The Nike Air Max 95 “Black Tongue Pack” brings a small but noticeable change to the model’s familiar gradient setup. Blue, red, pink, and yellow colorways were previewed during Paris Fashion Week, all built around the layered upper and visible Air cushioning that have defined the shoe since 1995.

Rather than having a lighter tongue and lining like what you’ll find on duos such as the “Neon” these colorways keep black running through the center of the shoe. The darker base allows the bolder accents to pop without straying too far from the OG Air Max 95 formula.

The idea goes back further than most recent gradient releases. An early Air Max 95 prototype photographed with designer Sergio Lozano in the 1990s featured a similar look. That sample later became the reference point for the mita sneakers x Nike Air Max 95 “Ueno Prototype,” a highly limited release from 2013.

Nike has not tied the new pack directly to the mita collaboration, but the connection is there. For longtime collectors, especially those familiar with the Air Max 95’s prototype history, the black tongue is more than a simple color swap.

Four colorways have surfaced so far, with more possibly planned. The Nike Air Max 95 “Black Tongue Pack” is expected to release during Spring/Summer 2027 through Nike.com and select Nike Sportswear retailers. Exact release dates and pricing have not been announced.

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Photos: sneakerologue