The Nike Air Max 95. The most iconic sneaker ever?
Over 30 years old and standing the test of time. The legacy has officially reach legend status. From full-time collectors to casual sneakerheads, hype culture lives on with the Air Max 95.
Why? Let’s rewind the clocks to the year it arrived (it’s in the name).
1995. Nike designer Sergio Lozano broke every rule in the book when it came to old-school running shoes.
Multilayered panels, a blacked-out midsole and Air bubbles underfoot. This human anatomy-inspired silhouette is still as unique now as the first day it dropped.
In this guide, we’re running through the biggest Air Max 95 questions out there. So you can be prepped ahead of the next big release.
How much height do Air Max 95 add?
The Air Max 95 has always had an iconic sole, and it’s not just comfort it levels up. Down to its visible Air cushioning in the heel and forefoot, it typically adds around 3-4cm (1.2-1.5 inches) of height.
When we say visible Air cushioning, we’re talking about those eye-catching see-through bubbles you find in the midsole. Made for revolutionary comfort.
Originally built for running, these street icons have a thicker sole than most sneakers out there. In comparison to its Swoosh siblings from this decade, the Air Max 95 stands clear of the Air Max 90 and Air Max 97 – both at 3cm (1.2 inches).
If you picked up a pair of 95s that dropped in the 2000s, you might see and feel a small difference in height. Nike subtly reduced the AM95’s signature visible Air bubble size over time.
Are Air Max 95s suitable for wide feet?
The Air Max 95 can suit wider feet, but if your feet need extra room you might want to size up or pick a colourway with mesh uppers for extra flexibility.
- Mesh upper = more flexible
- Heavy suede/leather upper = more structured
From originals to retro releases, the sizing can differ due to factories, materials and methods changing over the 30+ years it’s been around.
And by ‘retro release’ we mean a modern reissue of older sneaker models, sometimes with new materials or an adapted design.
To get the levels of comfort expected with the Air Max 95, if you’ve got wide feet, we recommend going a half size up.
Why? Well, the Air Max 95 is known for its snug, close-to-foot fit. This intentional design by Lozano is based on the human anatomy design. The wavy layered upper is the muscles and the lacing system mimics the ribs. The speed-lace loops deliver fast yet adjustable lacing for a secure fit.
But, to be 100% sure, our advice is to lace up a pair in-store or check out the brand’s sizing on our online size guide, especially for limited-edition drops such as anniversary pairs.
Do Air Max 95s run true to size?
Most Air Max 95s run true to size, but some can differ in fit and cushioning from the 1995 originals. It truly depends on the release year or retro status of the shoe.
Those that are between size or prefer extra space benefit from sizing up.
Top tip: check sizing reviews to get a true sense of size from the sneaker community.
How to style Air Max 95?
Whether they’re part of your everyday rotation or are the standout sneaker in the line-up, the Air Max 95 has become a streetwear icon.
The AM95’s layered gradient and bold accents make them a go-to match for relaxed denim, tracksuits and graphic tees.
A statement-maker itself, they do the talking. Start with crew-length socks that match the colourway.
For men, colour block tracksuits tap into the retro theme. While laidback fleece such as shorts, joggers and oversized hoodies never fails.
For women, denim midi-skirts or flared track pants give the Air Max 95s their spotlight.
Need more styling options? Follow us on the socials @jdsports and @jdwomen to get regular refreshes on Air Max 95 fits.
Where can I buy the latest Air Max 95?
We’re not called the Home of the 95 for no reason.
The hottest colourways, collabs and exclusive Air Max 95 drops are all right here at JD Sports.
Online and in select stores, we’ve got you and the full family covered with limited edition releases.
Plus, free delivery on your haul makes the next pair of 95s even sweeter.
Not got the JD app? It’s where it’s at. Download it now and keep your notifications switched on to stay in the loop on all things Nike Air Max 95. We’ll hit you up with news on every upcoming release and raffle.
With the Air Max 95 OG ‘Neon’ back and the ‘Pink Foam’ on its way, there’s even more coming to the Home of the 95 this season:
- Apple Pink (formerly Miami Vice)
- Apple Blue
- Fresh Mint
- Royal Blue
Air Max 95 history and cultural impact
First working on Nike ACG designs, when Lozano turned his attention to the Air Max 95, you could see his influence. Sleek yet sturdy, the Air Max 95 is instantly recognisable.
The human anatomy elements run down all the way to the outsole, which features a segmented pattern resembling the spine.
Its first release in the ‘Neon’ colourway has been the flagbearer for style and innovation ever since. The recent OG ‘Neon’ rerelease took the headlines like no other sneaker out there.
When it first dropped, there was initial pushback because of the radical design. By the turn of the millennium, they had disrupted the running game so much so that the biggest artists and companies wanted to collab with Nike on the Air Max 95.
2003 arrives, and one of the earliest collabs with the AM95 was between Nike and atmos. A Tokyo-based retailer that stocks the biggest names in streetwear and fashion, atmos dropped the ‘Viotech’. Seen on both the 95 and Air Max 1, the Japanese retailer returned in 2006 with the ‘Beast’ – all out maximalism.
That same year, Nike linked with legendary Brooklyn-based graffiti artist Stash. As part of the ‘Artist Series’, the Air Max 95 featured a bold night-to-day transition. It was also the second instalment of the ‘Blue Pack’ drop.
Jump to 2015 and Nike wanted to celebrate the 20th birthday of the Air Max 95. Enter the ‘Greedy’. Named after its mashup of four iconic colourways: ‘Neon’, ‘Safety Orange’, ‘Grape/Aqua’ and ‘Hot Red’, this one’s still talked about in the streetwear game.
Air Max 95 comfort and performance
From the track to the streets, the Nike Air Max 95 has brought Max Air cushioning to the masses.
While full-length Air cushioning and 360 units have been developed since, the Air Max 95 was the first sneaker to add visible units to the forefoot. That’s a whole lot of bounce and comfort.
Like we said earlier, Nike subtly decreased the size of the Air units in the 2000s before bringing back the OG ‘big bubble’ editions recently. So when you grab a pair, there may be a small difference in the comfort and cushioning levels. Keep an eye out.
Underneath the revolutionary units, flex grooves in the outsole create natural movement for that running-inspired transition from heel to toe. Nike heritage never stops.
Caring for your Air Max 95
You’ve got your pair of AM95s. How are you keeping them fresh? Whether you’re a collector or repping them on the daily, this step-by-step guide keeps them looking box fresh.
1. Clean the mesh and suede panels gently using a mild solution and soft brush
2. When drying, place them out of direct sunlight or heat sources (radiator), and stuff them with old newspaper or kitchen paper to hold the shape
3. Store back in the original box to maintain their value.
Get all your cleaning needs right here 👇
If you’re thinking of the resale value, keep the original tags and packaging for limited edition and OG Air Max 95s.
Grab your size
Ready to add a pair to your rotation? Shop the full collection of the Nike Air Max 95 at JD.
