If you’re looking to get unique kicks with flexibility, Nike Airmaxes are something to check out. Their gas-filled soles are something to experience for any person curious about sneakers.
In 1998, Nike released the Air Max TN or Air Max Tuned Air. The Nike TN carried an eye-catching pattern that engraved its standing as one of the longest-standing Air Max variants. Scroll down to know more about the Air Max TN.
It was Popular in Europe During Initial Release
According to its designer Sean McDowell, the Air Max TN sported a wave design inspired by palm trees. In addition, it first featured a blue gradient colour known as the “Hyper Blue” colourway.
Although the shoe only gained relative success in North America, it was hugely popular in Europe. The shoe gained iconic status and popularity among the youth, particularly in France. Sneaker experts attribute its appeal to its scarce availability. It was made available at Foot Lockers.
Aside from Europe, Australia also took the Air Max TN to popularity. But unfortunately, it became a known shoe for gang culture and it banned people wearing the shoe from entering clubs and pubs.
The Shoe was First Made for the Sky Air Project
A year before the shoe’s release, Nike hired then-rookie designer Sean McDowell to help them with the Sky Air project. This project aimed to create a new running shoe for Foot Locker, Nike’s most valued client.
At the time, more than 15 proposals by Nike had been rejected by Footlocker. However, Nike was desperate to release their new cushioning system, so they paired it with an eye-catching silhouette.
Nike wanted to release Tuned Air. It was a blow-molded component installed with rubber hemispheres and installed in the sole, providing more support. The new design was derived from the 1990s moonshot design incubators. The hemispheres provided pressure relief on the heel while putting more cushion on the forefoot.
In the end, Sky Air would use various manufacturing techniques never before seen in shoe creations. For example, they incorporated McDowell’s gradient fade reminiscent of the Florida Sky.
How the Air Max TN Reached Australia’s Underground
The Air Max TN was not well-received upon its initial release. In Australia, the gradient effect was perceived as a spray-paint fade, while the palm tree design was seen as ribs or swollen veins on the uppers.
However, the shoe’s aesthetics appealed to Australia’s fringe. With its incredible value of $239.99, the Nike TN became a status symbol for underground Australia in the early 2000s.
Air Max TN Today
Out-of-this-world colour combinations have been essential to the success of the Air Max TN. After the original colourways took off, Foot Locker started creating exclusive releases, including “Sunburn,” “Fades,” and “Cactus.”
The Australian-exclusive releases tickled the interest of TN heads. There was much debacle around the shoe, from debates to blasting it outright online. However, TN collectors make it to a point to defend this unique shoe.
Eventually, more conservative colourways were released like “Triple White” and “Triple Black.” As a result, the Air Max TN is now one of the most sought-after sneakers in the industry.
Air Max TNs are more mainstream now, as they’ve proven that they can withstand the test of time. Despite an underwhelming first release, the Air Max TN has become more accepted by sneakerheads.
