When the nostalgia of the 2000s meets today’s innovation, it gives rise to the rebirth of an iconic silhouette: the Nike Air Max Plus VII.
History repeats itself, but never quite the same way. Twenty years after its first appearance, the Nike Air Max Plus VII is ready to resurface with a clear ambition: to reconcile the past and the present. Far from a simple return, the sportswear brand is preparing the shelves with a sharper, more technical silhouette, but still true to its DNA. The goal? To play on contrasts, between technical mesh and familiar palettes, between classic lines and structural innovations.
From the appearance of the Air Max Plus in 1998 under the direction of Sean McDowell, the pair established itself as an aesthetic UFO. Its wavy lines, inspired by Californian landscapes and its sole equipped with Tuned Air technology made it one of the most sought-after models from the Swoosh. A success that the Nike TN7 was able to reinterpret in 2005 with a more technical language firmly rooted in its time. This year, the sportswear brand chooses to awaken the younger sibling of the TN range with the same boldness.
Three colorways, three atmospheres
Headlining: the Nike Air Max Plus VII Varsity Maize. A classic among classics. Here, Nike does not cheat. This pair pays homage to the original from 2005 with a meticulous attention to detail orchestrated by Australian designer Leon Witherow aka @prestology. At first glance, the pair retains its yellow mesh upper, highlighted by black ribs and discreet silver details. In terms of technology, the white midsole frames the iconic visible air bubble tinted with a translucent yellow, while the whole is topped with the traditional TN Air logo inscribed on the tongue. The result: a retro silhouette that does not merely replay the past but gives it a new texture.
Nike Air Max Plus VII "Varsity Maize"
Release scheduled for August 26, 2025
See on the calendarLess noise, more impact. For the second silhouette, the creative teams at the Swoosh are betting on a more stealthy approach. Here, every detail is designed for contrast. White mesh upper. Black details. Discreet metallic accents. No doubt, the Nike Air Max TN7 dons the iconic colorway of the Nike Dunk Low “Panda”.
Nike Air Max Plus VII "White Black"
Release scheduled for October 31, 2025
See on the calendarFinally, there is the Nike Air Max Plus VII Dusk. A third silhouette that does not choose between day or night. The mesh upper features a gradient from purple to orange. Visually, it’s a transition. Narratively, it’s a strong nod to the original inspiration of Sean McDowell: those late afternoons in Florida, between palm trees and hot asphalt. Around this base, the pair is structured with black inserts. A few accents texture the midsole, while a green Swoosh electrifies the whole.
Nike Air Max Plus VII "Dusk"
Release scheduled for October 31, 2025
See on the calendarKylian Mbappé as the first partner
A fusion. Two icons. On one side, the TN, a true pillar of French urban culture for over two decades. On the other, Kylian Mbappé, a global football figure, whose influence far exceeds the pitch. Their collaboration seemed inevitable. While the partnership remains discreet, it is not the first time that the Real Madrid forward has flirted with the silhouette. In 2024, Mbappé appeared with a pair of Nike Air Mercurial TN Purple, directly inspired by the Voltage Purple from 1998.
Today, Nike takes a further step. That of an exclusive version of the Nike Air Max Plus VII, designed with and for Kylian Mbappé. While nothing has yet been officially confirmed by either partner, the intention is clear: to connect a generational player to a silhouette that marked an entire era. The TN7 as a field of expression. Mbappé as a link between heritage and future.
Scheduled for spring 2026, this special edition will extend the return of the TN7. But before its release, Nike has officially announced the arrival of the Nike Air Max Plus VII “Varsity Maize” this summer, followed by the other two designs this fall. Expect to pay €180 for each iteration. The tempo is set, you’ll need to be quick!
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