Nike Is Teaching Geology 101 With This Air Max 95

Designer Sergio Lozano, who was working for Nike’s All Conditions Gear category at the time, conceptualized the Air Max 95s to be a sneaker for powerful, heavier-footed runners. The shoe's upper design was based on different structures within the body: the speed lacing system inspired by the ribs, the outsole inspired by the spine, and the layers of the upper inspired by muscle fibers. Today, Nike has noticed that the layers of the 95’s upper unintentionally mimic the concentric lines of a topographical map, bringing this sneaker closer to earth with the tonal suedes while adding additional embossed detailing to cap a premium GR offering on a sneakerhead favorite.

The rich suede used for the layered upper of the Nike Air Max 95 “Topographic” aka “Off Noir Limestone” is embossed with a design that looks like a topographical map. The colors of the suede are a gradient, going from a light tan on the toe cap and mudguard suede panels, to a grey suede, moving up the sneaker, a dark brown suede, then finally into a black textile that overlays the straps used to lace up the sneaker. The eyelet straps feature stripes of color, going from yellow to dark red from the bottom of the lacing structure to the top. Tan suede is used on the tongue for added contrast to the black mesh tongue, which features an all-black patch with the Nike Swoosh logo embroidered on it. The Air Max 95’s visible Max Air unit is encapsulated in black-painted foam, with a black outsole and a tan-striped pattern printed onto the exposed portion of the Air unit underfoot.

The Nike Air Max 95 Topographic was originally set to be released on July 6th, 2022. After a small delay, they will now release on July 29th. The sneaker will drop on Nike and at select Nike Sportswear retailers for a retail price of $185 in men’s sizes. Keep it locked to our Twitter andMobile App to stay up to date on future releases.