Nike Tns | Nike Tn

Nike Tuned 1 | TNs | Nike Tuned

At Sleektrainers, we pride ourselves on sourcing discontinued, exclusive and Rare Nike Tn's that are challenging to find. Nike Tn's become rare for various reasons such as regional exclusive drops, high demands colourways and limited edition sneaker releases.

The Nike Tn has been assigned various names since originally launching in 1998, it is commonly known as the Nike Tuned, Air Max Plus TN, Nike TN1 or simply put TNs.

Why are Nike TNs so popular?

Nike Tn's are popular due to there innovative Tuned Air technology, durable build, iconic designs and gradient colours which makes them unique from other sneakers. The cultural impact derives from streetwear attire, youth culture and EDM / hip-hop music which has turned Nike Tn's into a style icon. With unique colourways and a reputation for attitude and individuality, Nike Tn's continue to dominate the sneaker world in popularity.

History of the Nike TN

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.

Technology Behind The Nike TN

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'.

Original Nike Tn Sketches

Nike TN Air Max Plus Hyper Blue Original Sketch Sleektrainers

Sean McDowell's first sketch of the Nike TN Hyper Blue in 1998.

Black and White Sketches of The Nike TN Air Max Plus by Sean McDowell - Sleektrainers

Sketches of the Nike TN by Sean McDowell. This particular sketch was included as the wrapping paper with the Hyper Blues, Purple Voltages and Tigers which were iconic releases in 2018.