JD Sports just gave us a sneak peak of some upcoming Air Max 95 releases for 2026, and it’s clear there’s a deliberate shift in direction. Rather than pushing completely new concepts, Nike and JD appear to be focusing on bringing back the DNA of some of the most iconic 2010-era exclusives, updating them with modern tooling like the Big Bubble Air unit while keeping the colour blocking and details that made those pairs so popular in the first place.
This approach leans heavily into nostalgia, particularly for the UK market where JD-exclusive Air Max 95s have always held strong cultural relevance. From gradient air units to striped lace loops and darker midsoles, this lineup feels like a direct response to what actually performs well.
Below is a full breakdown of each pair featured in the preview.
Air Max 95 Apple Pink - IR1473-060
The Apple Pink colourway introduces a clean and highly wearable take on the gradient aesthetic that JD exclusives are known for. A smooth grey-to-white upper provides a neutral base, while the standout feature comes through the gradient Air unit, blending Hyper Turquoise with Pink Foam for a more vibrant finish. The inclusion of striped lace loops immediately ties this pair back to older JD releases, reinforcing that early 2010s influence.
This is exactly the kind of colourway that tends to perform well — clean enough for everyday wear, but with enough colour in the details to stand out. It feels like a modern evolution of classic JD-exclusive design language rather than a completely new concept.
Name: Air Max 95 Apple Pink
Style Code: IR1473-060
Expected Release: In-store exclusive late March, wider rollout in April
Air Max 95 Royal Blue
The Royal Blue pair takes a much more traditional approach, drawing clear inspiration from the original 2010-era releases. The black toe box, combined with bold colour accents and striped lace loops, gives it a distinctly old-school feel, while the use of leather across the upper mirrors the build quality seen on earlier JD exclusives.
There are strong similarities here to classic colourways like Neptune and Emerald, particularly in the way the colours are distributed across the shoe. This is the type of pair that appeals directly to long-time Air Max 95 collectors, especially those who favour the heavier, more premium feel of the older constructions.
Name: Air Max 95 Royal Blue
Style Code: TBC
Expected Release: June 2026
Air Max 95 Apple Blue ‘Big Bubble’ - IR1473-010
The return of the Apple Blue is easily one of the most significant releases in this lineup. Widely considered one of the best Air Max 95 colourways ever, this pair stays very close to the original design, retaining the signature colour blocking and overall aesthetic that made it so popular.
The addition of the gradient Air unit enhances the look without taking away from the original identity, and it fits perfectly within the wider Big Bubble revival Nike is currently pushing. Unlike some retros that feel slightly off, this appears to be a faithful update that should resonate strongly with both collectors and newer buyers.
For a full breakdown of this release, you can read our detailed guide here
Name: Air Max 95 Apple Blue ‘Big Bubble’
Style Code: IR1473-010
Expected Release: April 2026
Air Max 95 Fresh Mint Big Bubble
The Fresh Mint makes a return following its original release in 2019, where it quickly became a fan favourite due to its clean colour palette and strong gradient execution. For 2026, the pair has been updated with the Big Bubble Air unit, bringing it in line with Nike’s current direction for the silhouette.
Visually, this is one of the cleanest pairs in the lineup. The soft green tones combined with the classic gradient upper give it a very wearable, summer-ready look that should appeal to a wide audience. It doesn’t rely on heavy contrast or bold colour blocking, instead leaning into simplicity and balance.
Name: Air Max 95 Fresh Mint Big Bubble
Style Code: TBC
Expected Release: June 2026
Air Max 95 Pink Foam Big Bubble - HJ5996-001
The Pink Foam returns once again, following the success of both the 2020 release and the instantly sold-out 2025 version. This colourway has already established itself as one of the most popular modern Air Max 95s, helped significantly by its visibility after being worn by Kim Kardashian.
The 2026 version continues with the Big Bubble construction, maintaining the same clean grey gradient upper and subtle pink accents that define the shoe. Given its track record, this is likely to be one of the strongest performers in the entire lineup.
For more details on this release, you can read our full breakdown here
Name: Air Max 95 Pink Foam Big Bubble
Style Code: HJ5996-001
Expected Release: March 28, 2026
Final Thoughts
This JD Sports preview gives a clear indication of where Nike is heading with the Air Max 95 in 2026. Rather than pushing completely new concepts, the focus is on refining what already works — bringing back proven colourways, reintroducing classic JD-exclusive design elements and pairing them with updated tooling like the Big Bubble Air unit.
What stands out most is how closely this lineup aligns with what the market actually wants. From the return of icons like the Apple Blue to the continued momentum behind pairs like the Pink Foam, Nike is clearly leaning into demand rather than experimentation. Combined with upcoming releases covered in our Air Max 95 Apple Blue 2026 guide and Pink Foam restock breakdown, this creates a strong cluster of highly relevant releases all landing within a short window.
If you’re looking to secure any of these pairs or explore similar colourways, you can browse our full Air Max 95 collection, which includes both upcoming releases and hard-to-find pairs.
Overall, this lineup feels like a return to what made JD-exclusive Air Max 95s so popular in the first place, and based on the designs and current demand, these are all expected to go down very well with collectors.
