The Nike Air Max 95 Neon is coming back in 2025 to mark the model’s 30th anniversary. First released in 1995 and designed by Sergio Lozano, the sneaker made its mark with a layered upper that drew inspiration from human anatomy and muscle fibers. Now, three decades later, Nike is reviving this cult favorite in what may be the most accurate version since the original dropped.
Set to release on April 18, 2025 via Nike, the SNKRS app, and select global retailers, the Air Max 95 OG Neon returns at a retail price of $185. This edition stays faithful to Lozano’s original sketches, with a few material upgrades and tooling adjustments that elevate the comfort and build while retaining its classic DNA.
A Design Born from Anatomy
Sergio Lozano created the Air Max 95 during his time working on Nike’s ACG (All Conditions Gear) products. When approached to design a running shoe, Lozano broke with convention by looking to the human body for inspiration. The sneaker’s upper layers mimic muscle tissue, while the lacing system references the ribcage. Even the outsole’s spine-like appearance was designed to resemble a human vertebra.
The Air Max 95 also introduced two firsts for Nike: forefoot Air units and a gradient upper. Previous Air Max models focused on heel cushioning, but the AM95 spread the pressure across the entire foot, a decision that altered Nike’s running performance lineup at the time.
Upgrades in the 2025 Edition
While the silhouette and colorway remain instantly recognizable, the Air Max 95 Neon 2025 version comes with significant updates. The Air units, long a point of contention among sneaker enthusiasts due to their shrunken appearance in retros from 2005 onward, have been restored to the original sizing. The larger Air bubbles create better comfort underfoot and improve the sneaker’s overall profile. Horizontal seams are now visible again, reminiscent of the first run in ’95.
Other updates include a reshaped T-toe panel that features improved suede quality and a closer match to the original cut. The gradient grey upper now flows more cleanly from one layer to the next, correcting previous retro versions that featured harsher transitions between shades. A closer inspection also reveals a subtle change in the “Volt” color tone, which leans slightly greener this time compared to the yellow-heavy hue of recent reissues.
Reflective 3M panels remain on the tongue and heel for nighttime visibility, and the embroidered Swoosh on the rear lateral side once again comes stitched in that signature Neon hue. The sneaker sits atop a black polyurethane midsole, just as it did in 1995, and comes with varying PSI (pounds per square inch) Air units throughout the heel and forefoot to aid shock absorption and energy return.
Returning with the Original Packaging
In a nod to the 1995 release, Nike plans to package the sneakers in the classic black and grey Air Max box with a flip lid. A set of anatomical arch supports in pink will also be included, echoing the accessories that came with original pairs. This attention to retro detail is consistent with recent reissues of other OG Nike models like the Air Max 90 and Air Max 180.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Few sneakers have held the same weight within sneaker communities across multiple generations as the Neon Air Max 95s. Its layered construction, futuristic (for the time) tooling, and aggressive shape turned it into an icon in both performance and lifestyle contexts. In the UK, the model became known colloquially as the “110” due to its original price point in pounds and became a streetwear staple.
Fashion circles have consistently embraced the AM95, with designers and stylists incorporating it into editorial and campaign looks. Collaborations with brands like Corteiz have only increased interest in the silhouette, keeping it relevant in an oversaturated market.
Over the years, the Neon Nikes have found fans in musicians, athletes, and collectors. While its frequent restocks reflect continued demand, some earlier retros received mixed feedback from purists on shape, sizing, and materials. The 2025 version, with its larger Air bubbles and improved construction, may finally offer the resolution long demanded by loyal fans.
Price, Availability, and Additional Releases
Priced at $185 USD, the Air Max 95 OG Neon will be available through Nike and select retail partners starting April 18. Nike also plans to bring back the Air Max 95 “Pink Foam” around the same time.
Nike’s 2025 reissue of the Air Max 95 Neon arrives as both a nod to the past and a response to fan demand for accuracy. This version restores the full-volume Air units, reshapes critical panels, and adjusts tonal details to better reflect Lozano’s original vision. Whether you’re a collector, a first-time buyer, or someone who wore these during their original run, this drop offers a chance to experience a piece of design history that helped shift the direction of athletic footwear.
