Sean McDowell’s choice to vacation in Florida helped inform the design language and color schemes of the Air Max Plus, which has since become a favorite for many sneakerheads. Over the last year, we’ve seen Nike bring back OG color schemes, like the Hyper Blue, Sunset, and Voltage Purple, but the nostalgic retros aren’t stopping anytime soon. Now, images have emerged of the lightning-covered Nike Air Max Plus Eclair, a pair originally released in 2000.
The pair takes inspiration from the Air Presto Lightning, one of the model’s original colorways released in the same year as the OG Air Max Plus Eclair. When the colorway first hit shelves, it was released exclusively in women’s sizing. However, during the 25th Anniversary of the colorway, this new retro will be available in men’s sizing. We can see a very similar lightning pattern applied to the mesh base of the upper, depicting vibrant blue and white lightning bolts amongst a deep navy night sky.
Transparent TPU overlays, inspired by the palm trees McDowell saw in Florida, reinforce the upper, while a navy-and-white Swoosh overlay hits the midfoot. More navy shades find a home on the sockliner and lace set, with more lightning patterns applied to the mesh tongue. The Tuned Air logo appears in classic Air Max Plus fashion on the heel tab. Finishing the design is the white foam midsole with red Tuned Air units near the heel and forefoot paired with a navy and red rubber outsole.
The Nike Air Max Plus Eclair will release in May 2025 through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is $190. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via size?
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com