Alright, let’s talk about these Air Max Plus Drift sneakers. I gotta share what went down when I decided to grab a pair.
So, I’ve been seeing these pop up online, you know? Pictures everywhere. I remember the original Air Max Plus, the TNs, everyone had those back then, or wanted ’em. These ‘Drift’ ones looked… different. Kinda bulkier, with this extra cage thing going on. Looked tough, almost like armor. Curiosity got the better of me, simple as that. Had to see what they were actually like on foot.
Getting them wasn’t super straightforward. My usual spots were sold out of my size, which is always annoying. You see something you kinda want, then suddenly everyone wants it. Typical. Scrolled around online for a bit, found a pair eventually. Didn’t get ripped off too bad on the price, but still paid a little extra. Clicked ‘buy’, waited for the package.
First Look and Feel
Box arrived, standard Nike stuff. Pulled them out. Yeah, they definitely look chunkier in person than the regular TNs. That extra wavy TPU cage covers more of the upper. It’s a look, for sure. Picked ’em up, felt kinda solid, maybe a bit heavier than I expected.
Slipped them on. First impression? Stiff. Definitely stiffer than I remember the originals being. That extra plastic overlay probably adds to the rigid feel right out of the box. The fit was alright, true to size for me, but they just didn’t have that immediate slipper-like comfort some sneakers have. Felt like they’d need some breaking in.
Wearing Them Out
Decided to take them for a proper spin. Just wore them for a day running errands, walking around town. Here’s the breakdown:
- The Walk: Honestly, felt a bit clunky at first. That extra bulk? You notice it when you’re moving. Took some getting used to. They’re not heavy like boots, but they don’t feel as nimble as other Air Max models I own.
- Comfort Update: After a few hours, they did loosen up a bit. The stiffness eased, and the Air unit felt decent, like you’d expect from an Air Max. But are they the most comfortable sneakers ever? Nah. They’re okay, wearable for a day, but not something I’d choose for maximum cushion.
- The Look Factor: They get noticed. Had a couple of people look down, you could see them clocking the shoes. They make a statement, definitely bolder than the regular TNs. That aggressive design stands out.
- The “Drift” Bit: That extra cage thing… I guess it’s supposed to look like shifted sand or something? Visually, it’s the main difference. Functionally? Maybe adds a tiny bit of support, but mostly feels like it’s there for the aesthetic, to make it look more rugged or different.
So, after actually wearing them around, living with them a bit? They’re alright. They look cool, very distinct style. If you love that aggressive, caged look, they deliver that 100%. But the whole experience wasn’t mind-blowing for me.
Bottom line: I tried them, experienced the whole ‘Drift’ thing. They look tough, feel a bit stiff initially, and offer decent comfort after breaking in. Glad I checked them out, but they haven’t become my go-to pair. They spend more time on the shoe rack than on my feet, if I’m being honest. If you dig the look, go for it. If you’re purely after that classic TN feel and comfort, maybe stick with the original Air Max Plus. Just my two cents from actually putting them through their paces.