OG colorway = The very first color scheme published on a silhouette. Here: The Nike Air Max 95 'Neon'.
So that you understand what I'm going to talk about all the time and why this shoe is so special, it was important that you know what an OG colorway is. Because today we are dedicated to a legend from the last decade, the 20th century - the Air Max 95 and its very first colorway 'Neon'. Because this one has some cool stories in store and celebrates another re-release this year in autumn! It is unfortunately not known yet, when exactly the re-release will be. But we'll give you some cool insights into the history of this shoe while you wait and of course there are even more pictures. And when it's time for the re-release, you'll find out about it with us!
The direct descendant of Tinker Hatfield
If you don't know Tinker Hatfield, you definitely need to catch up on your homework. He is a pioneer in sneaker history who gave us incredible and iconic silhouettes. Several Air Max models were designed by the architect and still impress millions of people around the world. But if you think that ALL Air Max models are really from his hand, you are wrong. In 1994 Hatfield puts his responsibility in the hands of Sergio Lozano. He is also the main responsible for the popular design of the Nike Air Max 95 'Neon'.
The human anatomy as inspiration
A fact that even I didn't know before: The design of the Air Max 95 Silhouette is based on the human body!
The lacing system found its inspiration by the human costal arch. The outsole by the spine and the mesh and suede upper material got a look like the human muscle fibers. Crazy and yet so cool. The fact that the shoe, like a work of art, is inspired by a theme that is actually completely foreign to it!
The 'Neon' colorway of the Air Max 95 in focus
Let's take a look at the special color scheme of this Air Max. Grey and black tones with neon yellow accents. Could be lucky that everything here harmonizes so well. But no! Of course there is an idea behind it!
Lozano was inspired by the fact that the joggers and runners in Beaverton (the birthplace of Nike in Oregon, USA) usually had to exercise their sport in rainy weather and their shoes always got wet. This weather situation literally drowned the design and the colorway in water. You probably know this yourself when the edges of the entire shoe turn darker when wet and the outsole gets dirty from mud. That's why the black midsole is used to conceal this dirt and the dark grey upper which becomes lighter towards the top. The neon colors were part of Nike's running history before the Air Max 95 'Neon'. This color provides maximum contrast to highlight key design features and air units. "Let's use colors to accentuate the technologies and some of the functional elements we want to bring to the shoe," Lozano says.
The design of the shoe that started in 1995 ensures that the Air Max 95 will be on the market long after its 25th anniversary this year. We are really looking forward to this re-release and are very excited to see if this shoe will be available in the original box from 1995.
You're not following us on Instagram yet? Well, hurry up! There you'll always get the latest news about releases first. Also, we've been preparing some pretty cool stuff lately, which we'll present to you soon! Be curious! ❤️