The Nike Air Max 97 is a retro running shoe that was first released by Nike, Inc. in 1997. It is known for its distinctive, wave-like design on the upper and the visible air cushioning unit in the sole, which gives the shoe its name.
The Air Max 97 was designed by Christian Tresser, a designer at Nike, who was inspired by the sleek lines and aerodynamic shapes of Japanese bullet trains. Tresser wanted to create a running shoe that would look as fast as it felt, and the Air Max 97 was the result.
One of the key features of the Air Max 97 is its visible air cushioning unit. This unit, which is made of pressurized air, is located in the sole of the shoe and helps to absorb shock and provide cushioning for the foot. The air cushioning unit was first introduced in the Nike Air Max 1, which was released in 1987, and has become a signature feature of many Nike sneakers since then.
The upper of the Air Max 97 is made of a combination of mesh, leather, and synthetic materials. The wave-like design on the upper, which runs from the toe to the heel of the shoe, gives the Air Max 97 a distinctive, futuristic look. The shoe also has reflective detailing on the upper and on the heel, which makes it visible in low light conditions.
The Air Max 97 has a low-cut silhouette and a padded tongue and collar for added comfort. It also has a rubber outsole with a waffle-like pattern for traction and durability.
The Air Max 97 was initially released in a number of colorways, including silver, red, and black. It quickly gained popularity among sneaker enthusiasts and became a must-have for collectors. Over the years, Nike has released numerous iterations of the Air Max 97, including special edition versions, collaborations with other brands and designers, and updates to the materials and technology used in the shoe.
Today, the Air Max 97 is considered a classic and iconic sneaker that continues to be popular among sneaker enthusiasts and collectors. It has been worn by celebrities and has been featured in fashion magazines and on the streets.
In summary, the Nike Air Max 97 is a retro running shoe that was first released in 1997. It is known for its distinctive wave-like design on the upper and its visible air cushioning unit in the sole, which provides cushioning and shock absorption. The shoe has a low-cut silhouette and a padded tongue and collar for added comfort, and a rubber outsole with a waffle-like pattern for traction and durability. The Air Max 97 has been released in a number of colorways and iterations over the years and has become a classic and iconic sneaker that is still popular today.
