Nike TN History : An Insider Look At The Design & History

WHAT ARE NIKE TN'S?

The Nike TN is a popular streetwear sneaker which is commonly known as Nike Tuned, Air Max Plus, TN1 or simply put Nike TNs, the nicknames derives from the innovative "Tuned Air" technology which provide the user with exceptional comfort and support.

Nike TNs became extremely popular and made waves in countries such as Australia, United Kingdom and France. Particularly in Australia, TNs were generally associated with the "eshay" subculture which is known for anti-social behaviour, petty crime and a distinct fashion style.

HISTORY OF THE NIKE TN / AIR MAX PLUS

The Nike Air Max Plus TN was first inaugurated in 1998, a historical moment for the brand in driving recognition as the best sneaker company in the world. Although originally designed and created in the United States by Sean McDowell, The Nike TN specifically made waves in Australia, UK and France to quickly become a beloved sneaker in these regions. Sean McDowell had an epiphany designing the Nike TN when he was on vacation in the sunny coast of Florida, he sketched oscillating palm trees in the breeze against sunset gradients along with a whale tail which represents the ocean and sea, these features became the fundamental design elements of the Nike TN.

White and Blue Nike TN Air Max Plus Royal Pulse DM0032-403 Sleektrainers
White Nike TN Air Max Plus Pink Fade Sleektrainers CZ7931-100

TECHNOLOGY BEHIND THE NIKE TUNED

1. Tuned Air Technology
The Tuned Air technology was at the core of Nike Tns innovation. The Tuned Air Technology simply put is a blow moulded air bubble combined with rubber hemispheres which are tactically placed in the sole to provide extra support. Introducing the hemispheres enabled Nike to bring the pressure down to ensure softer wear without compromising stability.

2. Wavy TPU Cage
TPU stands for (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) which provides better durability, flexibility and moldability. The moldability allows the TPU cage to be shaped into Nike Tn's signature wavy cage which was inspired by the swaying palm trees of Florida.

3. Gradient Mesh Designs
The Nike Tn's gradient mesh design was a fundamental feature which contributed to the models rising popularity in 1998. The mesh uppers of the Nike Tn's are lightweight, breathable and very receptive to dyes. A signature design element of the Gradient Mesh Upper on the Nike Tn is darker tones blending into lighter shades, also known as a 'fading'.

Nike Air Max Plus TN History and Design Tuned Air Sole

THE OG AIR MAX PLUS COLOURWAYS

The first iconic releases of the Nike Air Max Plus TN launched in 1998 and they paved the way for the brand for decades to come.

1. OG Hyper Blue

The Nike TN 'Hyper Blue' was the first release of the Air Max Plus and perhaps the most iconic of them all, so much so that they have been re-released three times since the original debut in 1998.

2. OG Tiger

The design inspiration behind the Nike TN 'Tiger' was the sunny coast of Florida and since their debut in 1998, they have been re-released multiple times. The Air Max Plus Tigers are commonly mistaken for a similar model known as the Nike TN 'Sunset' which predominantly features a yellow gradient instead of orange.

SEAN MCDOWELL'S ORIGINAL NIKE TN SKETCHES

Pictured below are Sean McDowell's original sketches for the Nike Air Max Plus TN, the first image is the Nike TN 'Hyper Blues' which was first sketched and introduced in 1998.

The second image was Sean McDowell's design concept around the Air Max Plus, this was included as the sneakers wrapping paper for the 2018 Retro release of the OG Hyper Blue, Tigers & newly launched Purple Voltage.