Nike just leveled up the sneaker game in a way even Joey Wheeler would approve. The brand officially dropped images of the Yu-Gi-Oh! x Air Max 95 collaboration, the latest project under their .SWOOSH initiative. Two colorways are hitting shelves September 12th: the global “Joey” in blue and the Japan-exclusive “Jonouchi” in grey. Both come in custom boxes that include playable Yu-Gi-Oh! trading cards. That’s a first for KONAMI collaborations. Nike isn’t stopping at sneakers. The drop also includes a Destroyer jacket and classic tees that complete the look.
This isn’t just a cartoon flex. The Air Max 95 is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and Nike is doubling down on the silhouette’s legacy, teaming up with familiar names like Levi’s and Corteiz. But the real pop might come from an unexpected corner: anime. Sneaker News reported months ago that the biggest hype for the AM95 could come from the Yu-Gi-Oh! series, and Nike is making that prediction look spot-on.
The first hints of this collab came during San Diego Comic Con, where display cards teased two editions, mirroring the classic “Neon” and a greyed-out variant. QR codes on the cards link to Nike’s sub-brand sites for more info, bridging sneaker culture with digital fandom in a neat move.
Joey Wheeler wasn’t supposed to win. His deck was rough, his skills were rougher, yet he had his friends and the freshest kicks in town. More than 25 years later, Nike brings those iconic sneakers to life. The Air Max 95 QS YGO faithfully recreates the anime’s original design. The global “Joey” colorway matches the blue tones from the series, with lace loops and paneling reflecting the original animation. The outsole features a Yu-Gi-Oh! logo, the heel displays a card-inspired graphic, and the sock liner nods to friendship, complete with Joey and his Red-Eyes Black Dragon. The “Jonouchi” grey version, Japan-exclusive, mirrors Yu-Gi-Oh!’s early days while keeping the design contemporary.
Every pair comes with custom playable Nike x Yu-Gi-Oh! cards, marking the first time KONAMI partnered with a brand to make official TCG cards part of a release. The accompanying Destroyer jacket is styled like a Domino High School varsity jacket, with heavyweight wool, leather sleeves, 3D embroidery, and co-branded chenille patches. Two T-shirts round out the drop, featuring heavyweight fabrics, loose fits, and graphics highlighting the Red-Eyes Black Dragon.
“At Nike, we believe the future of sport is creative and unlimited in possibility, and we know that athletes draw inspiration from extraordinary sources in the video games they play and the anime they watch,” says Dave Vericker, Sr. Director, NBHD/Energy Merchandising. Jennifer Coleman, VP at Konami Cross Media, adds, “The passion, care and attention to detail Nike brought to this Yu-Gi-Oh! collaboration has been extraordinary. Their unique vision of Yu-Gi-Oh! characters and fans as athletes — combined with Nike’s iconic design — will redefine how our audience connects with their favorite characters.”
The shoes drop September 12 worldwide for the “Joey” edition, with the “Jonouchi” version hitting select Japanese stores. Reddit reactions have been as animated as the series: “I want to risk my life to get the shoes. They should include 12 gold coins, a scorpion, and a knife.” Another wrote, “Nike’s with Eyes of Red.”
Whether you’re chasing the nostalgia of Duel Monsters or just hunting the freshest pair on SNKRS, the Yu-Gi-Oh! x Air Max 95 is bringing Joey Wheeler’s underdog energy straight to your feet.
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