Without a shadow of a doubt, the Nike Air Max 95 is one of the most iconic trainers ever made. Designed by Sergio Lozano back in, you guessed it, 1995, it was inspired by the human anatomy. The mesh base represents muscular tissue, and the leather overlays that look a bit like flesh. Morbid, for sure, but that didn’t stop it from being a true legend among the sneakerverse.
That said, if you’re not too familiar with the AM95, you might not have realised that at one point in its three-decade-long history, it was actually nicknamed the Nike 110. So, how did this even happen? And what does it mean? Make sure you keep reading, because we’re taking a short trip down memory lane.
The Air Max 95 is a shoe that released in the mid ’90s. World-renowned for its multi-layered, multi-material, and multi-textured design, it was, and still is, one of the most unique silhouettes in history. A Swoosh adorns the heel, and underfoot, you’ll find an extra chunky Air Max midsole. This comes complete with a series of exposed bubbles throughout.
If you’ve never heard of the 110, that’s because it was particularly popular in Europe, more specifically, in the UK.
The reason why the Air Max 95 was commonly called the 110 was because of its immense demand in Britain. When it was first released in the United Kingdom, and for many years after, they were sold for around £110. While this doesn’t seem like much, especially when compared to some of the ridiculous retails of today, back then it was a pretty hefty price tag.
Hype surrounding the 110 quickly skyrocketed here, as it was something of a status symbol. People would wear them in all kinds of colourways and designs as a way to show that they had, essentially, made it big. The AM95 costs much more than £110 nowadays, but in 2020, Nike paid homage to this nickname with a special “110” colourway. Referencing the English capital as well as the old £10 note, it was limited to only 1,995 numbered pairs worldwide.
Not only was the Air Max 95 popular in the UK because of its price and their nature as a status symbol, it was incredibly hyped because they’re one of the most comfortable trainers ever made.
Every 95 sits on top of a beefy Air Max midsole that has truly stood the test of time. Exposed bubbles surround the entire unit, and these are injected with a small amount of pressurised gas for extra cushioning and bounce. The multi-material construction is also incredibly well-made, with fabrics like leather, nubuck, and suede being used religiously.
And there you have it! Introduced back in 1995, the Nike Air Max 95 continues to be one of the most popular Swoosh sneakers ever. Back in the day, it retailed for £110 in the UK, earning it the Nike 110 nickname. If you didn’t already know this, it’s a fun bit of trainer trivia that you can tell your friends!
