The Eric Koston x Nike SB Air Max 95 marks one of the most unexpected inductees into Nike SB's skate lineup, transforming Sergio Lozano's 1995 running icon into a Thai heritage-honoring skate weapon as part of the Air Max 95's 30th anniversary celebrations.

Design & Inspiration

Skateboarding legend Eric Koston — instrumental in adapting the Air Max 95 for skateboarding during its 30th anniversary year — brings his signature aesthetic and personal heritage to this Michigan-esque collaboration. The Obsidian and Midnight Navy base delivers deep blue tones accented by Speed Yellow and Summit White, creating a colorway that nods to California's official state colors where Koston grew up in San Bernardino after being born in Thailand. Going back to the days when Koston was given design keys to craft signature shoes, this iteration nostalgically returns to Eric's go-to color choices and signature details. The most personal touch appears at the lateral toe: Thai script translating to "Nike" honors Koston's birthplace and serves as a callback to his early SB designs. "Koston" branding hits the right shoe's tongue tag while Nike SB callouts appear at the heel and outsole. The aesthetic remains faithful to Sergio Lozano's original 1995 design with its distinct skeletal-inspired lines and wavy side panels mimicking human anatomy, but reinterpreted through a skate lens that balances heritage running DNA with street-ready durability.

Comfort & Performance

This isn't just an aesthetic exercise — the Koston Air Max 95 features specific enhancements engineered for skateboarding demands. The upper construction uses premium leather and suede rather than the original mesh, providing enhanced durability for board contact. Folded edges and double-stitch reinforcement in high-wear areas extend the shoe's lifespan during heavy skate sessions. Nike reduced foam and updated the outsole lugs with herringbone tread for improved board feel and traction, critical for technical skating while maintaining the aesthetics and functionality of the original visible Max Air unit in heel and forefoot. The result bridges performance comfort from the running world with skate-specific needs — visible Nike Air delivers cushioning for impact protection during tricks, while the modified construction ensures the durability skaters require. This represents Nike SB's well-tread path of turning unexpected models into skate icons, following successful adaptations like the Air Trainer 1 and Air Jordan 4.

Release Information & Pricing

The Eric Koston x Nike SB Air Max 95 (HQ8492-400) releases November 1, 2025, at skateshops, followed by a Nike SNKRS and select Nike SB retailers drops on November 7, 2025. Retail pricing is set at $190 USD / €200 / £175. As one of Nike SB's most prominent figures, Koston's contribution to the Air Max 95's skate adaptation represents a perfect collision of running heritage and skateboarding innovation. Find out where to buy a pair online below.