Here’s How Nike’s New and Improved ‘Big Bubble’ Air Max 95 Compares to Recent Releases
I still remember the first time I laid eyes on a pair of Air Max 95s. It was 1996, and my older cousin had just splurged on the iconic “Neon” colorway. I was completely mesmerized by those gradient gray waves and that electric yellow swoosh. Fast forward to today, and I’m still just as obsessed with the silhouette – maybe even more so now that I’ve got the disposable income to actually buy them!
So you can imagine my excitement when I heard that Nike is bringing back the AM95 “Neon” for its 30th anniversary in 2025. But this isn’t just any ordinary retro release – they’re giving us the “Big Bubble” treatment, folks. And trust me, this is something worth getting hyped about.
The Return of the Big Bubble
Let’s talk about what this “Big Bubble” business actually means. Back when legendary designer Sergio Lozano created the AM95, the visible Air unit in the heel was significantly chunkier than what we’ve seen in recent years. Over time, Nike kinda shrank the bubble, which true sneakerheads definitely noticed. It’s like when your favorite fast food joint gradually makes their burgers smaller but keeps the price the same – we see what you’re doing!
Last weekend, I pulled out my 2015 retro pair and compared them to some photos of the OGs. The difference in the Air unit is pretty obvious once you look for it. The newer releases have that slimmed-down bubble that just doesn’t hit the same way visually. The upcoming 2025 version promises to correct this by bringing back that fat, juicy Air unit that made the original so distinctive.
How It Stacks Up Against Recent Releases
I’ve picked up nearly every AM95 release in the last five years (don’t tell my wife), and I can confidently say that none of them have quite nailed the OG specs. The 2020 releases had decent materials but that skinny bubble. The 2022 versions improved the shape but still didn’t commit to the proper Air unit size.
The closest we’ve gotten recently was the “Kiss My Airs” pack from last year, which hinted at Nike’s renewed interest in heritage accuracy. But even those didn’t go all the way with the bubble size.
What’s really got me excited is that this new “Big Bubble” approach seems to be part of a larger shift at Nike. They’re finally listening to those of us who’ve been screaming into the void about proper retros for years. I noticed this with their recent Air Max 1 ’86 releases too – they’re paying attention to the details that matter to collectors.
The Colorway and Details
The returning colorway sticks to the classic Black, Neon Yellow, and Cool Grey scheme that made the original so iconic. I actually ran into an old friend at the grocery store last Tuesday wearing a beaten pair of the OGs, and that neon pop still turns heads nearly three decades later.
From what I’ve heard through the grapevine (and by grapevine, I mean obsessively scrolling through sneaker forums at 2 AM), the materials should be pretty premium on these. Nike seems to be going all out for the 30th anniversary celebration.
When Can You Get ‘Em and For How Much?
If you’re already planning your sneaker budget for 2025, you’ll want to set aside about $185 for these beauties. That’s a bit steep, but honestly, I’d pay double for a truly accurate retro. I still wake up in cold sweats thinking about missing the last “Neon” drop in 2020.
Nike’s playing coy with the exact release dates, but word on the street points to two drops – one around Air Max Day in March 2025 and another during the summer. I’m personally hoping for the March release because waiting any longer might drive me crazy.
Are They Worth the Hype?
Look, I’ve been let down by “anniversary” releases before. We all have. Remember the Air Max 90 30th anniversary releases? Some were great, others… not so much.
But something feels different this time. Nike seems genuinely committed to getting the Air Max 95 right for its 30th birthday. The focus on that bigger Air unit isn’t just marketing fluff – it’s addressing a specific complaint that hardcore fans have had for years.
If you’ve never owned a pair of 95s before, this might be the release to change that. And if you’re a veteran collector like me with a shelf already bowing under the weight of multiple pairs, well… I’ll see you in line (or more likely, furiously refreshing the SNKRS app) when these drop.
Until then, I’ll be breaking out my current rotation of 95s and boring everyone at parties with stories about how “they just don’t make ’em like they used to.” Except, in 2025, maybe they finally will.
