The best Nike Air Max 95s, ranked
In a ranking that balances collectability with design choices and significance to the wider sneaker canon, we present to you the best Nike Air Max 95s of all time
By Cayle Reid
NIKE IS HARDLY SOME niche sneaker label with only one horse in its stable. But even among the brand’s extensive portfolio of kicks, the Air Max line stands out as one of the most influential in the history of sneakers.
Created by legendary designer Tinker Hatfield in 1987, the original Air Max sneaker featured the first ever exposed air unit (those iconic little bubbles you know and love). It’s a fairly commonplace feature now, but back then, the air unit was a revelation that forever changed sneaker aesthetics.
In 1995 another addition to the Air Max line was released, the Air Max 95 (or AM95, abbreviated in sneakerhead circles). Today, these shoes can fetch up to five figures on resale websites and every new drop is met with incalculable anticipation, but according to Nike, the shoe hit some internal resistance when it was first revealed. It was the first shoe with visible forefoot air units, used a variety of fabrics on the upper, and featured far more prominent nylon eyelets, which turned some insiders away. Those guys must be kicking themselves now, because the Air Max 95 has since become one of Nike’s most popular models.
To rank the best AM95s is to invite criticism, but we’re not in the business of shying away from a little controversy. As objectively as we can rank them, here are the best Air Max 95s of all time.
What are the best Nike Air Max 95 sneakers?
10. Nike x Levi’s Air Max 95 ‘Denim’
The upcoming Air Max 95 collab with Levi’s already looks like a winner. It takes everything people love about the AM95 and gives it a Levi’s twist. There’s the unmistakable Levi’s red tab, subtly tucked beneath the Swoosh on the right shoe. Look closer and you’ll also spot further red branding on the shank and a custom sock liner printed with a dollar bill graphic on a rich red backdrop.
The shoe drops on July 10 on levis.com.au.
9. Air Max 95 ‘Grape’
One of the original colourways from 1995, Grape blends white and grey uppers with purple and teal accents. Lighter and more playful than its original Neon and Comet Red siblings, it appealed to a broader, more lifestyle-centred audience while still respecting the design language of the silhouette. Over the years, it’s been retrofitted multiple times, and always finds an audience ready for a touch of ’90s nostalgia.
8. Nike x Comme des Garçons Air Max 95
Avant-garde Japanese label Comme des Garçons deconstructed the Air Max 95 in a brutalist fashion. Released in tonal black and white colourways, the shoes featured exaggerated overlays and distressed finishes that gave them a sculptural, almost post-apocalyptic feel.
7. Nike x Stash Air Max 95
A street art icon, Stash brought his graffiti-inspired palette to the AM95 with this moody and textured release. Shades of navy and grey, punctuated with light blue accents, created a sleek urban gradient that mirrored the artist’s signature aerosol style. Premium suede and mesh elevated the construction. This drop was highly limited and remains one of the rarest, most coveted AM95s to date.
6. Air Max 95 ‘Greedy’
A mashup of iconic AM95 colourways, Greedy is a maximalist love letter to the shoe’s legacy. Each side of the sneaker is different. One foot features the Neon and Slate colourways, the other boasts Safety Orange and Grape. The 2020 version refined the colour blocking even further. For collectors and fans, it’s a celebration of the silhouette’s visual history.
5. Nike x Kim Jones Air Max 95
Kim Jones, the former creative mind behind Dior Men’s, brought some futurism to the Air Max 95. The design kept the anatomical layering but added taped detailing and translucent elements for a techy, streamlined update. The fusion of high fashion and street style made this collab a standout.
4. Nike x Carhartt Air Max 95
Workwear met streetwear in this rugged collaboration with Carhartt. Constructed from canvas and corduroy, the shoe sports a military palette of olive and brown, contrasted with reflective hits and camouflage underlays. Functional and fashionable, it fused the hardwearing DNA of Carhartt with the technical appeal of the AM95.
3. Air Max 95 ‘Comet Red’
Often overshadowed by the other big original colourway, Neon, Comet Red offers a bolder, more aggressive contrast. It retained the layered grey gradient of the original but swapped volt green for vivid red accents. The result is a sharper, more visceral take on the anatomical aesthetic.
2. Nike x atmos Air Max 95 ‘Animal Pack’
Japanese boutique atmos pushed boundaries with this wild and undeniably wearable concept. Featuring faux zebra, leopard, tiger and pony hair prints, Animal Pack is an audacious celebration of textures and nature. Despite being a little over the top, the earth-toned palette grounds the shoe and gives it some surprising versatility. A retro drop in 2018 brought it back to centre stage, cementing its status as one of the most collectible Air Max collabs ever.
1. Air Max 95 ‘Neon’
The OG. Designed by Sergio Lozano, the Neon colourway remains the most iconic Air Max 95 of all time. Drawing inspiration from human anatomy, its layered suede panels represent muscle fibres and flesh, while the exposed neon Air units mimic vital organs pulsing with energy. The fluorescent volt green hits on the lace loops and branding gave it unmistakable presence. Timeless, disruptive and wildly futuristic for its time, this is the blueprint every AM95 owes its life to.
Are Nike Air Max 95s comfortable?
Nike Air Max 95s aren’t just comfortable, it’s a quality they’re routinely praised for. This is largely due to their Air cushioning technology. The Air unit in the heel absorbs impact and provides a soft, responsive feel, making them suitable for all-day wear. The padded collar and tongue further enhance overall comfort, offering a snug fit around the ankle.
How to style Nike Air Max 95s
A strength of Nike Air Max 95s is their versatility. As you can see above, the AM95 comes in a variety of colourways that can fit different styles, but generally, they’re best suited to casual looks. For a streetwear vibe, pair them with jeans and a graphic hoodie or oversized tee. For a slightly more elevated aesthetic, throw on a bomber or puffer jacket.
Remember that the AM95 is primarily a sport sneaker and that they can be worn for that purpose, especially when paired with athletic shorts or tapered sweatpants combined with a fitted top.
How to lace Nike Air Max 95s
When it comes to lacing Nike Air Max 95s, there are a few techniques that can enhance both comfort and style. For the classic look, start by threading the laces through the bottom eyelets, ensuring an even length on both sides. Use a standard crisscross method, pulling the lace from one side through the opposite eyelet until you reach the top. For a more modern, relaxed fit, you could consider a loose lace technique – skipping a few eyelets near the top for a looser, more laid-back appearance. Tucking the end of the laces into the shoe, rather than tying them in a bow, is another potential style choice.
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