Nike Air Max Terrascape Plus
In 1997, the smooth company, in partnership with the giant retail sportswear company Foot Locker, secretly worked on a project called Sky Air.
History and origin of the Nike Air Max Terrascape Plus
In 1997, the smooth company, in partnership with the giant retail sportswear company Foot Locker, secretly worked on a project called Sky Air. The original aim of this project was to create an innovative running shoe, which would be equipped with the latest Tuned Air technology. This technology offers runners optimal stability while reducing the pressure on the heel. In the end, the iconic Nike brand presented no less than 15 concepts to Footlocker, all of which were postponed.
The history of the iconic Air Max Terrascape Plus
If you want to know more about the Air Max Terrascape Plus, you have come to the right place! Here you will discover the unprecedented history of this famous sneaker. From its inception to its appearance on the streets, to its ever-changing colourways.
The Air Max Terrascape Plus was originally developed specifically for athletes. This very light trainer (350 grams) is equipped with the latest technology invented for the Air Max collection. This technology, known as the Air Tuner, adds a type of "pod" inside the air bubble, which reduces the inflection effect generated by the bubble, but also provides excellent cushioning.
Designed by Sean McDowell in 1997
Designer Sean McDowell joined Nike in 1997. He took charge of this risky project, but it ran out of steam and was not far off the mark. It was a rather difficult task, given the ambitious challenge of seducing Nike and the Foot Locker group.
At that time, there was a lot more talk about Sky Air, and as a result, all the different concepts proposed were rejected one after the other. Sean immediately and enthusiastically accepted Nike's proposal for this inspiring project. He was strongly inspired by a sketch he had made while walking on the beautiful beaches of Florida and came up with his first concept. However, he was to experience technical constraints in the development of this project. After interacting with a number of Nike executives and submitting his design to the design factories, Sean finally received a positive response. The certification that his model will be developed.
During this walk, Sean had sketched a beautiful sunset and the representation of a large whale tail coming out of the sea. This is exactly what he will try to reproduce for the creation of the famous Nike TN, but with a brand new smooth.
Two memorable colourways, Tiger Orange and Hyper Blue
In order to test the product, Foot Locker homologated Sean's model and set about displaying the Tuned 1 trainer designs in shop. It only took 10 minutes for many customers to rush to the store to find out where, how and how much to buy it. An almost instant success for a model that is not even on the market yet.
The Tiger Orange and Hyper Blue colours are sure to be the most famous and memorable, and have seen repeated revisits. The launch pack also includes a Grey Shark iteration.
The Air Max Terrascape Plus, celebrated and adopted by the street
The Nike Air Max Terrascape Plus is often worn to accessorise a Lacoste outfit, and its reputation as a TN trainer continues. The sneaker comes in flashy colours and a rather aggressive design. The Smooth brand will, for many years, do everything to try to enhance the Nike brand image of the trainer. It was then introduced in the Nikelab collection with much softer colours. This initiative was a great success and the model is still coveted today.
The origins, an immediate success for the Air Max Plus
The Air Max Plus was launched in 1998 and was an immediate success. It should be noted that in that year there was no competition at all. The Air Max 98, which should have been in line with the Nike TN, was sold at a higher price and its price was controversial, as it was not deserved. Because, even if the Tuned 1 is expensive, it is still equipped with innovative technology and its design is totally atypical and original.
This success is explained by the fact that the sneaker is more connected to a specific social environment. Foot Locker's buyers are generally part of a secondary middle class. In France, the Air Max Plus is mainly worn by suburbanites in Marseille and Paris. The Air Max Terrascape Plus will be released much later.
How to choose the right size for an Air Max Terrascape Plus?
It is often difficult to choose the right size when it comes to sneakers in general and the Air Max Terrascape Plus does not contradict this observation. Nike Tuned shoes run small, so it is advisable to choose a size larger than your usual shoe size, or at least half a size larger. This is a comfortable and wearable pair.
Are the Air Max Terrascape Plus (TN) comfortable?
The answer is definitely yes! Thanks to the Tuned Air technology, which the Air Max are equipped with, they are extremely comfortable. These Terrascape Plus, which were originally designed for sports, can easily be worn for a whole day without any discomfort.
How can you tell if an Air Max Terrascape Plus is genuine?
If you don't want to fall victim to fakes, you are strongly advised to buy your Air Max Terrascape Plus shoes in specialist shops or from reputable online shops. It is also important to always examine the box, its condition, the presence of glue, but also, especially if you are a connoisseur, the smell of the Tuned trainer. As you know, the Nike Tuned is a sports shoe that is subject to many counterfeits, so you may also be alerted by TNs in colours that were never designed by the brand.