When the Air Max 95 dropped in, you guessed it, 1995, it didn’t just introduce a new generation of Nike technology with its revolutionary air bubble cushioning, it arrived at the perfect moment as hip-hop culture was exploding in the nineties. This timing transformed the sneaker into a legendary fixture in hip-hop fashion. Its influence quickly crossed borders, making waves in Japanese streetwear and cementing its status as a coveted staple in East London’s grime scene, so much so that British police famously noted its distinctive tread as the most common footprint at crime scenes. It was only a matter of time before skateboarders claimed the Air Max 95 for themselves, inspiring designs for other skate shoes, like the DC Legacy.
Though originally marketed as the “nice pair of shoes to chill in” after skating in beat-up kicks, a few daring skaters couldn’t resist taking them straight to the streets such as Kareem Campbell. Stevie Williams also helped coin the mantra “Run, Skate, Chill” in Transworld’s The Reason video, a phrase later embraced by Nike in promoting the Air Max 95 SB earlier this year. Over the years, the Air Max line has produced countless celebrated iterations, and with its global appeal and entrenched streetwear status, Nike even officially designated March 26th as Air Max Day.
Interestingly, despite being conceived as a running shoe, the Air Max 95’s futuristic design and supremely comfortable midsole made it more of a lifestyle statement, a pair to flex with rather than break in on the track. History has a way of repeating itself: just as the Air Max 90 inspired a generation of skate shoe designs in the 1990s and 2000s, Nike has now reinvented the Air Max 95 as a fully skateable model, staying true to its original aesthetic while adapting it for modern riders. We got our hands on a pair of the still-futuristic Nike SB Air Max 95s and put them to the test to see if we could channel a little of that nineties skate energy. Read on to see how they performed.
The Nike SB Air Max 95 fits slightly bigger so we recommend to got half size down.
The Nike SB Air Max 95 stands out immediately thanks to one bold design twist: the upper doesn’t sit recessed in the midsole, it stretches over it. Most skate shoes embed the upper into the sole to fend off griptape wear, but here, the upper takes the hits head-on. It’s a complete role reversal, and it works.
During our 10-hour wear test, the sidewall of the sole remained virtually untouched, while the upper absorbed most of the griptape contact. The construction cleverly combines suede and leather overlays in critical areas like the toe and sidewall, while the mesh panels sit higher on the toe box, away from direct abrasion. This thoughtful material placement delivers excellent flick without compromising the original Air Max 95 design language.
That said, the first suede panel did show noticeable wear from direct griptape exposure, though the stitching between layered panels held up remarkably well despite being unprotected by the sole. The outsole showed no visible wear, highlighting the model’s solid durability in key areas.
The standout feature of the Air Max 95 SB is its sole construction. A visible Air unit in the heel and an encapsulated forefoot air pocket deliver exceptional impact protection, making the shoe feel remarkably responsive during heavy landings. For impact-heavy skating, it absorbs shock like a champ.
What makes the Nike SB Air Max 95 truly special is how the Air Max sole is engineered. The visible Air units don’t just cushion, they give a distinct, almost “springy” feel on the board. The sole tapers thoughtfully, with the heel and midfoot, where the Air units sit, being slightly higher than the toe. This design shifts more weight onto the toes while the firmer foam maintains precise board control, striking a balance between pop, stability, and protection.
The Nike SB Air Max 95 retains its distinctive layered wave design and classic running silhouette. The toe box has been slightly slimmed for improved flick, though it still offers plenty of volume and a noticeably bulky feel. From above, the shoe appears sleek and slightly pointed, while from the side, the layered upper and taller profile create a commanding, standout presence.
The combination of cupsole construction and Air cushioning naturally puts more distance between your feet and the board than a traditional cupsole. Yet Nike SB managed to keep the forefoot flexible, delivering a surprisingly responsive boardfeel despite the thicker sole.
The outsole provides reliable, consistent grip. Its pattern is inspired by the original Air Max 95 but adapted for skateboarding, and after 10 hours on the board, it maintained solid traction while offering precise, controlled flicks.
Out of the box, the Air Max 95 SB is very comfortable. The padded tongue and collar pay homage to the golden era of early SB shoes, while the inner bootie construction keeps the foot secure. The shoe fits snugly in the heel and midfoot, with a slightly roomier toe box thanks to the mesh material. Despite its volume and multiple layers, the shoe feels surprisingly light on the foot.
The wider sole and raised heel from the Air unit give the shoe a subtle forward-leaning stance that takes a session or two to get used to, but it contributes to excellent cushioning and stability on landings. A rigid heel counter further enhances support, creating a locked-in feel. Another standout feature is the midfoot stability plate. This rigid polymer element, carried over from the original Air Max 95 running shoe for torsional stability, works perfectly for skating, helping protect the foot on primo landings.
The Nike SB Air Max 95’s feature exceptional impact protection and impressive comfort, offering decent boardfeel with controlled stability. Durability can be a challenge, as the upper extends over the sole and takes the brunt of griptape wear.
