First Look at Nike SB’s Upgraded Air Max 95 Collaboration Coming Out This Year

Early first looks at one of the year’s most anticipated sneakers, the Nike SB x Air Max 95, have arrived and they offer both a peek behind the curtain at the design process and a glimpse at the final retail version.

A video of a Nike SB x Air Max 95 weartest sample was first shared by @Hobofett360 on X. As is often the case with weartest samples, the sneaker is presented in a mostly all black colorway, save for a fully white midsole and outsole. Although the clip is brief, it offers the best look yet at upgrades made to the retro 1995 running sneaker, which is getting a 30th anniversary celebration this year. 

The most notable change visible in the video is a revamped outsole traction pattern using an aggressive herringbone tread in place of the traditional bottoms, which feature a considerably smoother rubber. The shoe also appears to use a thicker shoelace than standard Nike Air Max 95s. Further expected changes include an updated upper with improved padding, similar to what Nike SB executed on its Air Jordan 4 collaboration.

Something a little fun for #AirMaxDay 2025.
Worlds first look ????
Nike SB x AirMax 95 weartest skate test sample. #TeamRider @nikesbornothing @RaffyCollects @ModernNotoriety @airmaxtrin@SneakerPhetish @salty1pt0#NikeSB #AirMax #95 #SkateTest #FirstLook #Sample #skateshoe pic.twitter.com/dvLivP2oiG

— Tony ???????????? (@Hobofett360) March 26, 2025

Shortly after the weartest sample unboxing surfaced, a first look at one of the Nike SB x Air Max 95’s retail colorways made the rounds. The “Cactus Flower” colorway features a white, gray and black suede gradient with magenta accents and a gum rubber outsole.

Its toe includes an embroidered mini Swoosh logo, while the heel dons a printed Nike SB emblem. Based on the images, it’s not yet clear if the Nike SB collaboration features the Air Max 95’s new-and-improved “Big Bubble” treatment, which will debut on the upcoming “Neon” retro.

In addition to the “Cactus Flower” colorway pictured here, there are reports that a second Nike SB x Air Max 95 will be released this year. According to Sneaker Market RO, a collaboration with pro skater and longtime Nike SB member Eric Koston will launch in a “Obsidian/Speed Yellow/Midnight Navy/Navy/Summit White/White” colorway.

As of now, the Nike SB x Air Max 95 “Cactus Flower” sneaker is expected to be released on Sept. 30, but it’s possible the date could change between now and then. The collaboration has a SKU of HF7545-100 and its full colorway is “Summit White/Cactus Flower/Photon Dust/Cool Grey/Black/Gum Yellow.” Readers can expect more details on the Nike SB x Air Max 95 in the coming months.