A sneaker that needs no introduction, the Nike Air Max 95. It is one of the most iconic silhouettes in the Air Max series and a cultural symbol in streetwear and hip-hop scenes.
Curious about how the sneaker became such a success and how the model changed the sneaker industry? Keep reading to find out. We'll also answer the most frequently asked questions in our famous Sneaker FAQ!
The History of the Nike Air Max 95
As the name suggests, the iconic silhouette made its debut in 1995. But to understand the design of this sneaker, we need to take a step back in time to the year 1990. It was in this year that Nike appointed Sergio Lozano to design a new running shoe. He had previously worked on various training, tennis, and ACG items for the Swoosh Brand.
During an interview for the 20th anniversary of the Air Max 95, Lozano revealed that his goal in the design process was to create something that Nike and the rest of the world had never seen before. He also kept in mind what Tinker Hatfield always emphasized when working on other projects: "Okay, that's a great design, but what's the story behind it?"
First sketch of the design
Ironically, Lozano found inspiration for his first sketch on a rainy day in Beaverton, Oregon, where Nike's headquarters are located. He looked across the lake at the trees and began imagining the process of rain eroding the earth. He thought it would be interesting if the perfect product was revealed through erosion.
Furthermore, he drew inspiration from the anatomy of the human body. Shapes of human muscles and vertebrae can be found in the design. The final Air Max 95 features layered panels on the upper that resemble muscle fibers and flesh, a heel that mimics a spinal column, a midsole that reflects the spine, a gradient that resembles the geological stripes of eroded rock walls, and lastly, nylon eyelets shaped like ribs.
Thought behind the first colorway
Lozano wanted to minimize the appearance of dirt, mud, and wear that the shoe would inevitably acquire over time and use. That's why he preferred to use a gray gradient, even after they told him it would not sell! Additionally, he wanted to use colors to emphasize the technology and functional aspects. The original design intended for larger, more powerful runners who demanded maximum cushioning.
Another distinctive aspect is the neon yellow accents. This neon "Volt" is a nod to Nike's racing kits that featured bright colors. Since then, it has become an iconic color theme that is regularly reused for other silhouettes.
Introduced in 1995, the Air Max 95, where it all began, will, in our opinion, continue to live on for a long time.
The Ultimate Nike Air Max 95 FAQ
The Air Max sneaker is true to size. Therefore, we recommend taking your own size. If your feet are on the wider side, you may consider ordering a half size larger.
Want to know more about how different sneakers fit? Check out our complete Sizing Guide!
The best ways to lace your Nike Air Max include using the under and over method and lacing up to the second-to-top eyelet.
You can purchase the Nike Air Max series from Nike or selected sneaker retailers. You can easily discover all the colorways, sneaker retailers, and available sizes through our sneaker search engine!
Additionally, you can stay informed about all upcoming Nike releases (and more) through our Sneakerjagers website or app.
The Air Max 95 is already a statement on its own, so we don't recommend trying too hard when it comes to styling. With this Air Max, it's better to let the sneaker speak for itself. Due to its character, we suggest wearing it mainly in a casual style, for example, with a tracksuit or joggers. But that doesn't mean you can't look great with shorts!
Looking for additional outfit inspiration for styling your sneakers with clothing? Check out our other style guides!
The Nike sneaker is also known as the Air Max '110' because they used to cost 110 pounds (now 130 pounds).
If you want to keep your pair of Air Max 95 clean, you can regularly remove dust and dirt. You can do this with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Afterward, let your shoes dry at room temperature and avoid direct sunlight. It's also recommended to spray them with a protective spray to make them water- and dirt-resistant.
Do not put the Air Max 95 in the washing machine! This will prevent damage to the material and quality.
Technically, you can use the Air Max for sports such as basketball, running, and hiking. However, the design is more focused on style and comfort, making them less suitable for these activities compared to modern sports shoes.
No, the Nike Air Max is not a slip-resistant shoe. This is not stated on the label or the box they come in. Shoes, boots, and other types of footwear have different labels indicating whether they are slip-resistant or not. However, Air Max shoes have excellent grip and traction, making them suitable for a wide range of activities.
With its additional Air Unit, the Air Max 95 definitely offers more cushioning than its predecessors. However, since the release, there have been many advancements in sneaker technology, so it is not currently the most comfortable pair on the market. Another consideration is the design of the heel's spine, which can feel a bit stiff at first and may take a few wears to become more flexible. That being said, the sneaker will certainly keep you comfortable throughout the day. Additionally, due to its thick sole, it's the perfect shoe for people looking for a little extra height, providing an additional 1.4 centimeters of height.
We hope that we have provided you with new insights into the Nike Air Max 95 and answered all your questions. Would you also like to know more about other sneaker models? Find your favorite sneaker in the Sneaker FAQ overview!