In the early days of the Nike Air Max series, a single chapter dropped each year. By the early 1990s, the lined spawned multiple visible air running designs and by the middle of the decade, Nike had let the forefoot air unit make itself seen.

The Air Max Plus debuted in 1998, complimenting two full-length Air-Sole designs that dropped that year, but bringing its own identity. Sean McDowell’s design nodded to its predecessors, but maintained the necessary shock of the new in its crusade to improve cushioning.

After the unique looks of the Air Max 95 and 97 - both of which were still on the market due to consumer demand - it was clear that the audience for modern runners was open-minded, and with its near-seamless mesh upper, web-like overlays and striking midfoot support as a focal point, this was a unique shoe. The technology in the sole was something very different too - Tuned Air used a multi-chamber unit with red hemisphere applications that cushioned and assisted foot strike while supporting and guiding the foot.