The Return of an Icon: Nike Air Max 95 “Neon” Coming Back With That Big Bubble Energy
You know that feeling when you hear a song from your teenage years and suddenly you’re transported back in time? That’s exactly what happened when I caught wind of the Nike Air Max 95 “Neon” making its grand return in April 2025. I literally spilled my morning coffee all over my desk. Worth it.
Let me take you back to 1995. I was rocking frosted tips (don’t judge, we all make mistakes), collecting Pogs, and drooling over these incredible shoes with those alien-like side panels and that electric neon yellow pop. Fast forward to today, and I’m still just as obsessed, minus the questionable hairstyle.
The 30-Year Comeback Nobody’s Ready For
Can you believe it’s been almost 30 years since the Air Max 95 first hit the streets? Nike’s celebrating this milestone by bringing back the “Neon” colorway with what they’re calling the “Big Bubble” treatment. And trust me, this isn’t just marketing talk.
The “Big Bubble” refers to the larger Air unit that was actually part of the original 1995 design. Over the years, as Nike reissued the shoe, the Air bubble kinda… shrunk. It’s like when your favorite restaurant secretly reduces portion sizes but charges the same price. We noticed, Nike. We always notice.
But now they’re making things right by going back to the chunky Air unit that made us fall in love in the first place. The shoe gods have heard our prayers!
What’s Staying the Same (Thank Goodness)
The best part? They’re keeping that iconic color scheme intact. The gradated side panels in various shades of grey, the black mesh base, and of course, those electrifying neon yellow accents that somehow look straight outta the future even three decades later. Every time I see that color combination, I can practically smell the ’90s—a weird mix of Blockbuster stores, Fresh Prince reruns, and CK One cologne.
Last summer, I wore my beat-up pair of 95s to a BBQ and my buddy’s kid asked if I’d painted the yellow parts myself because they were “too bright to be real.” Kids these days just don’t understand that we invented loud footwear.
The Price of Nostalgia
Now, let’s talk numbers. These beauties will set you back $185 when they drop. Is it cheap? Nope. Is it worth eating ramen for a week to own a piece of sneaker history? Absolutely. I’ve already started my savings jar labeled “Neon Dreams.”
When I told my wife about setting aside money for shoes that won’t release for another year, she gave me that look—you know the one. But after showing her a picture, even she had to admit they’re pretty sweet. Small victories, people. Small victories.
Why These Shoes Matter (Even If You’re Not a Sneakerhead)
The Air Max 95 isn’t just another shoe. Designed by Sergio Lozano, it was inspired by the human body—the side panels represent muscle fibers, the lace loops are ribs, and the midsole is the spine. Pretty deep for a sneaker, right?
When I wear my 95s, I always get at least one compliment, usually from someone you wouldn’t expect. Last month, an elderly lady at the grocery store pointed at my feet and said, “Those are some funky shoes, young man!” Made my day, even though “young man” is becoming increasingly generous.
How to Actually Get Your Hands on a Pair
If history teaches us anything, these will sell out faster than concert tickets for whatever artist the kids are crazy about these days. They’ll be available at select Nike retailers and online, but you’ll need to be quick, strategic, and maybe a little lucky.
Pro tip from someone who’s taken too many Ls on sneaker releases: set multiple alarms, have your payment info ready, and maybe bribe a friend to try on another device. I’m not above having my mom try to buy sneakers for me. She’s actually gotten pretty good at it, though she always asks if “the Nike website is broken” when she’s in a queue.
The Countdown Begins
April 2025 might seem far away, but for those of us who’ve been waiting for a truly authentic remake of the 95 “Neon,” this is like the sneaker equivalent of a Star Wars release date announcement.
Until then, I’ll be over here, staring at leaked photos, comparing them pixel by pixel to my original pair, and boring everyone at parties with fun facts about air cushioning technology.
Some people mark their calendars for birthdays or anniversaries. Me? I’ve got April 2025 circled, starred, and highlighted. The return of the Big Bubble is coming, and my wallet is already feeling lighter just thinking about it.
