The Return of a Legend: Nike Air Max 95 OG “Neon” Coming Back in 2025

I still remember the first time I saw them. It was 1995, and I was walking through the mall with my older cousin who was always ahead of the curve on sneaker trends. He stopped dead in his tracks outside Foot Locker, practically pressing his face against the glass. “Those,” he whispered, pointing at a pair of shoes that looked like nothing I’d ever seen before. The Nike Air Max 95 “Neon” had arrived, and even my teenage brain knew these weren’t just shoes—they were a revolution.

Well, folks, get ready to feel that excitement all over again, because Nike just announced that the iconic Air Max 95 OG “Neon” is making its triumphant return in April 2025! And trust me, this is a BIG deal.

30 Years of Greatness

Can you believe it’s been nearly three decades since these beauties first hit the streets? I sure can’t—my knees remind me every morning, but that’s another story. The 2025 release will mark the 30th anniversary of Sergio Lozano’s masterpiece, and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate.

The last time these dropped in their true OG form was back in 2015, and I still haven’t forgiven myself for missing out. I was “budgeting responsibly” that month—what was I thinking?! This time around, I’ve already started putting aside my coffee money. At $185, they’re not cheap, but can you really put a price on nostalgia? (Don’t answer that, my wife might be reading.)

What Makes the “Neon” So Special?

For those who might be new to the sneaker game, let me break down why these kicks are so legendary. The Air Max 95 was completely different from anything Nike had done before. Inspired by human anatomy (yes, really!), Lozano designed the shoe with the human body in mind—the midsole representing the spine, the graduated panels mirroring muscles, and the lace loops symbolizing ribs.

The “Neon” colorway features those signature gray gradient panels that get darker as they go up, with these electric green accents that pop like nothing else. When you saw someone rocking these on the street, you couldn’t help but stare. I know because I was both the starer and the staree at different points in my sneaker journey.

And let’s talk about comfort! The “Big Bubble” visible Air unit wasn’t just for show—these things felt like walking on clouds. Well, stylish clouds with attitude.

The 2025 Version: Staying True to the OG

Word on the street is that the 2025 release will be as close to the 1995 original as possible. We’re talking authentic mesh and suede construction, that perfect gradient upper, and those neon green accents that somehow look just as fresh today as they did three decades ago.

Nike has been pretty good about maintaining the integrity of their retro releases lately, but I’ve heard this one is getting special attention. As it should! Messing with the “Neon” would be like putting ketchup on a fine steak—some things are sacred, people.

My Personal Connection

I’ve owned three pairs of the “Neon” over the years. My first pair literally fell apart from overuse around 2000. The second pair I sold during a “minimalist phase” I went through in 2008 (biggest mistake of my life—well, except for that time I thought cutting my own hair during lockdown was a good idea). And my third pair from the 2015 release is currently on ice, only coming out for special occasions.

There’s something about the weight of them in your hands, the smell of that Nike suede, and the way they somehow look good with everything from jeans to shorts. They’re not just sneakers; they’re time machines.

How to Cop (Because You Know You Want To)

Mark your calendars for April 2025. The shoes will be available at select Nike Sportswear retailers, both in-store and online. And if history has taught us anything, they’ll sell out faster than concert tickets for a surprise Beyoncé tour.

My advice? Make friends with your local sneaker shop employees NOW. Start bringing them coffee. Remember their birthdays. Learn the names of their pets. Whatever it takes.

I’ll be setting multiple alarms, enlisting family members on different devices, and possibly camping out—despite my back’s inevitable protests—because some things are worth suffering for.

Until then, I’ll be here, counting down the days and wondering if it’s too early to line up. (It is. My wife confirmed.)

Who else is hyped for this release? Drop a comment below if these were your first love too, or if you’re just now discovering why the rest of us are so obsessed!