2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Air Max 95, and Nike is celebrating by releasing special editions and true-to-the-original retros. One of the standout releases comes from Nike SB, which has a long history of reworking iconic silhouettes from other Nike divisions for skateboarding. In the early 2000s, Nike SB turned the 1980s basketball Dunk model into a cultural staple. More recently, Nike SB partnered with Jordan Brand in 2023 to make an Air Jordan 4 for skateboarding. Now, Nike SB brings its design approach to the Air Max 95, transforming the trail-running classic into a functional skate shoe while retaining its original design.

The Nike SB Air Max 95 features several subtle yet impactful updates tailored for skateboarding. The outsole has been redesigned with shallower lugs and a herringbone traction pattern for better grip and board control, addressing the different traction needs of skating compared to running. The panel edges on the upper, which were raw and exposed on the original, are now reinforced with double-stitch lines and turn-and-stitch detailing to prevent fraying from grip tape. The upper itself uses a mix of suede and leather in a lighter, more flexible construction that delivers an instant broken-in feel.

Additional changes include a softer shank plate for increased flexibility underfoot, as well as a thinner midsole that positions the foot closer to the Air units for enhanced board feel. Even the insole has been reworked to improve connection with the board, blending performance updates with the original design’s DNA.

The Nike SB Air Max 95 “Cactus Flower” is set to release at select skate shops on August 1st. A global SNKRS launch will follow on August 5th, with a U.S. SNKRS release scheduled for August 22nd, 2025. Retail price is set at $185.