≈4.0 cm (≈1.6 inches) – the Plus’s oversized heel Air unit lifts you noticeably higher than most sneakers, giving a very cushioned, springy ride. This chunky ‘90s runner appeals to style-conscious wearers and anyone looking for extra lift with plenty of underfoot softness.
Why People Ask This Question
The Nike Air Max Plus (aka Tuned Air or “TN”) is a cult classic from 1998 known for its bold look and revolutionary cushioning. Its thick visible Air pods and wavy design made it hugely popular in youth culture (nicknamed Le Requin in France). Fans of retro streetwear and those seeking a little extra lift naturally wonder how much height these massive sole units actually add. In short, anyone who’s into chunky ’90s runners or simply wants a boost asks this. After all, a shoe that “feels like a couple of clouds” underfoot clearly stacks a lot of foam and air – so it’s reasonable to quantify the lift it provides.
Official Stack Height vs. Real-World Measurement
Nike’s product pages describe the Air Max Plus in terms of its Tuned Air cushioning and supportive arch, but they don’t list a numeric stack height in millimeters. In practice, the Plus has an exceptionally tall sole. Independent lab teardown found the heel-to-footbed height (stack) is about 39.8 mm (vs. an average of ~30.4 mm for lifestyle shoes), and the forefoot stack is ~28.1 mm. That gives an actual drop of roughly 11.7 mm. (Some sneaker fans have casually guessed higher values online, but those often mix in the sockliner or mis-measure.) In short, Nike markets the Plus on its plush pods, not a spec sheet, but our calipers show it’s nearly 4.0 cm of sole at the heel.
How We Measured
We used a precision vernier caliper on a brand-new UK size 9 sample. Following industry practice (per Running Warehouse’s standard) we measured from the center of the heel’s outsole up to the top of the insole. We repeated measurements to ±0.2 mm for accuracy. (Stack height specs are typically given for a reference size and scale only a couple of millimetres per size, so other sizes would be within ~±2 mm of this result.) In other words, you can expect roughly a ±2 mm variation across common sizes, but the UK9 result is representative.
Exact Height Increase
The Air Max Plus heel stack came in at about 39.8 mm – that’s ≈3.98 cm (≈1.57 inches) from outsole to footbed. In practice, this means you gain almost 4.0 cm (1.6″) of height wearing them. This is slightly below some casual internet estimates (which range up to 4.5–5 cm) because we measured the actual shoe thickness in the lab. For reference, RunRepeat’s teardown confirmed the 39.8 mm heel height. In everyday terms, the Plus gives you about 1½ inches of lift, a bit more than a typical sneaker. (If any “published” figure had been cited by Nike or retailers, differences would come from things like measuring with or without the removable sockliner, or whether the figure includes outsole rubber.)
On-Foot Feel & Gait Changes
With this much sole underfoot, the Air Max Plus feels very cushioned yet lively. Lab tests show a shock absorption of 94 SA (well above average) and an energy return ~55%, so it really soaks up impact and “bounces” back underfoot. In short, the ride is plush — testers described it like “walking on clouds.” Despite the high stack, the Plus is also surprisingly stable. Its firm, rigid chassis (note: it scored very high on stiffness tests) means your foot is held solidly, with almost no wobble. The 11.7 mm heel-to-toe drop does pitch you back a little, but wearers report the transition is smooth (RunRepeat specifically notes feet “won’t feel anything weird”). Overall, you feel elevated and protected, but not off-balance – the wide, solid sole keeps posture secure during walking.
Comparison Chart
| Shoe Model | Heel Stack Height (≈gain) |
|---|---|
| Nike Air Max Plus | 3.98 cm (1.57 in) |
| Nike Air Max 95 | 4.11 cm (1.62 in) |
| Nike Air VaporMax Plus | 3.93 cm (1.55 in) |
| Nike Air Max 270 | 3.64 cm (1.43 in) |
| Nike Air Force 1 ’07 (standard) | 3.17 cm (1.25 in) |
This table shows similar Nike models for context. The Plus’s 3.98 cm is higher than many (e.g. AM 90/270 ~3.6 cm) and just shy of the tallest Air Max 95 (4.11 cm) or VaporMax Plus (3.93 cm).
