The stars and stripes might be the symbol of American patriotism, but for sneakerheads, there’s another color combination that evokes a powerful sense of national pride: red, white, navy blue, and metallic gold. This quartet of hues has become synonymous with the United States’ presence on the international sporting stage, immortalized by iconic sneakers like the Air Jordan 7 and the Air Force 180 worn by the legendary 1992 Dream Team.
This patriotic colorway hasn’t been reserved for basketball shoes alone. It’s graced numerous silhouettes over the years, finding a particularly memorable home on an OG Air Max Plus released during the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Now, in 2024, that very same combination of colors is making a triumphant return, adorning the ever-popular Nike VaporMax Plus.
The Nike VaporMax Plus “Olympic” is a meticulously crafted homage to a classic. The upper boasts a deep midnight navy as the base, allowing the vibrant metallic gold accents to truly pop. Hits of red strategically placed throughout the shoe, particularly on the mudguard and the Swoosh, inject a dose of energy and tie the entire design together.
The VaporMax Plus “Olympic” stays true to its source of inspiration, even incorporating a translucent tongue tag that mirrors the one found on the original Air Max Plus. The visible Air Max unit nestled within the chunky midsole remains unchanged, offering the same level of comfort and cutting-edge cushioning technology that has made the VaporMax Plus a favorite among sneaker enthusiasts.
Originally released in early 2019, the Nike VaporMax Plus “Olympic” recently received a restock on Nike.com, albeit with a slightly increased price tag of $210.
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