What's Happening?
Nike is set to release a new colorway of its SB Air Max 95, known as Cacao Wow, in spring 2026. This follows the debut of the Cactus Flower colorway in August. The Cacao Wow features a gradient fade across its ribbed suede and leather upper, blending neutral shades of black, gray, and brown, with a near-white finish at the top. The sneaker has been reengineered for skateboarding, making it lighter, softer, and more grippy, with tweaked Air Max cushioning to enhance the skateboarding experience. Despite positive feedback from skaters and sneaker fans, there have been minor durability concerns. The Cacao Wow is part of a series of releases, including collaborations with Eric Koston and another upcoming Black/White/Black/Anthracite colorway.
Why It's Important?
The release of the Cacao Wow colorway represents Nike's continued innovation in merging traditional running shoe designs with skateboarding functionality. This move could strengthen Nike's position in the skateboarding market, appealing to both skaters and sneaker enthusiasts. The reengineering of the Air Max 95 for skateboarding reflects a broader trend of sports brands adapting products for niche markets, potentially increasing sales and brand loyalty. However, durability issues could impact consumer trust and satisfaction, influencing future design and marketing strategies.
What's Next?
Nike plans to release the Cacao Wow colorway globally through skate shops and its Snkrs app in early 2026. The company is also expected to unveil a fourth colorway in the series, although images have not yet been released. Stakeholders, including skaters and sneaker collectors, will likely monitor the durability and performance of these new releases, which could affect Nike's future product development and market strategies.
