The Corteiz x Nike Air Max 95 release was one of the most exciting moments in the world of sneakers and streetwear. Corteiz, a London-based brand known for its exclusive drops and underground vibe, teamed up with Nike to bring new life to the classic Air Max 95. If you’re into sneakers, fashion, or just love being part of cultural moments, this drop was a big deal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the release from the background of the collab to design details, drop info, and how it was received by fans around the world.
The Story Behind the Collaboration
Corteiz was founded by Clint419 in 2017 and quickly grew a loyal following through its mystery drops and raw, unapologetic style. The brand’s rebellious attitude made it stand out in a world full of over-polished fashion labels. Nike saw the hype and in 2023, the two brands came together to drop their first Air Max 95 collab.That release included three colorways: Gutta Green, Pink Beam, and Aegean Storm. Each version had a bold design, outdoor-ready details, and exclusive launch strategies that matched Corteiz’s unpredictable nature. These sneakers sold out almost instantly and became a hit in both streetwear and sneaker communities.
Built to Stand Out: Corteiz x Nike Air Max 95 “Honey Blacks”
In 2025, Corteiz and Nike returned with a new colorway called “Honey Blacks” (also known as “Black Tour Yellow”). This pair took a more minimal but powerful approach. Instead of the bright colors from earlier releases, the “Honey Blacks” featured an all-black upper with bold yellow Air units in the midsole, giving them a sharp contrast and aggressive feel.
Design Features:
The lacing system had toggle-style cords instead of traditional laces.
Tour Yellow details on the outsole and inner air bubbles gave the shoe its name.
A matte black sockliner completed the clean, stealthy look.
This pair kept the rugged, ready-for-anything vibe Corteiz is known for but added a smoother, more refined edge. It felt like the perfect balance between streetwear attitude and Nike performance heritage.
How the Drop Happened
Just like previous Corteiz drops, this one wasn’t your average sneaker release. The brand teased the release on social media with cryptic images, including a black and yellow bus, hinting that something big was coming. Then, they rolled out surprise pop-up events in London and Harlem where lucky fans could get early access.The global release took place on April 30, 2025, at 2 PM EST (7 PM BST). Fans could buy the sneakers on the Corteiz website or via Nike SNKRS. As usual, Corteiz used password-protected access on their website, with phrases like “ICOULDNEVERLACK” acting as the key to enter the site during the drop.The retail price was set at $190 USD, similar to past releases. But due to high demand and limited stock, resellers quickly picked them up and posted them for double or even triple the price online.
Fan Reaction and Resale Buzz
The reaction from the sneaker world was massive. Fans were excited about the cleaner design and bold yellow accents. On social media, posts and videos of the shoes flooded timelines within minutes. Websites like Sneaker News, Hypebeast, and Highsnobiety all praised the design, calling it one of the best Corteiz x Nike releases so far.On resale platforms like StockX and GOAT, the “Honey Blacks” started appearing almost immediately after the drop. Depending on the size and condition, prices ranged from $300 to $500 or more, showing just how in-demand they were.
Matching Apparel Collection
Corteiz didn’t just drop the sneakers—they also released a matching apparel line. The collection included hoodies, sweatpants, jerseys, and full tracksuits that all matched the black and yellow color scheme of the “Honey Blacks.” This allowed fans to pull off a complete look from head to toe.The clothing featured the signature Alcatraz logo and tactical details like heavy-duty zippers and oversized fits. Everything sold out quickly, just like the shoes.
Why This Drop Matters
The Corteiz x Nike Air Max 95 “Honey Blacks” was more than just another sneaker release. It was a cultural moment. It showed how powerful streetwear has become and how brands like Corteiz can shake up the industry with their own rules.This release stood out because it blended high-performance design with a streetwear mindset. It wasn’t about flashy marketing or giant billboards it was about community, exclusivity, and real-world buzz. People lined up, chased passwords, and shared the moment online, making it feel like a global event.
What’s Next for Corteiz and Nike?
This isn’t the end of the road for Corteiz and Nike. There are rumors of new colorways and collaborations in the works, including more Air Max 95 models and possibly other Nike silhouettes. Corteiz has also teamed up with Supreme, further proving that it’s one of the most influential names in the streetwear game today.If you missed the “Honey Blacks” drop, don’t worry Corteiz is known for doing surprise restocks or new drops without warning. Just make sure to follow their Instagram and keep an eye on the SNKRS app for future releases.
