The Nike Air Max 95 Slate brings back one of the original Air Max 95 colorways from 1995, returning as part of Nike’s recent Big Bubble Air Max 95 program. This colorway has seen several retros over the years, including releases in 2005, 2010, 2015, and now this 2026 version. While each retro has featured slight tweaks, the goal of the Big Bubble series is to bring the shoe closer to its original 1995 specifications, particularly in the shape and Air unit design.
Designed by Sergio Lozano and released in 1995, the Nike Air Max 95 was inspired by human anatomy and natural erosion, with layered side panels representing muscle fibers, lacing inspired by ribs, and a spine-like outsole. It was also the first Nike running shoe to feature visible forefoot Air cushioning, helping cement its place as one of the most influential retro runners ever made. For the model’s 30th anniversary, Nike revived the original larger-volume Big Bubble Air units in an effort to better capture the look and feel of the OG release.
Alongside the Neon and Comet colorways, this Slate edition is considered one of the original Air Max 95 colorways. Compared to the Neon, this pair incorporates more leather throughout the upper, giving it a slightly different look while maintaining the classic gradient panel design. This combination of white, emerald green, and lake blue remains one of the cleaner and more understated OG colorway retros in the Air Max 95 lineup.
I already own the Neons, and my Sakura/Japan pair basically fills the Comet slot in the collection thanks to its similar color blocking and added details. That made this an easy pickup to round out the original colorways. I actually owned the 2010 retro years ago and eventually sold it, so I knew I wanted another shot at these. I managed to grab them for retail directly from Nike. For whatever reason, these didn’t seem to generate quite the same excitement as the Neons, but that could just be because other OG colorways besides the neons tend to resonate more with those of us who have been collecting for a while.
Packaging is pretty basic here. The pair comes in the standard orange Nike box with the usual white Air Max 95 rope laces. Unlike the recent Neon retro, there are no special packaging touches or throwback box details.
How Are The Materials?
Materials consist of mesh, leather, and the signature felt-like suede overlays Air Max 95 fans are familiar with. The suede isn’t particularly plush, but it feels better than the pair I owned from 2010, when Nike was using some pretty stiff, plastic-like materials on many retros. The leather is fairly standard as well, but everything feels solidly constructed and more faithful to the original than some previous retro attempts. While I wouldn’t call the materials premium, the overall quality exceeds older retros and feels appropriate for a heritage release.
How Do They Fit?
Fit is very similar to other modern Air Max 95 releases. The new Big Bubble setup doesn’t dramatically change the comfort in my experience, though it does add a bit of height compared to previous retros. Nike may have slightly refined the shape around the forefoot, but these still retain the somewhat narrow fit the model is known for. I went true to size without issue, and they are breaking in nicely. Comfort is decent thanks to the visible Air cushioning, though I still wouldn’t rank the Air Max 95 among Nike’s most comfortable retro runners. For casual wear for a few hours at a time, however, they get the job done just fine.
Where To Cop the Nike Air Max 95 Neon OG
If these are sold out at different stores online, you can try looking for them on eBay.
Colorway: White / Emerald Green – Lake Blue
Style Code: IH7855-100
Retail Price: $190
Year of Release: 2026