Nike Transforms an Iconic ’90s Sneaker into a Hiking-Inspired Hybrid

One of the most coveted shoes of all time receives a major update, confidently stepping into uncharted territory.

Close-up of black Nike sneaker with textured fabric and visible air cushion in the sole against a green background.

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By Hayley Helms

Published January 22, 2026

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Updated January 22, 2026

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The history of the Nike Air Max 95 is as rich as it is long, with the ahead-of-its-time silhouette continually making waves throughout its three decades of existence.

Sergio Lozano’s legendary design is ubiquitously regarded as one of the greatest Nike shoes of all time — so when a new iteration is announced, sneakerheads and enthusiasts the world over perk up.

Black low-top sneaker with visible air cushioning and metal eyelets on a gray background. — While it hasn’t been confirmed, there are rumors that the new hiking-inspired Air Max 95 will be released alongside a white-heavy style as part of a “Family Reunion” pack.

The latest variant to pique global excitement is a one-of-a-kind take on the incredibly iconic model, transforming the Air Max 95 from popular lifestyle sneaker to bona fide hiking shoe.

A classic, remixed

Seemingly endless variations of the beloved retro runner have been released in the past 30 years, but the new Nike Air Max 95 OG Big Bubble tweaks the sneaker in a way no version has before.

Close-up of a black sneaker with thick braided laces, metal eyelets, and a visible air cushion in the sole. — The metal lace hooks do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to bringing traditional hiking style to the new sneaker.

The newest iteration builds off the massive success of 2025’s 30th anniversary edition, with the enhanced cushioning and edited overall shape updated to better reflect the original version.

Excluding the outsole, the entire shoe has been reimagined through the lens of a traditional hiking boot, with no detail left untouched.

Pair of black Nike sneakers with silver eyelets and patterned laces viewed from above on a gray background. — Subtle branding changes have been introduced to the new hiking hybrid, along with substantial material swaps.

The darkly intriguing “Black/Off Noir/Metallic Silver/Black” colorway sees the traditional synthetic suede and mesh upper replaced by a fully seamless, molded synthetic material, with laser etching for subtle tactile definition.

The metal lace hooks, installed in place of fabric lace loops, do much of the heavy lifting when it comes to giving the shoe a hiking aesthetic. The nylon tongue completes the new fabrication.

Pair of black athletic sneakers with metal eyelets and visible air cushioning in the sole. — The updated shape of the shoe more accurately matches the original ’95 release.

The inaugural hiking version of Nike’s most coveted sneaker includes new branding alongside its more waterproof material updates.

Subtle shifts include “95” text on the tongue and a subtle Swoosh logo at the heel, rather than the typical Swoosh.

Availability and pricing

The Air Max 95 OG Big Bubble will be released on February 19th on Nike’s Snkrs app and select Nike Sportswear retailers, retailing for $200.

All-black Nike Air Max 95 sneaker with visible air cushioning and metal eyelets for laces.

Nike Air Max 95 OG Big Bubble

$200 at Nike

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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