Nike Air Max 95 Big Bubble “Olympic” returns in 2026 with original tooling

A rare Olympic-era sneaker returns with its original Big Bubble construction and unmistakable heritage appeal.

By
Julien Roversi
Julien Roversi, a Paris-based fashion enthusiast, is an emerging voice in footwear & fashion journalism. After studying fashion communication and media at the London College of...
2 Min Read
2 Min Read

Nike continues to dig into its extensive vault – alongside experiments like its golf-ready Air Max 95 take—to bring back specific iterations of its running heritage. The sportswear giant is set to release the Air Max 95 Big Bubble “Olympic” as a retro offering for the first time. Originally released during the 2004 Summer Games in Athens, this sneaker stands out as a distinct piece of footwear history.

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📌 Key Facts
🏅 Original release: 2004 Athens Olympic Games
👟 Model: Nike Air Max 95 Big Bubble
💨 Technology: Oversized, seamed Air unit (original tooling)
🎨 Design highlights: Olympic ring colors, Greek flag, gold Air Max branding
📅 Expected release: Spring / Summer 2026
💲 Estimated price: Around $200
🆔 SKU: IB7872-100
Nike Air Max 95 Big Bubble “Olympic” Returns in 2026 With Original Tooling

The upper displays direct inspiration from the international sporting event. The design features the five colors of the Olympic rings on the lace loops and leather overlays. A Greek flag sits on the oval-shaped tongue and rests just below the gold Air Max branding. White leather panels cover the rest of the shoe and sit atop a matching white midsole.

This retro model stays true to the original 2004 design. The model features the larger seamed Air unit that defines the Big Bubble series. Nike used this larger airbag for a short time before switching to a different manufacturing process for environmental reasons.

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Nike Air Max 95 Big Bubble “Olympic” Returns in 2026 With Original Tooling

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Collectors often view the original release as the holy grail. The reception of this reissue remains uncertain, given its high retail price. A price tag near $200 might deter some buyers. The loud colorway – especially compared with more wearable options like the “Hydrangeas” colorway—also makes them challenging to wear daily.

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Nike Air Max 95 Big Bubble “Olympic” Returns in 2026 With Original Tooling
Nike Air Max 95 Big Bubble “Olympic” Returns in 2026 With Original Tooling
Nike Air Max 95 Big Bubble “Olympic” Returns in 2026 With Original Tooling
Nike Air Max 95 Big Bubble “Olympic” Returns in 2026 With Original Tooling
Nike Air Max 95 Big Bubble “Olympic” Returns in 2026 With Original Tooling
Nike Air Max 95 Big Bubble “Olympic” Returns in 2026 With Original Tooling
Nike Air Max 95 Big Bubble “Olympic” Returns in 2026 With Original Tooling

Currently, we do not have a confirmed release date. Current information suggests a launch during the spring or summer of 2026. The product SKU is IB7872-100.

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