When I first got my hands on the Nike Book 1 AM Neon, I immediately felt like I was holding something special. Inspired by the iconic Air Max 95 OG Neon colorway, this sneaker brings a bold mix of heritage and modern design.
Table of Contents
After spending weeks wearing and playing in it, I’ve gathered all my thoughts on its performance, comfort, and style. In this review, I’ll share my personal experience with the Nike Book 1 AM Neon, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, and whether I think it’s worth the investment.
First Impressions of the Nike Book 1 AM Neon
Pulling the Nike Book 1 AM Neon out of the box for the first time was exciting. While Nike kept the same standard box design for all Book 1 releases, I personally wish they switched up the colors on each box to match the sneaker.
That would make the unboxing experience even better. Still, the moment I saw the neon accents against the layered suede and jacquard materials, I was impressed.
This colorway might just be one of the cleanest yet. The neon details give it that nostalgic Air Max 95 vibe, and the craftsmanship feels premium right away. It instantly stood out as a sneaker I wanted to wear both on and off the court.
Design and Materials
The Nike Book 1 AM Neon continues the Book 1 tradition of using excellent materials. The forefoot overlay and underlay are made with genuine nubuck, which looks and feels real—the kind that ages naturally over time.
The mid-panel is a woven jacquard, adding a layer of durability and breathability. Around the collar and heel, Nike stuck with more nubuck for a premium finish.
One of my favorite touches is on the tongue. The neon logo looks just like an Air Max 95 tongue badge, and it ties the whole theme together beautifully. Every time I lace these up, that little design detail reminds me of the tribute to an all-time classic.
“Read About: Nike shoes“
Outsole and Traction
The outsole is one of the highlights of the Nike Book 1 AM Neon. It features a herringbone traction pattern, and it’s built with durable rubber that can handle both indoor and outdoor play. I didn’t feel the need to hunt down the XDR version, because the standard outsole was already tough enough for outdoor courts.
The grip was consistent, whether I was making quick cuts or planting my foot for a shot. I never felt like the outsole would give up on me, and that gave me a lot of confidence during games.
Cushioning Setup
The midsole features full-length Cushlon foam with a Zoom Air unit in the heel. While I appreciated the comfort and impact protection in the back, I couldn’t help but wish Nike added another Zoom unit in the forefoot. That would have given the shoe an extra boost of responsiveness.
The setup reminded me a little of the Kobe 4 Protro, especially with the way the foam and support are distributed. On the medial side, it’s all foam, while the lateral side has a rubber/TPU wall for added support. Nike cleverly disguised it to look seamless, but the difference in stability is noticeable when you’re moving side-to-side.
Comfort and Fit
The Nike Book 1 AM Neon fits true to size, but it’s a very snug true to size. When I first wore them, I considered going up half a size, and I even tested that. In the end, I preferred staying true to size once the shoes broke in, even though they still felt tight at first. If you’re mainly wearing these casually, you might want to size up half a size for extra comfort. But for on-court performance, sticking true to size is the better move.
The insole is removable, which is handy if you want to swap it for something with more torsional support. That’s one of the few areas where I felt the shoe could improve. Adding a beefier insole really helped me get more support underfoot.
Performance on the Court
I spent a good amount of time hooping in the Nike Book 1 AM Neon, and overall, it’s a strong performer. The traction was reliable, the support on lateral movements felt solid, and the cushioning gave me just enough impact protection without feeling too soft.
The snug fit also kept my foot locked in during quick movements. At the same time, I did notice the lack of forefoot Zoom when pushing off aggressively. While it wasn’t a dealbreaker, I think players who love that explosive bounce might miss it.
For outdoor players, I was impressed by how well the outsole held up. I played several sessions outside, and the rubber didn’t wear down quickly. This makes the Nike Book 1 AM Neon a good option if you don’t want to buy a separate outdoor pair.
“Read Also: Reebok Angel Reese 1 Performance Review“
Style and Versatility
Off the court, the Nike Book 1 AM Neon really shines. The colorway is eye-catching without being over the top, and it works with casual fits just as well as with basketball gear. I wore them with jeans and joggers, and they always stood out in a good way.
The neon accents pop in natural light, and the layered textures give the shoe depth. Even people who weren’t sneakerheads complimented the look. For me, this is one of those pairs that blends performance and lifestyle perfectly.
“Read Also: Jordan Tatum 4 Performance Review“
Pros and Cons of the Nike Book 1 AM Neon
Pros:
- Durable herringbone traction for indoor and outdoor play
- Premium materials, including genuine nubuck and woven jacquard
- Supportive TPU/rubber lateral sidewall
- Iconic design inspired by Air Max 95 OG Neon
- Versatile style that works on and off the court
Cons:
- No forefoot Zoom unit for added responsiveness
- Torsional support could be better
- Snug fit might feel too tight for some players
- Standard box design feels repetitive
My Personal Take: Nike Book 1 AM Neon Review
After weeks of wearing and playing in the Nike Book 1 AM Neon, I can confidently say it’s one of the best Book 1 colorways so far. The design is a great tribute to a legendary sneaker, and the performance is solid enough for both casual and competitive players.
Would I change a few things? Definitely. Adding a forefoot Zoom unit and enhancing torsional support would take it to the next level. But as it stands, the Nike Book 1 AM Neon delivers style, durability, and comfort in a way that makes me keep reaching for it.
“Read Also: adidas Anthony Edwards 2 Performance Review“
Final Verdict: Is the Nike Book 1 AM Neon Worth It?
If you’re looking for a sneaker that blends classic Nike storytelling with modern performance, the Nike Book 1 AM Neon is a great choice. It may not be the most technically advanced basketball shoe on the market, but it offers a strong balance of traction, cushioning, and style.
For hoopers who value premium materials and a clean design, this is a pair worth adding to the rotation. And for casual wearers, the neon details make it an easy standout in any collection.
In short, the Nike Book 1 AM Neon isn’t perfect, but it’s a shoe I truly enjoyed wearing both on and off the court. It pays respect to a classic while carving out its own identity—and for me, that makes it a winner.
As a dedicated footwear reviewer, I have spent years analyzing and testing athletic shoes across every category, from high-performance running sneakers to lifestyle-inspired basketball silhouettes. My work goes beyond simple first impressions; each review is built on a foundation of hands-on experience, thorough research, and attention to the details that matter most to athletes and casual wearers alike. I aim to bridge the gap between brands’ marketing claims and real-world performance, giving readers an honest, balanced perspective.
My writing style combines technical evaluation with an accessible tone, so both professionals and everyday enthusiasts can understand the strengths and weaknesses of each shoe. Whether discussing midsole cushioning technology, outsole traction, or upper material breathability, I break down complex features into practical insights. Readers trust my reviews because they know I highlight both the benefits and potential drawbacks, helping them make more confident purchasing decisions.
Over time, my work has evolved into a comprehensive resource for anyone seeking guidance on athletic footwear. I regularly compare new releases with previous models to highlight improvements or missed opportunities, while also exploring how different shoes fit specific activities—such as marathon training, weightlifting, or casual streetwear. By staying updated with industry trends and listening to community feedback, I ensure that my reviews remain relevant, informative, and genuinely useful.
Ultimately, my mission is to provide clarity in a crowded market. With countless options available, choosing the right pair of shoes can feel overwhelming. Through in-depth, unbiased, and engaging reviews, I strive to make that decision easier, equipping readers with the knowledge they need to find footwear that truly matches their performance goals and personal style.
