There were a handful of high-profile 30th anniversaries for sneakers in 2025, though one has kind of flown under the radar compared to others: the Nike Air Max Uptempo 95. While it’s been overshadowed by the slew of Air Max 95 colorways and the Air Jordan 5’s anniversary, a handful of OG renditions (and even a new NYvsNY colorway) have hit shelves. The model will continue to receive releases into 2026 as Nike plans to retro Derek Fisher’s Los Angeles Lakers-themed colorway.
If you’re unfamiliar with Derek Fisher, the now-retired NBA legend was first drafted in 1996 by the Los Angeles Lakers, the same year Kobe Bryant entered the league. The two would eventually end up on the Lakers after Bryant was traded ahead of the 1996-1997 season, and they would both go on to play pivotal roles in the Lakers' three-peat from 2000 to 2002. During these years, he would take the court in the Air Max Uptempo 95, famously wearing two Lakers-themed colorways, one of which just returned a few months ago.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts, catching the latest movies, and trying new food. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
