Nike’s Air Max Uptempo 95 ‘Chicago’ Pays Homage to the City of Hoops

Nike is bringing back the classic Air Max Uptempo 95 in the iconic "Chicago" colourway made famous by basketball legend Scottie Pippen

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been three decades since Scottie Pippen had us all convinced that we absolutely NEEDED the classic Nike Air Max Uptempo 95 “Chicago” in our sneaker collection. This iconic silhouette, the first basketball sneaker to have a full-length Nike Air unit throughout the outsole, was a game-changer when it hit the courts and streets thirty years ago and even more of a dream in its Bulls-inspired get-up. After the colourway’s last retro release in 2019, sneakerheads have been eagerly awaiting another opportunity to scoop up the Nike Air Max Uptempo 95 in its memorable “Chicago” colourway, and we’ll finally be afforded that luxury for the model’s 30th milestone in 2025.

A Closer Look At The Sneaker

This White, University Red, and Black colourway has been retroed only once since its 1995 debut, making the upcoming release a rare and special occasion for sneaker enthusiasts.

Although it’s unclear if the design will faithfully replicate the original release or if the toe will have the extra black panel like the 2019 retro (you can view pictures of the 2019 version below), we can still hope for a faithful reproduction to celebrate the anniversary of the iconic silhouette.

If so, anticipate a white leather upper with striking red highlights on the pull tabs and huge profile Swooshes, black nubuck overlays around the mudguards, and an adjustable white lace system. And, of course, its biggest selling point back in the ’90s—the model’s famous Air cushioning technology, visible through the full-length midsole.

Nike Air Max Uptempo 95 “Chicago” Release Details

The Uptempo 95 will be released in this “Chicago” colourway in summer, 2025. The sneakers will be sold at Nike.com and select retailers for $160 USD in men’s sizing.

Other retro Nike kicks to look forward to in the coming months include Charles Barkley’s signature Nike Air Max CB 34 sneakers in “Triple White” and Deion Sanders’ memorable Nike Air Diamond Turf’ Falcons.’ Until then, stay tuned to Sneaker Fortress for more sneaker drops and news.