My Personal Take: Unboxing the Nike Book 1 AM Neon

I’ve always had a soft spot for the classic Air Max 95, especially that iconic OG neon version. It feels like Nike rarely makes it easy to get our hands on that specific colorway, which often leaves me looking for alternatives that capture that vibrant energy.

And that’s exactly where the Nike Book 1 AM Neon steps in. When I first saw this colorway, I knew it was something special. In fact, I’d go as far as to say this might be the most captivating colorway released for the Book 1 series yet – truly a “fire” rendition that immediately caught my eye.

Today, I want to share my detailed look and personal experience with these bad boys. This isn’t just another review; it’s a deep dive into what makes the Nike Book 1 AM Neon a noteworthy addition to anyone’s sneaker rotation, based purely on my time with them.

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First Impressions & Packaging: A Missed Opportunity?

The moment the box arrived, I was eager to get these out. They come in the same standard Book 1 box, which, while functional, makes me wish for a touch more creativity.

I understand that sticking to one box design is cost-effective and simple, but imagine if the lettering or graphics on the box changed color to match the shoe inside! They do this with some Jordan 1 releases nowadays, allowing you to instantly identify the colorway without even opening it.

As someone who appreciates a well-curated collection, being able to spot my “Forest Gumps” or “95s” (as I affectionately call these) at a glance would be a sick detail.

• Current packaging: functional but plain
• Missed chance for creativity: colorway-specific box design
• Minor gripe since product itself is what really matters

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Performance & Cushioning: My On-Court Experience

When it comes to performance, the Nike Book 1 AM Neon is undeniably solid. For the price point, I sometimes feel there could be a little more tech underfoot. My primary wish would be for an additional Zoom unit in the forefoot. That would truly elevate the cushioning experience from great to amazing.

Cushioning Setup

The shoe features a full Cushlon midsole, which provides a comfortable and responsive ride. In the rear, there’s a Zoom Air unit that delivers excellent impact absorption, especially during quick cuts and landings. But, as I mentioned, the forefoot is noticeably without Zoom, which is a key difference from shoes like the Kobe 4 Pro that offer a more balanced cushioning profile.

Supportive Sidewall Design

One clever design element that stands out is the construction of the sidewall:

• Entire lateral side made of TPU/rubber for stability
• Medial side is foam for comfort and balance
• Lateral wall prevents rollover during aggressive moves
• Aesthetic trick makes TPU blend seamlessly with the foam

Traction & Durability

Durability is another area where the Nike Book 1 AM Neon shines. The outsole features a herringbone traction pattern, which is one of my favorites.

• Strong traction indoors and outdoors
• Doesn’t require XDR version for most players
• Overseas XDR editions available for heavy outdoor hoopers
• Standard outsole is reliable and durable enough for regular use

“Read Also: Puma Hali 1 Review“

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Materials & Craftsmanship: A Standout Feature

The materials used on the Book 1 series, and particularly on the Nike Book 1 AM Neon, have consistently impressed me. I genuinely believe the material quality is a standout feature of these sneakers, and this colorway is no exception.

Upper Materials

• Forefoot overlay/underlay: premium nubuck (real, not synthetic)
• Mid-panel: woven jacquard for breathability and texture
• Collar and heel base: nubuck for consistency and durability
• Swoosh: substantial and well-executed

This use of real nubuck means the shoe will age gracefully, developing a patina and slight fading over time that adds character.

Special Details

What truly seals the deal for me with this specific Nike Book 1 AM Neon colorway is the attention to detail on the tongue. It features a graphic that looks uncannily like the classic Air Max 95 logo.

• Subtle nod to Air Max 95 inspiration
• Perfectly ties the design together
• Makes this colorway unique and iconic

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Insole & Torsion: Room for Improvement?

The insole is a standard removable piece. While it works fine, I did consider an upgrade.

• Stock insole: adequate but basic
• Torsion support: decent but could be better
• Aftermarket insoles recommended for players seeking more arch/foot stability

A beefier insole can significantly enhance torsional rigidity and stability for certain players.

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Fit & Sizing: Snug but True

When it comes to fit, I found the Nike Book 1 AM Neon to fit true to size. However, it’s important to note that they are a very snug true to size.

I experimented with both my usual size and going up half a size with my initial Book 1 pairs. While the half-size up felt good at first, once broken in, it felt a little too loose for my preference during intense play. I ultimately preferred my true-to-size pair after they were properly broken in, even though they remained quite snug.

My Recommendation

• For performance use: stick with true-to-size (snug fit breaks in nicely)
• For casual wear or roomier preference: go up half a size

“Read Also: Reebok Angel Reese 1 Performance Review“

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The Elephant in the Room: Athlete Endorsements

This brings me to a thought-provoking question that often comes up: does the signature athlete influence my decision to buy or play in a shoe?

As an adult, my answer is largely “no.” This perspective has evolved significantly, especially through my experiences reviewing countless sneakers.

My Journey with Athlete Influence

• Younger me: chased shoes tied to favorite athletes (Penny, Pippen, Payton, MJ)
• Sometimes even bought shoes just because they were Nikes
• Today: focus entirely on product performance and value, not athlete endorsement

For example, I loved playing in the LeBron 20s, especially the pink colorway. I’m not a LeBron superfan, but I recognize a great shoe when I play in one. Passing on good shoes because of athlete preference is, in my opinion, a missed opportunity.

Ultimately, my philosophy is simple:

• If it performs well
• If it’s comfortable
• If I enjoy it

…then it’s worth it, regardless of the athlete attached.

“Read Also: Adidas Anthony Edwards 2 Review“

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Final Thoughts on the Nike Book 1 AM Neon

To wrap things up, the Nike Book 1 AM Neon is a sneaker that has genuinely impressed me. It’s a strong performer with exceptional material quality and a fantastic colorway that pays homage to a classic. While I wished for a bit more cushioning tech in the forefoot and perhaps better stock torsion support, these are minor points when weighed against the overall package.

This might just be the best colorway for the Book 1 series yet – or at least, it’s certainly the best tribute colorway.

• Performance: solid cushioning, great traction, stable sidewall support
• Materials: premium nubuck and jacquard with premium finish
• Design: tongue detail + neon theme perfectly tie back to Air Max 95

If you’re a fan of the Air Max 95 aesthetic or simply looking for a solid performing hoop shoe with premium materials and a unique look, the Nike Book 1 AM Neon is definitely worth checking out.