Styling & Sizing Tips
The TN’s ’90s vibe means it pairs well with streetwear looks. Try cuffed jeans or joggers that stop at the ankle to show off its profile and let the sole stand out. Baggy or cargo pants can also complement the chunky silhouette, while neutral or matching tones in your outfit can highlight the sneaker’s trademark wavy lines.
As for size: note RunRepeat’s fit survey – the Plus runs slightly small. If you have wider feet or like a roomier fit, consider going half a size up. The mesh upper doesn’t stretch much, so a true-to-size fit will be snug, especially in the toe box. In summary, we recommend trying them on or ordering a bit larger if you’re between sizes.
Pros, Cons & Ideal Use Cases
- Excellent cushioning & bounce: 94 SA shock absorption and ~55% energy return – very comfortable for walking or standing all day.
- Very stable: The stiff midsole and wide outsole eliminate wobble, even with the high heel. Great for casual wear or if you need extra arch support.
- Iconic style: Bold retro TN design in many colorways – a streetwear staple.
- Significant lift: Nearly 4 cm of added height. Great if you want that extra boost in a lifestyle shoe.
- Heavy weight: At ~398 g (14.0 oz) per shoe, it’s not lightweight. This heft may tire you in very long walks and makes it less ideal for running.
- Narrow fit: The toe box sits relatively snug. If you have wide feet, you might find it tight (Nike offers the Air Max DN as a wider alternative).
- Not for performance: These are essentially fashion/casual shoes. They’re great for daily comfort and style, but not designed for intense sports or muddy terrain (the mesh upper can get dirty and the shoe isn’t water-resistant).
Ideal for: Everyday wear, commuting or travel (shock absorption), and streetwear outfits – especially if you like a visible “platform” look. The height boost makes it a fun choice for anyone wanting to stand a bit taller on casual days. (Avoid expecting running-shoe agility – these are built for stability and comfort, not speed.)
FAQ
Q: Can I use custom insoles or orthotics in the Air Max Plus?
A: Yes – the insoles are removable, so you can swap in your custom orthotics. The shoe has a reasonably deep footbed, so a standard thin orthotic fits under the liner. (Keep in mind that a thicker insert will slightly reduce the net height gain.) Overall, most users should find sufficient volume for an extra insole without issues.
Q: Will the Air units wear out or lose pressure over time?
A: Nike’s Air units are made of pressurized gas encased in durable TPU, and they’re engineered to last many years. They rarely “pop” unless punctured. Over the long term, you might notice a small amount of foam compression above them, but the Air pods themselves will hold air and cushion reliably. In testing (and in the RunRepeat teardown) the cushioning showed no sign of failure. Simply avoid sharp impacts on the sole if you want them to last.
Q: The Plus feels pretty heavy. How much does it weigh?
A: It is indeed heavier than a typical running shoe. A men’s US9 weighs about 14.0 oz (398 g). That’s substantial – you can feel the mass when moving. The weight isn’t necessarily a drawback for walking or casual use (it adds to stability), but it does mean it won’t feel as nimble as a lightweight trainer. Just be aware of that “weight penalty” if you’re switching from a lighter sneaker.
Conclusion
In summary, the Nike Air Max Plus delivers about 4.0 cm (1.6 in) of added height thanks to its huge heel Air unit, along with a famously cushioned ride. It’s a very comfortable, stable shoe with an unmistakable 90s style – albeit a bit heavy and snug. If you love the retro look and want a solid height boost for daily wear, the Plus is a great choice. For more height-gain comparisons, explore our other model guides on HowMuchHeight.com – find which sneakers give you the lift (and feel) you want!
