Off road, on point
Designer Sergio Lozano was working in Nike’s All Conditions Gear (ACG) category when he was tasked with designing the Air Max 95. And some DNA from that off-road division is evident in this running-style shoe.
Most notable are the “speed eyelets” similar to those seen on some hiking boots. They make lacing easy and cinching up a snap, which is just one more advantage for high-energy kids who just want to get up and get moving.
The waffle outsole is a Nike tradition among its running styles but is aggressive enough on the Air Max 95 to give kids traction wherever they may roam.
And Max Air under the forefoot ensures the most cushioning available in every step.
Skin and bones
The most eye-catching aspect of the Air Max 95 is the flowing lines of the upper. Lozano modeled those lines after the human rib cage, evoking that natural example of bone strength with natural flexibility.
The mesh overlays blend form and function, too. Based on connective tissue and muscle fibers, the layers also allow flexibility and breathability.
The outsole draws from the spine, with all of its natural flexibility.
Finishing the “skin” of the Air Max 95 was its innovative use of colors. The original (OG) colorway consisted of an all-black midsole – a first for such a shoe, implemented to help hide dirt from off-road running. That gives way to gradations of grey ascending the upper, and it’s punctuated with neon yellow at the eyelets. Lozano credited that neon as a nod to Nike’s running heritage of bright, energetic colors.
Today, the Air Max 95 comes in so many colorways, there is a look for all kids’ styles. Whether they want to go cool and subtle with all-white or all-black, or wild and fun with patterns and bright contrasting colors, they can connect with a legacy look from Nike.
