Men's Nike Air Max 95

You can argue endlessly about the sneaker world’s biggest ‘icons’ — but the Nike Air Max 95 is one sneaker that leaves absolutely no room for debate. Conceived by Sergio Lozano in 1995, the 95 was originally built to deliver maximum cushioning for runners with its revolutionary forefoot Air Technology. But, it was clear from the outset that it was destined for so much more — which comes as no surprise when a shoe looks this good.

The design draws from two powerful reference points. One is nature itself: the layered upper mirrors strata of earth gradually worn away by rain, revealing what sits beneath. The other is human anatomy. The shank running along the sole and heel functions as a spine, giving the shoe its structure and strength. Nylon eyelets curve like rib bones, while the mesh and layered panels along the sides suggest muscle fibres and skin. Even the original grey palette, sharpened by flashes of volt, was intentional — colour used as a tool to call attention to form, function and the technology that made the silhouette so radical.

From the ‘90s until today, the Air Max 95 has undergone countless remodels and reimagings, both in-house at Nike and through partnerships with some of the biggest names in the industry. Its roots are still just as important as ever, too. The Big Bubble collection re-engineers the iconic 1995 silhouette to match the original more closely than ever, featuring, most notably, a larger, more prominent Air unit in the heel and forefoot.

Three decades on, Sergio Lozano’s game-changing creation is still going as strong as ever. Long live the Air Max 95. Shop the men’s collection at END.