The Nike Air Max 95 OG "Reverse Neon" Brings Sergio Lozano's 31-Year-Old Sketch to Life

The history of the Nike Air Max 95 has been documented ad nauseam over the last 30 years. Its milestone anniversary in 2025 has brought the silhouette into the spotlight, offering longtime and new fans alike another history lesson brought forth through a return to Big Bubble construction and retros of several original color schemes. One element that's finally getting proper attention this year is what could've been.

The story goes that Sergio Lozano, a young designer at the Swoosh, was tasked with reinvigorating the Air Max running franchise in the mid-1990s. He was given an open-ended assignment with the only requirement being innovation in the same vein as Tinker Hatfield's design from 1987. Lozano's creation ultimately drew inspiration from nature and human anatomy, deviating from the traditional aesthetics of the era. What became the Air Max 95 was eventually green-lit by the Swoosh, but the model's iconic "Neon" look wasn't the first vision for the sneaker's inaugural colorway. Instead, a sketch from 1994 imagined the revolutionary sneaker with the signature "Anthracite/Light Graphite/Light Charcoal/Neon Yellow" color palette in reverse—that's to say, with the darkest shades closest to the tongue instead of the sole unit.

This "Reverse Neon" style had largely been an overlooked piece of history, until now, as it's finally gotten a retail launch.

In anticipation of the wider release of the Big Bubble Air Max 95 "Neon" project, Nike teamed up with New York City's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Design Store last night to host a discussion about Lozano's beloved design. Additionally, pairs of the sketch-inspired Air Max surprise-dropped via the museum's online shop. The "Reverse Neon" style quickly sold out, but a second drop via the SNKRS Pass program in NYC will take place on Thursday, April 10. The sneaker will be available for pick-up at the SoHo MoMA Design Store, and cost $190.

According to Brendan Dunne from Complex, the shoe is rather limited, making those lucky enough to have gotten a pair truly lucky.

A quick glance at the MoMA-backed project reveals a difference in materials across the upper. Hairy suede construction appears in the Air Max 95's iconic gradient layers, with the components closest to the tongue donning the sneaker's darkest shades. "Neon Yellow" animates everything from the lace loops to the swoosh on the lateral heel; plump, visible Air underfoot follows suit.

Enjoy a closer look at the piece of history below. If you're in New York City on April 10, keep an eye on the SNKRS app for a chance to participate in the SNKRS Pass launch.

For more from the Swoosh empire, check out all remaining Jordan Release Dates in the year—including several Air Jordan 11 retros landing throughout the holidays.