Arguably one of the most divisive shoes going, the Nike TN, or Air Max Plus , is known to be one of those styles that has become somewhat of a subcultural icon. Over the years, its links to certain places have been well documented: there’s London, of course - which has come to be defined by TNs and Tech Fleece, and Melbourne in Aus, where the '90s saw it paired with Sergio Tacchini spray jackets. However, there’s another overlooked area where the shoe reigns supreme, and that's something that the Swoosh has been looking to rectify with its most recent release. So, without further ado, we’d like to introduce you to the Nike Air Max Plus TN “Marseille” , which highlights the French affinity with the Nike TN.
Much like in the UK, the TN’s story in France is one of rags to riches, where the shoe quickly became a status symbol for those growing up in the country's big cities. As French rappers transcended Paris, the style quickly spread to other parts of the country, including Marseille, and the uniform of choice became a Lacoste tracksuit with a pair of TNs on foot. In fact, at this point, TNs were so embedded within French culture, that they even gave the style its own name - one that remains unique to French sneakerheads to this day.
Though the history of the Nike TN’s development is fairly well documented, it seems that each country seems to have its own interpretation of the sneaker. While Australians likened the style’s sunset-inspired gradient finish to spray paints and graffiti culture, the French had their own ideas. In France, the shoe was nicknamed “The Shark”, thanks to its OG blue colourway, “gill-like” overlays, and aggressive-looking shape.
Here, the Nike TN (or should we say Nike Shark) “Marseille”, pays tribute to the city, decked out in a colour scheme that both nods to its flag and its aquatic nickname. Working on top of a white base, the pair features printed uppers that nod to the city’s Velodrome stadium, while a light blue gradient effect dresses the exoskeleton. Swooshes arrive in a silver-toned hue, while a jewelled badge at the tongue houses the flag itself. Finally, it wouldn’t be a TN without that all-too-familiar yellow branding, so expect this to land on the heel logo as well as the medial side of the treads.
The Nike Air Max Plus “Marseille” is set to launch over the coming weeks, and luckily it's not set to be a regional exclusive. If you’re looking to add this pair to your collection then be sure to hit the release reminder links below, and in the meantime, check out the rest of the TNs available at Nike .
