Yu-Gi-Oh! x Nike Air Max 95 QS “Joey”

Overview

For the Air Max 95’s 30th anniversary, Nike tapped into the Yu-Gi-Oh! universe with a QS release themed around fan-favourite character Joey Wheeler. The collaboration is more than just footwear hype; each pair includes a Yu-Gi-Oh! promo trading card, turning this into a dual-market collectable. With demand spilling over from both sneakerheads and TCG fans, resale prices quickly moved past £400 and show no sign of slowing.

Breaking Down the Flip

Collab ties into the Air Max 95’s 30th anniversary, adding heritage appeal.

Yu-Gi-Oh! branding and Joey theme taps into a massive global fanbase.

Each box includes a promo trading card, pushing demand into the TCG market.

Retail set at £185 with resale consistently above £400.

Best performing sizes: UK9 and above, with solid liquidity on UK marketplaces.

Timeline: From Reveal to Release

Collab Revealed

03/07/2025

Nike confirms Yu-Gi-Oh! x Air Max 95 collection, themed around Joey Wheeler.

Promo Card Teased

04/08/2025

News spreads that every sneaker box will include a Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card, fuelling crossover hype.

Release Day

12/09/2025

Official launch at £185 retail, quickly selling out across retailers.

Resale Market Reaction

15/09/2025

Prices land at £400+, with steady sales and particular strength in larger sizes.

Useful Links / Resources

▶️ eBay Sold Listing

▶️ StockX Market Page

Final Thoughts

This collab demonstrates the power of cross-market demand. By pairing an iconic sneaker silhouette with a legendary trading card franchise and adding a promo card to each box, Nike secured attention from sneakerheads and collectors alike. With low risk and strong crossover appeal, this was one of September’s easiest flips.