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The 5 Shocking Secrets Of The Air Max 96’s 2025 Comeback: Everything You Need To Know

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The Nike Air Max 96 is finally getting the recognition it deserves, with 2025 shaping up to be the model's biggest year of retro releases and collaborations since its original debut. As of December 19, 2025, the sneaker world is buzzing about this often-overlooked silhouette, a true gem from the 90s that bridges the gap between the revolutionary Air Max 95 and the iconic Air Max 97.

This deep dive will explore the Air Max 96’s unique design origins, the specific colorways and collaborations confirmed for the coming year, and why this particular model is a crucial piece of the Nike Air Max legacy. We'll break down the design genius of Sergio Lozano and how the shoe is perfectly positioned to dominate the current "chunky sneaker" trend.

The Underrated Design: History and Sergio Lozano's Vision

The Air Max 96 holds a unique, and sometimes controversial, place in the lineage of visible Air cushioning footwear. Released just one year after the groundbreaking Air Max 95, it was tasked with following up one of the most successful and culturally significant sneakers of all time. The design was once again led by the visionary Sergio Lozano, who also designed the 95.

Lozano's approach for the 1996 model was an "elevation" of the 95, maintaining the core technology but giving it a completely new aesthetic.

The shoe's most defining feature is its aggressive, wave-like paneling on the upper, a look that Lozano reportedly drew inspiration from the waves of the ocean.

Unlike its predecessor, the Air Max 96 featured a multi-density Max Air cushioning unit visible in both the heel and the forefoot, offering a blend of stability and comfort that was cutting-edge for its time.

Upon its original release, the model was launched in two distinct colorways for men—the striking "Purple" and "Scream Green"—and two for women—"Teal" and "Royal"—all of which are highly coveted by sneaker collectors today.

The 2025 Retro Resurgence: CDG, Air Max 96 II, and DT Max Hype

The biggest news surrounding the Air Max 96 is the unprecedented level of attention it is receiving for 2025, signaling a major push by Nike Sportswear to bring the model back into the mainstream. This strategy is built on a mix of high-fashion collaborations and retro drops of related models.

The Comme des Garçons Homme Plus Collaboration

One of the most anticipated releases for the year is the Comme des Garçons Homme Plus x Nike Sense 96 Pack, which is currently slated for an April 2025 release. This high-profile partnership with the influential Japanese fashion house, led by Rei Kawakubo, immediately elevates the shoe's status from a retro runner to a fashion-forward statement piece.

While details are still emerging, a collaboration of this magnitude suggests a bold, deconstructed, or conceptual take on the classic silhouette, similar to CDG's past work on other Nike models.

Air Max 96 II and Core Colorway Returns

Beyond the collaborations, the core model is also seeing a resurgence. The slightly refined Air Max 96 II is also expected to release in new and classic colorways, including a clean Black and White version, building on the momentum of its 2021 re-release.

The Air Max 96 II is often considered the more comfortable and wearable version of the shoe, featuring a slightly different upper pattern while retaining the essential Air Max technology.

The Deion Sanders Effect: Air DT Max '96

Adding to the '96 era hype is the highly publicized return of the Nike Air DT Max '96, the signature shoe of two-sport athlete and cultural icon Deion Sanders (Coach Prime). While technically a different model, the shared year and renewed focus on Sanders' legacy are driving a massive wave of nostalgia for all 1996 Nike footwear.

Specific colorways like the "Love Letter to Connie" are scheduled for a May 9, 2025 release, alongside other drops like the "Falcons" colorway. This simultaneous retro push creates a powerful, synergistic moment for the entire '96 catalog, making the Air Max 96 a must-have for those looking to capture the authentic 90s athletic aesthetic.

Air Max 96's Lasting Legacy in Sneaker Culture

The Air Max 96 may have been overshadowed by the Air Max 95 and Air Max 97 in its initial run, but its design influence is undeniable, especially in the modern era of footwear. It is now recognized as one of the original "chunky sneakers," a precursor to the oversized, layered silhouettes that dominate today's street style.

  • The OG Chunky Sneaker: With its multi-layered upper and robust sole unit, the 96 perfectly embodies the maximalist design philosophy that has become a staple of contemporary fashion.
  • High-Value Collaborations: The model has already proven its collaborative appeal, notably with the Supreme x Nike Air Max 96 release for Spring/Summer 2021, which featured a transparent window design and solidified its place as a viable canvas for high-heat drops.
  • Technological Bridge: The 96 serves as a crucial evolutionary step, taking the forefoot Air bag concept from the 95 and refining it before the full-length Air unit was introduced in the 97. This makes it an essential piece of Nike's technological timeline.

The Air Max 96 is a testament to the fact that great design is timeless. Its unique silhouette, which features aggressive lines and a distinct asymmetrical look, offers a refreshing alternative to the more common Air Max models. The current wave of releases, spearheaded by the Comme des Garçons collaboration and the simultaneous Air DT Max hype, ensures that the Air Max 96 will finally step out of the shadows and take its rightful place as a celebrated icon in the Nike running and lifestyle archives. Whether you are a long-time collector of vintage runners or a newcomer to the Air Max family, 2025 is the year to secure a pair of this seminal sneaker.

The 5 Shocking Secrets of the Air Max 96’s 2025 Comeback: Everything You Need to Know
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