered and iconic TN colorways- the original 'Tiger,' 'Hyper Blue,' and the Quads pattern that was first and last seen in 2000. It brings all the best elements of the TN series into one Nike Air Max Plus. The outside panels are blue, while the insides are orange. The 'Hyper Blue' features along the lateral side of the shoe, while the Sunset orange color is painted on the medial. The subtly created Grid ties them up nicely over the model's upper. 

This one is special for Europe and those who love football. The 2019 Women's World Cup was held in 9 cities in France. Nike had made this specific colorway for the occasion to shed some light on Women's Football. The upper is draped in white and navy-blue patterns. This colorway was also available in Australia and Hong Kong.

Nike is constantly decorating the Air Max Plus with new elements. For this iteration, they teamed up with SUPREME, a popular American fashion and skateboarding lifestyle brand. With a highly original play of orange and blue on the upper mesh and a 'SUPREME' inscription adorning each side panel, this edition is very modern and minimalist. Made in a combination of mesh and leather faithful to the original Nike Air Max Plus, the 'Mean Green' also stands out thanks to its almost all-green structure. It owns the space in a way that the Nike Tuned should, and we fully approve.

21.  Triple White, 2021

Straying from the colorful and pattern-filled renditions on this list, we've picked out the clean, all-white TN Nike look from 2021. This was a rare move for Air Max Plus. The different white tones serve to highlight the sleek multi-material design of the shoe. This replica boasts of a white leather upper accented by the striking rib overlays that are the signature style of the model.

22. Triple Black, 2021

Another fully monochrome offering is the all-black Nike TN. This offering is constructed with a mesh upper, plastic overlay, textile mudguards, and heels on top of a solid Black rubber sole. We love the edgy vibe and go-with-all fits that this rendition offers. It's also one of the most popular and bestselling TNs at Foot Locker. To add a cherry to the top, our Stripers love and recommend the two fully monochrome colorways.

23. Camouflage, 2023

This Nike TN Air is simply perfect to use throughout the year. We adore the style and pattern because it's casual, edgy, and adventurous days all at the same time. It features a stark black base colorway and a unique pattern on the mesh base layer. The motifs resemble the camouflage prints used for wildlife hunting. There are also touches of orange, giving this Air Max Plus a hunting-gear aesthetic.

24. Marseille, 2023

Another feather that was added to our Nike cap this year. This exclusive is one we will cherish and have a soft spot for a long time. Nike created this edition inspired by the French city of Marseille. The grey grid-like motif on the upper is reminiscent of the Velodrome stadium's layout, paying homage to the city's historied football club. The wavy design lines and gradient colors perfectly capture the essence of Marseilles Street style. Covered in tones that range from white to metallic silver and university blue, this offering also pays tribute to the Marseille Coat of Arms. There are several other details like shiny silver Swooshes on the side panels, jewel logos on the tongues that depict the flag of Marseille, and the midsoles and outsoles done in white and blue. We can go on and on about this one.

25. Nike TN 25^th

To celebrate the anniversary and legacy of this iconic style, Nike and us at Foot Locker present you the TN 25^th colorway—and this one is extra special. Why, you ask? Because it was chosen by ALL OF YOU! Check out our Striper Review of this much-awaited exclusive drop of the sneaker and apparel collection.

There's more! We collaborated with Sneaker Finder on Stay Tuned-- a limited-edition book about Nike TN's time on the scene that you can buy here.

‘VOLTAGE PURPLE’, 2024

In a nod to the sneaker that started it all, Nike brings back the coveted original colorway, ‘Voltage Purple,’ also marking the 25^th anniversary of the TN. Picture this: a timeless classic boasting rich regal hues, with a black exterior cage seamlessly merging into the mudguard, all resting above a crisp white midsole showcasing the vibrant orange Air unit. Adding an extra layer of uniqueness to this celebratory edition, Nike introduces special insoles paying homage to a quarter-century of influence. These insoles intricately depict the four Air pods on the medial side of the heel, each fine-tuned to the precise foot strike of runners, embodying Nike's commitment to performance and innovation. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of sneaker history; this release is set for January 15, 2024!

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