Nike’s Air Max Plus Dons an Aurora Borealis Color in 2026

Nike’s Air Max Plus has been a low-key staple of the brand’s lifestyle offerings for the last few years. This season, the retro runner is getting a new gradient color scheme, borrowing hues from the Aurora Borealis for a colorful new look. The Nike Air Max Plus holds major importance in fashion for its bold […] The post Nike’s Air Max Plus Dons an Aurora Borealis Color in 2026 appeared first on JustFreshKicks.

Nike’s Air Max Plus has been a low-key staple of the brand’s lifestyle offerings for the last few years. This season, the retro runner is getting a new gradient color scheme, borrowing hues from the Aurora Borealis for a colorful new look.

The Nike Air Max Plus holds major importance in fashion for its bold design and cultural impact. Introduced in 1998, its aggressive gradient uppers, wavy TPU cage, and visible Tuned Air cushioning challenged traditional sneaker aesthetics. The Plus quickly moved beyond running, becoming a staple in street and nightlife scenes, especially across Europe and Australia. Its association with subcultures, music, and youth style gave it a rebellious edge. Decades later, Nike is still issuing fresh takes on the model, from special collaborations to their own in-house creations.

This week, we have an early look at Nike’s latest new color scheme for the Air Max Plus. The shoe’s have not been officially shown yet, but the style takes some clear inspiration from the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights that can be seen in arctic regions of the globe. The shoe’s midsoles and TPU cage pieces come in black, giving a dark backdrop to the colorful gradient mesh gives the shoe its form. Shades of deep purple fade into light pink hues, with a touch of ghostly green tones to round out the aurora-inspired palette.

NIKE AIR MAX PLUS “AURORA” RELEASE INFORMATION

Nike’s latest colorway of their Air Max Plus runner has not been officially scheduled for release yet, but is expected to arrive very soon in early 2026. The gradient color scheme is likely inspired by the Aurora Borealis, taking green, pink, and purple hues from the Northern Lights. Pairs will be available from Nike and select retailers for $185.

Nike Air Max Plus
Color: Black/Purple Dynasty/Desert Berry
Style Code: DZ3670-006
Release Date: 2026
Price: $185

Check out the official images below, and stay tuned to JustFreshKicks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more of the latest sneaker news, release dates, and restock alerts.