Nike SB Air Max 95 skate shoes

SB Air Max 95 skate shoes

The Air Max 95 is an iconic Nike running shoe turned lifestyle sneaker with an influential history. Skateboarding has been impacted by everything from its innovative lacing system to its vibrant colourways, so in 2025, Nike SB celebrated this deep connection along with the silhouette’s 30th anniversary by releasing the skater-friendly SB Air Max 95.

On its upper, the Nike SB Air Max 95 features hard-wearing layers of suede and leather attached with double lines of stitching for extra durability. A turn and stitch technique has been used to protect each seam, with the large suede toe cap able to withstand scrapes from ollies and flicks. Breathable mesh surrounds the nylon eyelets of the lacing system, which works with the internal straps and the centralised tongue loops to ensure secure lockdown. A reflective heel panel supports the back of the foot, while all of the materials are soft and supple so they break-in quickly for maximum comfort.

The sole of SB Air Max 95 has been designed to bring the foot closer to the board by incorporating a slim foam midsole over the forefoot and heel Air Max units, which deliver excellent shock absorption. Boardfeel is further increased by the thin outsole, whose Waffle-style lugs are lined with a herringbone traction pattern for outstanding grip. The rubber tread and supportive TPU midfoot shank are made from soft, pliable materials to provide greater flexibility and comfort straight out of the box, while the entire shoe feels much lighter for agility on the board.

Even with all of its skate-ready modifications, the Nike SB Air Max 95 retains the distinctive look of the original. Original designer Sergio Lozano’s inspirations are evident throughout, including the rib-like lacing structure, the muscular folds of the sidewalls and the spinal heel column. Other elements like the woven Air Max tongue logos and embroidered lateral Swoosh accentuate its compelling heritage aesthetic, as do the bold Air Max units. Lastly, Nike SB branding on the heel, insole and shank gives a stylistic nod to its skateboarding credentials.

The debut SB Air Max 95 ‘Cactus Flower’ colourway was launched alongside a video by Nike SB in which legendary skater Eric Koston details the silhouette’s origin story. He explains how the AM95 influenced skate culture, becoming a popular 90s ‘chill shoe’ and even being worn by some on the board despite not being optimised for it. Nike SB’s skateboarding adaptations address the shoe’s performance issues while also showing their deep commitment to skate athletes. Koston himself has been honoured with his own signature SB Air Max 95 in Obsidian and Speed Yellow with stylish custom accents like Koston tongue and insole branding and the Thai word for Nike etched into the toe in a chic nod to his heritage.

By staying true to the original silhouette, the Nike SB Air Max 95 has won the hearts of skaters everywhere, delivering a captivating throwback charm while also providing the durability, break-in comfort and boardfeel required of a top-level skate shoe.