The Rise of The Air Max Plus | CREPCHECKMONDAYS x CREP PLUG

The Nike Air Max Plus, once an underdog is now a must-have for any sneaker collection. It first appeared in 1998, making 2018 it's twentieth birthday. Over the years it's popularity has fluctuated, declined and then been reborn, especially within the online sneaker community in the past two to three years. The AM Plus is one of the most sought after sneakers, the one that grabs all of the attention whenever you see it on Instagram, the one everyone always seems to ask about or comment on when you wear it, the one on the tip of everyone's tongue. Why, you ask? Well, we're gonna break it down for you.

Photo Credit: news.nike.com

Back in 1997 Sean McDowell was tasked with creating a design for the Air Max Plus which was originally created to be a running shoe, hence the almost streamline upper silhouette that you still find on multiple designs today. From the sketch above to the AM Plus that you see in 2018, it's easy to notice that not much has changed, with many things a lack of change can be a negative factor. However, with this sneaker in particular, the less that has changed the more authentic it appears. This being one thing Nike always seem to finesse when it comes to the design of sneakers, the old school ones with the least changes are always received well when rereleased, because we as customers love the simplicity of the originals. A few minor changes isn't enough to put us off.

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DESIGN

With an upper silhouette like none other the Air Max Plus had no direct competition until the hybrid VaporMax Plus popped up like "What's good?" in January this year. The caging that flows around the entirety of the upper resembling a trail of flames complemented by the 3M reflective detailing we didn't know we needed until it was uncovered. For some not all of the AM Plus colourways the use of gradients on the caging has been top tier, especially on the lower part of the upper and the shank (that oddly shaped section by your instep). Of course, Nike have dropped some hit and miss colourways for this sneaker in particular but there's no denying that the quality and original vision is always present.

PRICE

Depending on your age and location you'll know that the Air Jordan signified your entry into becoming a sneakerhead, yet although Jordans are somewhat of a premium product plenty of people today would pass up on a pair of J's to splash some cash on the AM Plus. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but a few years back that would be unheard of. Could you imagine a group of friends discussing what sneakers they're gonna cop next and one says the Air Max Plus? They would get laughed at. Seriously though, the Air Max Plus has to be one of the most fairly priced sneakers by Nike especially when you look at it's popularity. For Men & Women prices tend to range from: £124.99 to £149.99, and for kids: £79.99 to £89.99.

TUNED AIR

Now, how can one write about the Air Max Plus and not have a section for the Tuned Air technology? They can't, that's how. Although most Nike sneakers have some form of Air Technology, there's just something about Tuned Air that makes it an eye catcher. Could it be that it acts as a window to view what the Tuned Air looks like, with a running red and yellow theme. Or for the purpose of aesthetics, because it is very easy on the eye. If you happen to own a pair you'll know the comfort and durability levels that the AM Plus reaches, due to the hemispheres that can be found on the outsole as well as, the interior air technology. Creating a unique feature that only the AM Plus has. If this is the unique selling point Nike did a good job at differentiating it from other Nike sneakers and their competitors. Therefore, it is a must have sneaker.

HOW TO BUY

What you've all been waiting for we're assuming. We have these four tips for you:

Tip 1: FootLocker

Okay, yes Nike also stock the AM Plus but, if you want a full range and variety to look at and potentially buy, FootLocker is where it's at. From older OG colourways to brand new releases, you're simply spoiled for choice.

Tip 2. Sizing

For any Crep Check Monday readers you'll know exactly what we're about to say: don't play yourself. For any readers with smaller feet from size UK3.5 to UK6, take advantage of the kids section, you will save so much coins from buying kids sizes. For the brand new La Requin you can get them in the kids size for £79.99, with the adults at £144.99. That's a whole saving of £65, with a few more pounds you could buy two kids pairs for £159.98. If you have bigger feet and this doesn't apply to you that's unfortunate, not to worry the next step is for you.

Tip 3: Sale

No matter what time of the year you happen to be looking at the Air Max Plus on FootLocker, there will always be a handful of wavy colourways for sale, the sale prices usually are £59.99 (Kids) and £89.99 (Adults). Of course if you want the newer exclusive Womens or Mens colourways you're gonna have to firm it and buy them at their original prices, but in the end it will always be worth it.

Tip 4: Restocking

With new releases of the Air Max Plus, everyone wants a pair, understandably sizes start dropping until there's none left. However, one thing FootLock have been exceptionally good at with the AM Plus is restocking, they are A1. If a particular colourway is popular and sells out quickly, they will most likely have it back in stock roughly a week later. If this unfortunate event happens to you, check back in a weeks time and it will most likely be available again.

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This is where it ends, if you've reached this far big up yourselves, we know this was a lengthy one, yet hope you found some useful information in here.

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