The Nike Air Max 95 has been on the market for 30 years, and over the last three decades, it has cemented itself as one of the most popular and recognizable Air Max models, especially overseas. 110s (nicknamed for the original cost of the sneaker in the UK, £110) have a chokehold on soccer culture in the UK and beyond, with Nike recognizing this influence through a series of cleats inspired by the Air Max series and Air Max 95. Following up on the release of the OG Neon colorway and the Mercurial Zoom Superfly 10 Elite modeled after this colorway, Nike is bringing the Air Max 95 to life on the Mercurial Vapor 16 Elite.
While not a direct homage to a particular color, although the cleat does feature solar red accents, the Air Max 95-inspired paneling is given an iridescent finish, shifting between blue, purple, and green shades. Below this sits a blacked-out knit that extends across the entire cleat, including the collar and tongue. Pops of solar red are found on the Air Zoom tag on the tongue, redone to mimic the classic Air Max logo on the Air Max 95, and the mini Swoosh on the lateral collar.
Final nods to the Air Max 95 on the upper are found on the heel with the overlay mimicking the heel of the Sergio Lozano-designed sneaker, and the Nike Air text done in solar red. Even with this makeover, the technical aspects of the Mercurial Vapor 16 Elite remain, including the Air Zoom-cushioned sole unit with a wave-like traction pattern, chevron and blade studs for grip on the pitch, and Gripknit material for exceptional touch to the ball. Finishing the design is the cleated outsole, which features an homage to the Air Max 95’s PSI text on the forefoot.
The Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 Elite AM 95 SE FG Solar Red will release on May 12, 2025, through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is $310. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest release, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via Nike
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
