A-COLD-WALL*'s main draw may well be its architecturally-inspired clothing line but there's no denying that founder Samuel Ross has never shied away from flexing his design muscles with ACW's collaborative footwear. The brand's latest collaborative shoes bring in Nike for a striking transformation of the classic Air Max Plus, AKA the Air Max TN 98.
A-COLD-WALL*'s Air Max Plus shoes keep in line with previous ACW* Nikes; from afar, the trio may even look like a general release pack.
Focusing on the details shows that each of Air Max Plus sneakers – “Platinum Tint”, “Black” and "Blue" – feature a premium leather construction and square cut-outs on the side panels. Throughout, you'll find ACW* branding touches, while the shoe's iconic veins take on an embossed finish, almost as if the shoe is shrouded in cloth.
A-COLD-WALL*'s Air Max Plus collection drops September 12 on ACW*'s website before the collaborative Nike shoes see a wider global release on September 21 for £200 (about $250).
Only the white and black ACW* x Nike Air Max TN 98 shoes drop in September, though; A-COLD-WALL*'s striking blue Nike Air Maxes don't have an official release date just yet.
However, secondhand sites list the blue ACW* x Nike AM Plus as dropping in February 2024 so... mark your calendars, apparently.
This isn't the first time that designer Samuel Ross has tried his hand with a classic Nike sneaker. In fact, he's found huge success tinkering with the Swoosh's most-beloved styles.
From the Nike Air Force 1 to the Zoom Vomero 5, A-COLD-WALL*'s brutalist tastes have brought a rugged edge to Nike that's hard not to love. While it's typically strayed far from flamboyance, ACW has struck a hard line with detail and texture, essentially elevating otherwise minimal finishes.
From bag brands like Eastpak to even the most niche footwear labels, everyone wants a piece of A-COLD-WALL*. You'd be forgiven for thinking that ACW* specializes in collabs, really, given just how many team-ups the British label takes part in.
But the main source of co-branded creativity for ACW* comes from the feet.
Every sneaker institution of relevance has clamored for the sign-off of Ross' name, with some allowing the craft of original creations while others merely desire that A-COLD-Wall* reinvention flavor. Whether a Timberland 6-inch Boot, Converse, Dr. Martens, or a wide array of flagship sneakers from Nike, one thing remains true: Samuel Ross achieves excellence through detail.
This article was first published on May 23, 2023, and updated on September 12.
