Air Max 95 - Incredible Shoes

The Air Max 95 was step five in the evolution of what many consider the most influential sport shoe ever made.  The original  Air Max debuted in 1987, the brainchild of pole-vaultist turned Nike shoe designer, Tinker Hatfield.  His design concept was simple: cut away portions of the midsole to expose Nike's unique technology, the patented air support cushioning system.  The result was Air Max I, a shoe which began a movement at Nike that continues to this day.

Other models followed.  The success of the Air Max 90, with its slightly larger airbag, was proof positive that the previous years' success hadn't been a one-trick pony.  1991's Air 180 was slightly more sophisticated, with its subdued color palette.  The 1993 Air Max with "blow molding" featured another new feature: an extended tongue to showcase the increasingly popular Air Max logo.

The Air Max 95 featured three distinctive design changes.  One, the cutaway exposed the inner air system in the forefoot as well as the heel.  Two, the '95 model had a first-ever black midsole which dramatically offset the newly "neon green" air bag.  Finally, instead of being primarily mesh with some leather detailing, the topsole was completely comprised of high quality nubuck leather, fashioned in graduated color shades (from deep purple to palest lavender, for example).

All Air Max models are reputed to be excellent shoes for both professional and amateur athletes.  They are also seen as highly fashionable casual shoes.  Both vintage and new models of Nike Air Max continue to be available, and are coveted by European and American collectors and worldwide fashionistas.