Women’s Air Max 95 ‘Big Bubble’: Features and specs, price, how to buy in South Africa

Nike has dropped the Women’s Air Max 95 ‘Big Bubble’, a sleek black rework of the classic sneaker. Here’s everything you need to know — from features and history to the real price of owning a pair in South Africa.

By / / Fashion
nike sneakers women's air max 95 'big bubble' black

The Women’s Air Max 95 ‘Big Bubble’ officially dropped on the Nike SNKRS app on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, at 12:00 (SAST).

Priced at R3,799.95, this new release is already turning heads for its minimalist design and luxurious material mix — but as South African sneaker fans know, the real cost often goes beyond the retail tag.

This edition of the Air Max 95 keeps true to its heritage while giving it a modern, premium twist.

The upper — the top part of the shoe — is built from layers of textured leather, blending matte and glossy finishes for a sleek, monochrome look.

A jewelled Nike Swoosh on the heel adds a hint of shine without going overboard, while the black-on-black colourway makes it versatile enough for both everyday wear and street-style fits.

Read more – Nike sneakers, prices and release dates for October 2025

A look back at the Air Max 95 legacy

The Air Max 95 first hit the scene in 1995, designed by Sergio Lozano.

Unlike earlier Air Max models that focused on the heel, the 95 was the first to feature visible Air cushioning in both the heel and forefoot, making it one of the most comfortable running sneakers of its time.

Its layered upper — said to be inspired by the human anatomy, with panels resembling muscle fibres and ribs — gave the shoe its distinctive look. Over the years, it’s been reimagined in countless colourways, but the “Big Bubble” versions pay homage to early prototypes that featured a larger Air unit for extra cushioning and bounce.

The ‘Big Bubble’ in this latest women’s edition refers to that oversized Air Max sole unit, which not only looks bolder but also delivers noticeably softer support underfoot. It’s designed for all-day comfort, whether you’re wearing it casually or for light activity.

Pricing and actual cost in South Africa

While the official retail price on SNKRS is R3,799.95, buyers in South Africa need to factor in import duties, VAT, and shipping fees — especially if purchasing directly from Nike’s global site rather than a local partner.

Here’s a rough breakdown of what it could cost:

  • Base retail price: R3,799.95
  • International shipping (via SNKRS): ±R600 – R800
  • Import duties and taxes: ±R900 – R1,200 (depending on customs)
  • Estimated total landed cost: Between R5,300 and R5,800

That means South African sneakerheads can expect to pay roughly R1,500–R2,000 more than the listed retail price once all logistics and taxes are included.

Local resale or retail platforms like Shelflife, Archive, or BSTN ZA may eventually carry the model — often at similar or slightly higher prices — once stock filters through official Nike distributors.

Where and how to buy

The Women’s Air Max 95 ‘Big Bubble’ is available exclusively via the Nike SNKRS app and Nike.com for now.

Limited pairs are expected to be released through select retailers in Cape Town and Johannesburg later this month, though no confirmed dates have been announced.

To buy on SNKRS:

  1. Download the Nike SNKRS app (available on iOS and Android).
  2. Log in or sign up with your Nike account.
  3. Select the shoe from the “Upcoming” or “New Releases” tab.
  4. Enter your size and payment details when the drop goes live at 12:00 (SAST).

Since it’s a limited release, fans should expect high demand and potential sell-outs within minutes.