We crossed paths with a pair of Nike Air Max Plus Terrascape this week so we could not miss the chance to check it out and review its features. This is the first sneaker in the Terrascape series that debuted in 2021. It is part of Nike’s “Move to Zero” campaign where sneakers are made of at least 20% recycled materials by weight. Moreover, the sneakers in this series are also more modern, updated versions of classics. Within the past couple of years the Air Max 90 and 97 joined the Terrascape club with new versions that quickly gained traction among sneakerheads. The Terrascape is, in essence , another spin-off of the classic, much like the Vapormax Plus. The Air Max Plus was created by Sean McDowell , the one who also came up with the Air Max Kukini model.
The pair we came across is the Nike Air Max Plus Terrascape in off noir, pink and purple that went recently on sale. They came in the “Move to Zero” box that Nike’s been using quite a bit lately on some of their models. Out of the box they look like a very solid pair that will last. They are a bit heavy, for sure heavier than the Air Max Plus OG. This is likely due to the extra upper caging that is a new take on this design.I was happy to notice that they are not as narrow as the old version which is certainly something many did not like. Even if you have slightly wider feet you’ll still feel comfortable in these without having to go a half size up. They fit true to size overall. If you are not sure about your size check out the Nike shoes size chart here.
Upper
The upper has a thick mesh layer as a base with a big TPU midfoot cage over it. While the overall idea of the wavy design is still there, it is certainly applied differently than the original. While adding some weight, this new design makes it feel more solid and adds more stability and a more lockdown fit. While the OG seems more fragile, a pair that you feel you need to take care of so you won’t destroy them, the Nike Air Max Plus Terrascape seems more of an everyday shoe that you can wear all day, every day. The change of the patented mudguard with the suede material is surely another move that supports this point of view. The sneakers feature a TPU heel cage from the same material as the mid cage adding more support. There is plenty of padding in the tongue and heel area for optimal comfort. During this Nike Air Max Plus Terrascape review we noted how much a person on a heavy side who needs extra support could benefit from these.
Sole Unit
The sole unit features the Crater foam instead of the classic engineered EVA, much like we’ve seen at the Crater Impact model. This technology was introduced a few years back as a signature of the “Move to Zero” campaign. It is composed of Nike Grind material, TPU pieces and a combination of Nike’s traditional EVA foams. The result is a soft midsole with excellent support. The look is not a favorite for many and moreover Nike opted to place the “Crater Foam” lettering in the heel area which takes a bit away from its OG look. The same is with the TN logo being replaced by the TS or even the placement of the hidden Swoosh on the base mesh, all interesting pieces of design yet a hit or miss for many. The outsole is made of a rubber material that also contains recycled materials like the Crater does, only with a much more density. The result is a more cushioned midsole than the OG, something that many will appreciate.
Bottom Line
To conclude our Nike Air Max Plus Terrascape review, this is an excellent upgrade to the classic model. They are more welcoming in terms of fit, more cushioned and overall more durable. The $185 retail price may be a turn of but many colorways can be found on sale on different channels. It is a sneaker that you can wear everyday casually , one that will provide excellent support for long hours of wear. If you want a smoother design, however you can check out the On Cloudnova sneaker that delivers amazing comfort and it’s even a bit cheaper.
