Nike Air Max 95

Eight years after the arrival of the first Air Max 1, Nike launched the Air Max 95 in 1995. Immediately after the trainers were released, men immediately reacted positively. The Air Max 95 gained immense popularity among women by no other than Sporty Spice of the Spice Girls. Today, these trainers are one of the most popular streetwear-trainers. The timeless and fierce looks are clear and that’s why we tell you everything there is to know about the Nike Air Max 95.

The inspiration of the Nike Air Max 95

Designer Sergio Lozano had been working in the tennis segment for four years when he became head of the Nike Air department.  For the Air Max 95, he was inspired by nature. In Oregon (US), Lozano noticed how rain washed away soil and he wondered what that would look like on a pair of trainers. According to him, the perfect product would arise if it was excavated from erosion. The gradient pattern on the sides has similarities to the stripes on the walls of the Grand Canyon. 

Besides nature, the human body was also a source of inspiration for the Nike Air Max 95. Nike Air Max 1 designer, Tinker Hatfield, would always ask the question: ‘Great design, but what is your story?’ In a couple of anatomy books, Lozano found his answer. The complex interdependent working of the muscles and tendons served as a blueprint for the Nike Air Max 95’s upper. The designer translated the rib cage, which keeps the organs together in the human body, to a lacing system. The human vertebral column is reflected on the heel, which serves as the spine of the shoe.

The first release of the Nike Air Max 95

The name gives it away: the Nike Air Max 95 was first launched in 1995. For this first release, Sergio Lozano chose shades of grey together with neon yellow, bold colours that were very popular in the ‘90s. According to the designer, these colours accentuate the design and functionality of the shoe.

Nike Air Max was developed with a black sole for its first release. All previous Nike Air Max models had a white sole. Lozano went against all principles and was given a poor understanding of his decision. But his explanation made sense. During running, white soles get dirty in no time, while sand and mud splatter don’t show on black soles. 

Sergio Lozano did everything to maximize the design of the Nike Air Max 95. At first, he chose to omit the famous Nike Swoosh logo. In the ‘90s large brand logos dominated the streets and this was again a decision of the designer that was given little understanding. For the final release, Lozano added the Nike Swoosh to create more recognisability. He downsized the size of the Swoosh and put it into an unusual place.

The first release of the Nike Air Max 95 in the grey/neon colourway was honoured as one of the best trainers designs of 1995. The trainers have received universal acclaim for their design and functionality.

Characteristics of the Nike Air Max 95

The Air Max 95 is the very first pair of trainers of which the Air Unit is visible from both the heel and the front foot. Previously, the Air Unit was only visible on the back of the shoe. An Air Unit is an air-filled chamber that gives more cushioning and elasticity to the shoe. Because the Nike Air Max 95 has two chambers with air under the foot, the shoe shapes itself to the curve of your foot for extra comfort and a longer lifespan. 

Besides the Air Units, the sole consists of EVA foam. This is a lightweight rubber that protects the shoe from compression. The Nike Air Max 95 also has a waffle pattern on the sole’s bottom to give you extra grip.

For the upper, a texture of different layers was created. The upper consists of mesh, leather and synthetic materials and this combination provides perfect ventilation. A small Nike Swoosh can be found on the sides of the shoe. A modest colour was chosen for most versions.

Versions Nike Air Max 95

Nike Air Max 95 Ultra Jacquard

Designer Ben Yun revived the iconic Air Max 95. He did not change anything about the shoe base, but he changed a couple of details. The Ultra Jacquard edition has a one-piece jacquard upper and a Phylon air injected sole. This makes the special edition weigh 42,5 grams less than the original. Yun also decided on a Flywire fastener: a lace fastener that forms to your foot like tendons for extra support. 

Nike Air Max 95 Ultra SE

For the Ultra SE, Nike decided to change the design of the original Air Max 95 model. The trainers were given a slimmer silhouette, a continuous line and the weight dropped. The Ultra SW has many mesh details. Together with thinner synthetic material, this gives even more ventilation and comfort. Just like the original, the Ultra SE kept the two Air Units.

The popularity of the Nike Air Max 95

After its launch, the trainer gained popularity mainly in Europe and Asia. The Nike Air Max 95 was so popular in Japan, that in the subsequent year, 1996, a second-hand market for just this shoe arose. Back in 1995, the 95’s original price point was £110 GBP (approximately $142 USD). This was already more expensive than the previous Air Max, but in 1996 a second-hand pair of Nike Air Max 95 in the original neon version was sold for ten times more.

The shoe caused a commotion and not only in Japan. The hip hop community was crazy about these trainers as well. Artists like Eminem and Gucci Manse were instant fans and the Nike Air Max 95 is mentioned in various rap songs. The most famous one is ‘Hate it or love it’ in which The Game literally says: ‘I’ll kill you if you try me from my Air Max 95.’

Nike knows that Lozano’s 1995 design won public favour. The shoe had many unique characteristics that had not been used in previous Air Max models. The popularity of these trainers made Nike decide to inspire subsequent models of the Air Max collection on the Air Max 95. The Nike Air Max 96, 97, 98 and Plus all have characteristics you previously saw on the 95.

Criminal image of the Nike Air Max 95

Criminal organisations in the UK didn’t do much good for the image of the Air Max 95. These trainers are on top of the list of the most worn trainers by criminals.

Also in Japan criminal activities were linked to the Air Max 95. In Osaka, Japan, the very first national shoe theft occurred. The robbers, a group of teenagers, beat up three men, grabbed their cash and stole all the Nike Air Max 95.

Fun facts

• Since 1995, the Nike Air Max 95  in the original colourway has had ten re-releases. The colour composition, like it was introduced in 1995, maintains its popularity.
• The Nike Air Max 95 has been released in more than 150 colours. New colours were released only two years after these trainers made their debut.
• The Nike Air Max 95 is available in women’s, men’s and children’s sizes. The baby, kids and junior shoes have a slightly different look compared to the Air Max 95 in adult sizes. In children’s sizes, the Air Unit is only shown at the heel and has a continuous line.
• Tinker Hatfield, the designer of the worldwide famous Air Max 1, questioned the ’95 design. The former Nike designer thought that these trainers were not designed for running, mainly due to the wide nose.