Thirty years ago, Nike designer Sergio Lozano crafted one of the brand’s most recognizable Air Max sneakers, taking inspiration from human anatomy to create the Air Max 95. As part of the birthday celebrations in 2025, we expect different AM95 releases, from the OG Neon with a bigger Air unit closer to the original 1995 release to a Nike SB version of the silhouette. On top of this, Nike’s soccer division is applying the original Neon colorway to a kids’ exclusive Mercurial Vapor Pro 16.
Like last year’s Air Max Plus-inspired Zoom Superfly 9 and Zoom Vapor 15, this Mercurial Vapor Pro 16 applies colorblocking, color palettes, and panels from the Air Max 95 to the performance soccer boot. The iconic human rib-inspired paneling on the midfoot is added, taking on the greyscale gradient found on the OG Neon color scheme. Pops of neon green are on the faux lace loops painted on top of the knit base, the mini Swoosh on the heel, and the Air Max 95-inspired Air Zoom logo on the top of the knit tongue.
A black mini Nike Air logo is placed on the grey fused heel overlay, contrasting the various grey colors surrounding it. Even with the Air Max 95 Neon's appearance, the model retains key technical features like the Flyknit base layer, sticky leather around the toe to control the ball when dribbling, and the Air Zoom unit for cushioning on the pitch. Finishing the design is the black outsole with neon green cleated studs. Outside of the sneaker itself, Nike adds some Air Max 95 inspiration to the packaging, recreating the original box from the model's 1995 release with Mercurial branding instead of Air Max.
The Nike Mercurial Vapor Pro 16 Air Max 95 Neon GS will release in Summer 2025 through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in GS sizing, the retail price has yet to be announced. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via Nike
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
