Nike Air Max 95

The Nike Air Max 95 is a widely-recognizable, popular sneaker from NIKE, Inc. As its name suggests, the silhouette debuted in 1995.

Designed by Sergio Lozano, whose earliest design work for the Swoosh consisted of Tennis, Training, and ACG products, the model was a visual departure from previous silhouettes in the Air Max line. And intentionally so. Given the success of Michael Jordan’s Air Jordan collection, basketball was NIKE, Inc.’s primary focus throughout the ’90s. In trying to reclaim some of the momentum that Tinker Hatfield created with the Air Max 1, Nike’s Running design team encouraged Lozano to take a risk and have fun with what would become the Air Max 95. In an interview for the sneaker’s 20th Anniversary, Lozano shared that the goal in designing the model was to create something Nike – and by extension, the world – hadn’t seen before.

Ironically, the earliest sketch of the shoe was inspired by the scenery outside the window of Lozano’s office in the Michael Jordan building on Nike’s campus – a sight he turned to on a near-daily basis. In envisioning what a product would look like if it were unearthed by erosion, Lozano began sketching a sneaker with striations like those on the walls of the Grand Canyon. Human anatomy also found its way into the silhouette’s DNA, as the layered panels are both reminiscent of muscle fibers and flesh and connected to a spine-like heel.

While Lozano was a fan of his creation after mulling over the design’s “Why?”, some individuals at the Swoosh opposed the earliest version of the Air Max 95. For starters, it had none-to-little Swoosh branding. Other concerns included the first-ever visible Air window in the forefoot, unconventional layered gradient, and black outsole. Ultimately, Lozano’s design was green-lit, but ran into production-related issues because of the 3M™ Scotchlite™ accents on its upper and forefoot Air Max unit.

Since 1995, the silhouette has undergone both minor and major updates, dressed up in hundreds of colorways, and become a cult-classic across Europe and Asia. Yet, the most beloved release has been the original Air Max 95. Clad in “Black/Volt/Medium Ash/Dark Pewter”, the debut colorway received some pushback pre-production, but went on to define the bold color palettes of the era. Though demand has never waned for in-line Air Max 95 releases, the silhouette is receiving special attention in 2024, with the “Atlanta” Air Max 95 and a Corteiz collaboration slated for this year.

Pricing for the Air Max 95 varies between size and type of release, with standard pairs for adults usually retailing for $160 USD. Quick Strike, special, and collaborative releases typically range between $170 USD and $190 USD. Kids’ pairs sell for between $65 USD (Toddler) and $140 USD (Grade School).

Shopping Links

Nike Air Max 95

Nike Adds Light Purple Accents To The Air Max 95

Much like McDonald’s — as well as the entirety of TikTok — Nike, too, is wishing Grimace a very happy birthday, adding purple accents all...

By Sneaker News June 30, 2023
6727

“Pure Purple” Returns To The Nike Air Max 95

Currently in its 28th year, the Nike Air Max 95 continues to play an important role in the brand’s lineup of products. Recently, the iconic...

By Jovani Hernandez June 23, 2023
14093

The Nike Air Max 95 Heats Up With “Picante Red” Flavor

Currently in its 28th year, the Nike Air Max 95 continues to deliver refreshing takes on one of the brand’s most iconic designs of the...

By Jovani Hernandez June 6, 2023
8722

Jewel Swooshes Add Some Dark Navy Flair To The Nike Air Max 95

Most notably attributed to the Nike Air Force 1, Jewel Swooshes have begun to spring up across the Beaverton brand’s ever-expansive lifestyle offerings. Recently, the...

By Jared Ebanks May 19, 2023
6040

The Nike Air Max 95 Ultra Returns In “Grey/Photo Blue”

The Nike Air Max 95 Ultra has been in and out of relevancy over the last decade. Recently, the modified version of Sergio Lozano’s iconic...

By Jovani Hernandez May 13, 2023
6413

The Nike Air Max Ultra Reserves Its Grey And Red Accents

For nearly eight years, the Nike Air Max 95 Ultra has provided a successful renovation of the classic Sergio Lozano design. Following a lengthy hiatus...

By Jared Ebanks May 6, 2023
3977

Nike Crafts IDK F&F Exclusive Air Max 97 And Air Max 95 In Honor Of Fourth Studio Album

Hot off the heels of an electric performance at Coachella, IDK is keeping the ball rolling with his fourth studio album: “F65.” And in honor...

By Sneaker News May 4, 2023
5645

“Track Red” Details Animate This Nike Air Max 95

The Nike Air Max 95 isn’t currently celebrating a milestone anniversary, but it’s taken the first four months of 2023 to flex its creative muscles....

By Jovani Hernandez April 21, 2023
6712

Dark Red Shades Contrast This Pitch-Dark Nike Air Max 95

Routinely maintaining a steady flow of releases, the Nike Air Max 95 remains a key fixture within the Beaverton brand’s lifestyle archives. Recently, the Sergio...

By Jared Ebanks April 20, 2023
10068