Air Max 95

The Air Max 95 - a turning point in the AM legacy

For Nike, the 95 was a decisive move to gain new momentum among all the basketball shoes of the nineties and defend its place in the sportswear segment. With the Air Max 95, the sports giant managed to set fresh impulses and increase the importance of running shoes in the lifestyle sector. The kicks are considered a turning point in the history of the Air Max and a decisive milestone when it comes to the success of the sneaker series. Here we reveal what's so different about the Nike 95 and which models should not be missing from any sneaker collection!

A fresh start

The Air Max series was launched in 1987, when Tinker Hatfield - inspired by the Centre Pompidou in Paris - created a silhouette with the visible Air unit and typical retro design that was to become one of the most successful of the Swoosh. After being in charge of the AM for several years, Nike wanted to bring a breath of fresh air to the model range with the 95. Sergio Lozano not only provided a breath of fresh air, but also created an icon with his design.

The designer previously worked for the ACG category of Nike and brought this experience to the Air Max range. He originally developed the 95 Kick for runners who were taller and stronger and therefore needed a shoe that would provide them with maximum cushioning even on hard impacts. The anatomical design of the shoe, especially the lacing system reminiscent of the ribcage and the sole curved like a spine, demanded absolute top performance from the development team. For example, the multi-layer suede upper had to be sewn in such a way that it provided maximum support and sufficient flexibility at the same time. The eyelets of the quick lacing system also had to be positioned in such a way that they kept the fit of the shoe constant and thus ensured safety.

The design of the Nike 95 was an all-round carefree package: Lozano designed the midsole in black for the first time so that the shoe wouldn't look too dirty after the running session. Thanks to details like this, Nike managed to successfully establish the silhouette and make it one of the most successful sneakers in the Air Max range.

Anatomy as a recipe for success

Any sneakerhead with a penchant for design is in the right place with the Air Max 95: the innovative idea of the overall design, the visible Air unit in the forefoot, the panel construction in the upper and the fade in the colorway make the shoe a real style revolution. With his futuristic elements, Sergio Lozano was way ahead of his time and therefore a fitting successor to Tinker Hatfield, who was previously responsible for the series.

Lozano wanted to create something new with his design and used the human anatomy as a source of inspiration. The overlapping panels of the upper represent muscle fibers, while the nylon eyelets for the laces are reminiscent of ribs. The midsole forms the framework of the shoe and creates stability and support - just like the wearer's spine. The midsole is not only curved in a special way, but also has two other new features: firstly, it also shows the Air technology in the forefoot, and secondly, the Nike 95 was the first shoe with a black sole - an absolute first for the time!

The color gradient of the upper is a tribute to Lozano's ACG time at Nike and stands for the different rock layers of the Grand Canyon. The wavy arrangement of the individual color layers further emphasizes this colour gradient. The branding on the sneaker has been kept subtle so as not to distract from the rest of the design: only a small Swoosh on the heel shows the Nike branding. Nothing more is needed, as the Kick is truly unique and is considered an icon in the history of sneakers.

Hyped versions of the 95

Like the other models in the range, the Nike 95 is not only a real added value for athletes, but also for almost any outfit. Whether casually with a hoodie or as a cool highlight for the office - this kick brings that extra bit of sportiness. The colorways also offer you maximum flexibility for your outfit: for example, the White Royal adds a touch of elegance, the SE Grey/Volt brings more sportiness to your outfit and colorways such as the Vivid Purple in the Moire JCRD version make for an absolute eye-catcher. Like other models, the Nike Air Max 95 is not true to size, but slightly smaller. So if you want to wear your kicks as comfortably as usual, we recommend choosing half a size larger.

In addition to the OG version, there are now various models and some cool collabs, for example with Kim Jones. We present the most popular variants here!

Air Max 95 Essential

The Essential remains true to the anatomical alignment of the basic design, while appearing similarly compact and solid. As a result, it provides ideal support with plenty of comfort thanks to the Air technology on the forefoot and in the heel area. The lacing system provides additional support and stability like a human ribcage. The Air Max 95 Essential is equipped with a breathable mesh upper, which is partially covered with synthetic and leather, so that the runner also feels comfortable on long distances. In addition to optimum support, the sneaker also guarantees flexibility - thanks to the foam midsole with flexible grooves. Overall, the Essential is a small facelift to the OG version and is therefore one of the classics.

Air Max 95 Premium

The Premium also retains the basic features of the design, but looks much more refined than the OG version. The main reason for this is the materials used and their mix. For example, Nike uses a suede around the forefoot for the Premium Grain/Coconut Milk and a kind of canvas and suede overlay on the sides. The tongue of the shoe is made of canvas and the laces are reminiscent of ropes. Such material mixes are typical of the sneaker. The premium version of the Air Max 95 in white, for example, features a snakeskin-look leather paired with other materials.

Air Max 95 Ultra

The Ultra is slightly more delicate than the other versions, giving it a more modern and sporty look. Most noticeable are the thinner midsole and lack of seams on the upper, which gives it a slimmer look. The upper is a mix of mesh, leather and synthetic, while the sole is also made of synthetic. The thinner sole accentuates the air unit even more and ensures maximum cushioning and comfort. The Swoosh is also attached to the side in this version and the Air Max logo adorns the heel.

The Air Max range has been something very special from the very beginning, not least because of the style and expertise of designers Tinker Hatfield and Sergio Lozano. Although the signatures of the two designers could not be more different, it was always clear that their sneakers belonged to the Air Max family - and that is absolutely high art. The reason for this is the strong foundation of the Air Max range, which is recognizable in every silhouette. At the same time, they have developed the shoe further with each silhouette and given each release its absolute justification.

As the successor to Tinker Hatfield, Lozano had big shoes to fill. However, he not only managed to fill them, but also left his very own footprint at Nike with the Air Max 95.