The Nike Air Max Joga Bonito Gets an Air Max 95 “Neon” Makeover

Nike’s new football-meets-Air-Max hybrid is already expanding beyond its R9-inspired debut.

After first surfacing in a colorway tied closely to Ronaldo Nazário’s iconic 1998 Mercurial boots, the Nike Air Max Joga Bonito is now borrowing from one of the most recognizable Air Max releases ever: the Air Max 95 “Neon.” The result is a new grey, black, and volt-accented pair that connects the model’s football DNA with classic running heritage.

The base keeps the silhouette’s low-slung, Mercurial-style shape intact, with layered grey panels, black forefoot and side overlays, and light grey piping tracing the upper. White laces and a white collar add contrast, while neon green hits land on the Swoosh, tongue branding, insole, Air units, and outsole details.

Underfoot, the model continues to lean on Air Max 95 tooling, making the “Neon” inspiration feel especially direct. The black midsole, visible Air windows, and bright green cushioning accents closely echo the AM95’s original color language, while the upper brings it into Nike’s new Joga Bonito format.

The Nike Air Max Joga Bonito blends the spirit of Ronaldo’s late-90s Mercurial boot with Sergio Lozano’s Air Max 95 sole unit, and Nike is using the model as part of its growing football lifestyle push. The first “R9” colorway launched in a Metallic Silver/Varsity Maize/Varsity Royal/Black scheme inspired by the legendary boot, while this “Neon” pair shifts the focus toward Air Max history.

The Nike Air Max Joga Bonito “Neon” is expected to release on July 30, 2026, via select retailers like Foot Locker.

For more footwear news, check out the upcoming drops from Jordan Brand.