Everything you should know about the Nike Air Max 95

All about the Nike Air Max 95

The iconic Air Max 95 first hit the scene in 1995. But to truly understand the design of this sneaker, we need to rewind to 1990. That’s when Nike brought in Sergio Lozano to create a new running shoe. Up until then, he’d worked on various training, tennis, and ACG products for the brand.

Lozano set out to design something the world (and Nike) had never seen before. He also kept in mind a key principle often highlighted by Tinker Hatfield during other projects: “Okay, that’s a great design, but what’s the story behind it?”

His initial inspiration came on a rainy day in Beaverton, Oregon, home to Nike’s headquarters. Looking out across the lake towards the trees, he imagined how rain gradually erodes the earth, revealing what lies beneath. That idea sparked a concept: what if the perfect product was revealed through erosion? This vision can be seen in the sneaker’s gradient upper, which mimics the layered striations of eroded rock formations.

He also took inspiration from human anatomy. Elements of muscles and vertebrae are echoed throughout the design. The finished Air Max 95 showcases layered panels on the upper that resemble muscle fibres and flesh, a heel that mirrors a spinal column, a midsole that reflects the spine, and nylon eyelets shaped like ribs.

For the original colorway, Lozano aimed to reduce the visibility of dirt, mud, and general wear that the sneaker would naturally pick up over time. That’s why he opted for a grey gradient upper paired with a black sole.

Another standout feature was the bold neon yellow detailing. This distinctive ‘Volt’ colour was a nod to Nike’s racing kits, which often incorporated bright, high-visibility hues.

The colour palette was designed to highlight the sneaker’s technical and performance-driven qualities, as the original concept was geared towards powerful runners seeking maximum cushioning.

Since its debut, the ‘Neon Volt’ has become an iconic colorway, and has been frequently reimagined and applied to other Nike silhouettes over the years.

Interestingly, the Air Max 95 didn’t actually receive its name until the late ’90s. When the sneaker first launched, the box was simply labeled AIR MAX. By 1997, packaging began to feature names like AIR MAX SC or AIR TOTAL MAX SC.

The abbreviation SC was believed to stand for Sports Classic – a contrast to the earlier use of SC on Bo Jackson’s basketball shoes, where it was said to mean Strength and Conditioning. Naturally, this caused a fair bit of confusion, particularly when the Bo Jackson models appeared within the Sports Classic range.

The name AIR TOTAL MAX SC was later used for more premium editions, and by around 1999, most of the box labels had settled on the now-familiar name: AIR MAX 95.

Squeaking Annoying

On 12 May 2000, the Air Max 95 briefly sparked a minor uproar in the UK. It all began with a segment on the BBC consumer rights programme Watchdog, which highlighted a widespread issue with the sneaker’s squeaky Air Bubbles.

Many owners of the affected pairs confirmed that the air units produced an irritating squeak with every step, an annoyance that had been quietly tolerated by wearers for some time.

Prompted by the Watchdog report, a number of disgruntled customers finally decided to take action. A group brought their sneakers to a Foot Locker branch in Leeds to express their frustration, however the situation quickly escalated and turned physical. One police officer was injured during the incident, and eight individuals were arrested.

“Dozens of customers arrived at the Foot Locker store, in the St John’s shopping centre, on Friday clutching sneakers – of all ages – and demanding new ones. Staff refused to comply, tempers became frayed and the police were called. By noon the shopping centre was closed.”
The Independent

But don’t worry – today’s Air Max 95 no longer has the squeaking problem!

FAQ: Nike Air Max 95

Why do some people call the Nike Air Max 95 ‘110’?

The Air Max 95 is often referred to as the Air Max ‘110’ because the sneaker originally retailed for £110 in the UK. Unfortunately, prices have gone up significantly since then, and a new pair now typically costs around £180.

Is the Nike Air Max 95 true to size?

Yes, the Air Max 95 generally fits true to size. However, if you have wider feet, you might want to consider going half a size up for a more comfortable fit.

Is the Air Max 95 comfortable?

Thanks to the additional Air unit, the Air Max 95 offers more cushioning than earlier Air Max models. However, the heel can feel a bit rigid at first due to its design, but it usually softens up after a few wears, making it a comfortable choice for all-day wear.

Are Air Max 95 waterproof?

Most Air Max 95 models are made from mesh, suede, and synthetic overlays, which prioritise breathability over waterproofing. However, certain versions, such as the Air Max 95 Utility, are built with water-resistant materials and are better suited for wet conditions.

Are Air Max 95 good for sports?

While technically you can wear the Air Max 95 for activities like running, basketball, or hiking, it’s not the best option compared to modern performance sneakers. The design is far more geared towards everyday comfort and street style than serious athletic use.

How can you tell if Nike Air Max 95s are fake?

Spotting fake Air Max 95s isn’t always straightforward, as it’s usually a combination of signs rather than just one giveaway. Here’s what to look out for:

Materials & colour: Low-quality or off-tone shades can be a red flag.
Stitching: Inconsistent or sloppy stitching is a common sign.
Smell: Fakes often have a strong chemical odour.
Weight: Counterfeit pairs tend to feel lighter.
Swoosh placement and heel shape: Subtle differences here can reveal a fake.
Labels & SKU codes: Check for typos or codes that don’t match the official Nike product.
Packaging: Poor-quality or faded boxes are another clue.
Extras: Missing accessories or unusual additions can also be a sign.
Price & seller: If the price is too good to be true or the seller seems dodgy, it’s worth being cautious.

Always buy from reputable retailers or use a sneaker authentication service if you’re unsure.

How do you clean Nike Air Max 95s?

Cleaning should always be done by hand. Here’s how:

Remove the laces and use a soft brush (like a toothbrush) to get rid of loose dirt.
Mix a bit of mild detergent with water, and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub away marks.
Wipe down with a damp cloth and allow the sneakers to air-dry.

If your sneakers have an odour, sprinkle a bit of baking soda inside and leave it overnight. Shake it out the next day. Alternatively, silica gel or activated charcoal bags work just as well to absorb moisture and neutralise odour.

Laces can be washed separately using detergent, or bright white laces can be soaked briefly in a 1:5 bleach-to-water solution – just rinse thoroughly afterward.

Avoid using the washing machine, especially for leather or suede models, as this can cause damage. Even canvas or fabric versions are at risk, so stick to hand-cleaning where possible. If you must machine-wash them, put the shoes in an old pillowcase to reduce the risk of damage.

Where can I buy Nike Air Max 95?

Looking to grab a pair? Use our sneaker search engine to browse prices and availability from a variety of trusted retailers. You can also stay in the loop with our release calendar, which keeps track of restocks and new AM95 drops.