Corey Herscu
Toronto has an incredible relationship with Nike and sneakerheads are the benefactors of it.
With the release of the Air Max 95: Toronto, Nike offers a shoe that celebrates Toronto’s rich diversity, sports legacy, and undeniable impact on streetwear culture.
The Air Max Legacy
To appreciate the Air Max 95: Toronto, you have to understand the legacy of the Air Max 95 itself. When it was introduced in 1995, the design was nothing short of revolutionary. Inspired by the human anatomy, designer Sergio Lozano created a design that was unlike any other. The layered upper represented muscle fibers, while the spine-inspired midsole design gave the shoe a distinct, dynamic silhouette. Most importantly, the Air Max 95 was the first Nike sneaker to feature visible Air units not only in the heel but also in the forefoot, making it a game-changer in terms of comfort and style.
The latest offering, the Air Max 95: Toronto, continues where the Air Max 1: The 6ix left off, showing just how deep a love can be between a city and a brand.
Nike loves Toronto
Toronto holds a special place in Nike’s heart.
The brand’s presence in the city has been growing steadily since the late ’80s, when the influence of basketball culture began to shape Toronto’s youth. By the early ’90s, Nike had already become the go-to brand for many athletes and sneaker enthusiasts in the city. Basketball, especially with the arrival of the Toronto Raptors in 1995, only deepened that bond.
However, it wasn’t just sports that tied Nike to Toronto. The city’s diverse cultural tapestry made it a natural fit for Nike’s global ethos. Toronto has always been a melting pot of styles, where streetwear, sports culture, and high fashion intersect. The sneaker scene in the city grew rapidly, with Air Max becoming a symbol of cool, a shoe that could be spotted on everyone from hip-hop artists to high school students.
Design Inspired by the 6ix
The Air Max 95: Toronto is unequivocally made for the six and it starts from the ground up. Rather than maintaining the black and white colorway of its predecessor, this time around a mix of deep reds, blacks, and hints of metallic gold make the shoe stand out, a nod to Toronto’s urban skyline at sunset, with the CN Tower standing tall amidst the warm hues of a late summer evening.
Another standout feature is the use of reflective detailing, a callback to the city’s vibrant nightlife (and some favorite old stomping grounds if you’re reading this and old enough to remember them). Whether you’re walking King St., Queen St., or the harbor, the shoe’s reflective accents ensure you stand out. The shoe’s tongue also bears a special insignia – a stylized Toronto skyline – offering a subtle yet meaningful touch that connects the wearer to the city.
More Than Just a Shoe
The Air Max 95: Toronto is a nod to the city’s vibrant history with the beloved sports brand, its impact on streetwear, and its status as a global city that embraces diversity and creativity. It’s also a connection to the city and its ever-evolving sneaker culture.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Nike or someone who’s just starting to explore the world of sneakers, this release offers something special: a reminder of how much Nike loves Toronto, and how much the designers involved appreciate what makes our city unique.
The Air Max 95: Toronto is available at shoe stores across North America including The Closet Inc.
