It’s no secret Nike is one of the most creative sneaker innovators on the planet. Along with countless designs and colorways the brand has released over the years, the Nike Air Max 97 stands tall as one of the rulers of the sneaker realm.
Legend has it Nike designers modeled the Air Max 97 after the sleek, modern look of a speeding Japanese silver bullet train. However, the story behind the story is that the shoes got their inspiration from nature. Nike designer Christian Tresser crafted the Nike sneakers around the concept of water dropping into a pond and rippling toward the Air unit. You’ll see the reflective, polished lines on the upper that demonstrate this idea. Combined with a streamlined silhouette, the Air Max 97 marked a departure from the chunkier Air Max models.
Walking in Comfort
These Air Max shoes offer a fresh look thanks to a mixture of comfort and a lightweight ride. The Max Air unit provides unrivaled cushioning, while the knit upper features a soft, textured surface marked with welded overlays for structure. The low-profile rubber outsole makes for a clean finish and improves durability mile after mile.
A True Lifestyle Shoe
The full-length visible Air cushioning is just one of the features that comes with this smooth design. The Air Max 97 introduced a hidden lacing system that took performance technology to a whole new level. Rather than just providing performance for runners, the suave aesthetic translated into a solid lifestyle sneaker option.
Although Nike continues to release other Air Max renditions, the Air Max 97 remains a mainstay for sneakerheads and athletes alike. Whether you’re seeking a superior running shoe or just all-around stylish sneakers, let Hibbett | City Gear supply yo with the Nike Air Max 97. Find classic colorways and new releases in men’s, women’s and kids’ sizes.
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Live fast, be bold, zoom by on the fly. Nike has taken it to another level with this new design for their Air Max 97. The top of these shoes is made from a leather canvas, sweat-waffled internal lining, and iconic visible Air cushioning. It takes running lightning speed once you strip away all the excess material - literally cutting out anything considered surplus to make you soar across the horizon even faster than before! Plus, they're breathable thanks to strategic mesh panels throughout your inner bootie. Get ready to take flight in style with these amazing sneakers that'll transcribe into any element race straight into history!
The Air Max 97s were designed by Christian Tresser and inspired by Bullet Trains. This shoe features a mix of leather, foam, and full-length visible Air that's perfect for running. The design was made with the Japanese culture in mind; clean lines and no distractions to keep you focused
on your run! It provides comfort for long exercises or post-work-out chill hours with friends - perfect for everyday wear!
Walking on Air with the Nike Air Max 97
First released in 1997, the Nike Air Max 97 has stood the test of time. Rumored to be inspired by the bullet trains in Japan, this groundbreaking sneaker was initially influenced by metallic finishes on mountain bikes. Despite the futuristic vibes, designer Christian Tresser also drew inspiration from the simple wavy lines created from a raindrop falling into a puddle. In 2004,
Nike teamed up with San Francisco’s True and created a colorway that moved away from metallic shades and featured a speckled design with earthy tones. Collaborations with Sony PlayStation, Shady Records, and Undefeated followed in subsequent years. The original “Silver Bullet” colorway was re-released in 2017 to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the AM97’s initial debut.
New Tech, More Air
Despite flying under the radar when it first hit the shelves—it was sandwiched between the Air Max 96 and the Air Max 98—the AM97 was actually the first Air Max to utilize a hidden lacing system. This new technology was often overshadowed by the shoe’s futuristic appearance, but this concealed component was a key feature of Christian Tresser’s innovative design. The Air Max 97 was also the first to show off full-length Air in the sole, which was quickly integrated into other Nike models including the Air Max 98 and the VaporMax.
Something For Everyone
Featuring a variety of colorways and textures, the Nike Air Max 97 truly has a design for everyone. From classic black to looks inspired by mixed metals and confetti to uppers featuring suede and velvet, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. A sleek, aerodynamic silhouette sits on top of a full-length Air unit so you always feel like you’re walking—or running—on air. The Air Max 97’s hidden lacing system contributes to the streamlined shape, and Nike’s iconic Swoosh always appears on the side to complete the look.