Air Max 95 Gets an SB Makeover: Here’s What’s Actually Different

The Sole Supplier has been excited ever since Nike announced its SB Air Max 95 over a year ago. Waiting patiently through the various stages of leaked images and official Nike product shots, we were left a little confused. Why? Because it looks just like a standard Air Max 95. Right?

We knew if we were left scratching our heads then that would be the same for every other sneakerhead out there, so we decided to check out the new Nike SB AM95 and find out if Nike had actually changed anything.

The new SB version retains the iconic Air Max 95 look but features several subtle yet meaningful modifications under the hood. The outsole lugs are shallower than the standard version, and uses a herringbone tread offering improved grip for when your feet are planted on the board. While the traditional “OG Neon” was initially designed for trail running in Portland, a different sort of grip is needed for skateboarding.

The panel edges across the sidewall are no longer raw and exposed, reducing the amount of wear and fraying caused by the grip tape. Each panel is also reinforced with double stitch lines and turn‑and‑stitch detailing for extra durability. The heavy-suede toebox improves flick for technical tricks, an area which usually is constructed from a synthetic suede.

The shank plate that sits underfoot is a lot softer and adds flexibility throughout the sole for better board control. The midsole has also been reduced as your foot now sits closer to the Air units allowing for more board feel. In general, the upper is a lot softer, giving an instant broken‑in feel that skaters crave.

The insole remains unchanged to lower stack height and increase board feel, while notches on the inner heel prevent slippage. Notably from a top-down view the shoe looks a lot wider, an important factor for those sneakerheads who prefer a slimmer fit.

As a result of all these changes, opinions on the new SB AM95 suggest that they are more comfortable than the original. Priced at £185, the SB edition comes in around £10 higher than a regular AM95 but the same cost as collaborative versions such as the Levi’s pairs.

Yes, this is a true skate shoe. Eric Koston, a legend in the Nike SB franchise stated, “You can now skate in it and chill in it. And they look sick skated up. It’s a different era now. Back then it was not cool. Now if you do that, that’s a flex.”

Historically skaters would switch into Air Max 95s as a “chill shoe” off the board, as scuffing your non-skate shoes was a big no. Now a worn and weathered AM95 is celebrated, a badge of skating history and skill.

Yes, Nike SB worked hard to ensure this shoe still looks like a traditional Air Max 95. Expert footwear designer David Nickless said, “First and foremost we are not trying to change it too much. You have got to make the changes that are going to count but not change it so much that it stops looking like the Air Max 95.”

He then went on to sum things up by saying, “You’ll feel the difference but you’ll never see it.”

With all its performance updates tucked away beneath the visible design, the original beauty of Lazano’s design still shines through.

In the 1990s skaters used the Air Max 95 as their ‘chill shoe’. Worn off board, it quietly built an underground reputation for being the best shoe for anything outside of the sport. By creating an SB version, Nike celebrates that cultural history, gives skaters the recognition they deserve and introduces the Air Max 95 community to the SB world.

It also encourages new foot traffic to skate shops and brings fresh life to the silhouette with thoughtful performance tweaks designed for skateboarding. This collaboration stands at the intersection of heritage and innovation, and aligns with Nike’s desire to grow its SB division alongside the evolving sport.

Absolutely. Sneakerheads are drawn to the SB edition because the updated silhouette remains true to its roots. This “Cactus Flower” edition only builds on the hype surrounding the silhouette in 2025, adding another interesting option for fans to choose from alongside the “OG Neon” and Levi’s collaboration which dropped this year.

Nike’s method of dropping retro colourways, great collaborations and a new skateboard-ready version previously worked on the Air Jordan 4. We expect the same results on the Swoosh’s hero silhouette from the Air Max line-up, with demand for the Max 95 only set to increase.

The Nike SB Air Max 95 bridges two worlds. It gives skaters a ready‑to‑skate version of a 90s icon while offering sneaker lovers a fresh chapter in the silhouette’s story. With functional improvements hidden below, durability enhancements and insights from skate legends like Koston, the Swoosh has proved once again how they can transform its catalogue of classics.

Whether you’re going to scuff these up or just rock them with your favourite baggy denim, this is a release that both skaters and sneakerheads can unite around!

If you are trying to secure your pair of Nike SB Air Max 95 “Summite White Cactus Flower” then be sure to hit the ‘Notify me’ bell for all the latest information!