Nike Air Max 97
The Nike Air Max 97 sports shoe is the first pair to incorporate an air cushion along the
The Nike Air Max 97 sports shoe is the first pair to incorporate an air cushion along the entire length of the sole and also sports an innovative lacing system. Designed by Christian Tresser, the dynamic silhouette of the Air Max 97 was inspired by a Japanese high-speed train. With its original colorway, the Air Max 97 Silver Bullet, the model quickly became a popular favorite. With its avant-garde design, you too compose your neat outfits. If you like hybrid models, the AM 97 BW should please you.
History of the Nike Air Max 97
The Nike Air Max 97 is a classic Nike running shoe developed in 1997. It is the very first sneaker to feature a full-length Air Max air cushion. A legendary model with an incredible futuristic design that looks modern even 20 years after its release.
In 1996, Nike hired Christian Tresser, a young designer who had previously designed soccer cleats and sneakers for Reebok. The same year saw the release of the Air Max 96, which remained in the shadow of the previous model, the "Ninety-fifth". Created in the best tradition of the line's classics, the Air Max 96 failed to replicate the success of the previous silhouette. All this because it did not benefit from the expected technical and conceptual innovations. Once again, Nike needed a new product that would be a flagship in every respect.
Mr. Tresser's first project for Nike were the Air Zoom Spiridon sneakers. They were launched in 1997 and the solutions applied to this model form the basis of Air Max 97. When he was asked by management to develop the new Air Max, Mr. Tresser was told, "Your career depends on these sneakers. Don't throw it all away". There was no margin for error. An opportunity was given to a talented designer to design a top-notch racing series.
Christian Tresser had the difficult task of designing the sneaker for the new Air Max cushion, which this time took up the entire midsole. In the old 95 and 96 models, the air cushions were in the front and back - the new generation arrived with the most advanced technology. The upper part had to match the innovative system. The designer had to create a collective image in which every detail would be in its place.
Tresser was inspired by his own sporting hobby, mountain biking. At the time, they used a lot of chrome and that's what caught the designer's attention. Nature also played a role in the creation of the sneaker - the overlapping upper part symbolizes the ripples we see on the water when it rains. And that's not all - the aggressive shape of the Air Max 97 was inspired by Japan's Shinkansen high-speed trains. It is in their honor that the original silver-colored model will be named "Silver Bullet".
From the initial launch to the Fashion Week runway show
In the fall of 1997, the Nike Air Max 97 made its debut. In addition to the latest cushioning, the shoe was equipped with an innovative hidden lacing system. In addition, Air Max 97 became the first Nike sneaker with reflective elements on all sides. It was a resounding victory. Christian Tresser exceeded all expectations. However, the sneakers did not become an immediate success.
In the late 1990s, Nike quickly built up its current collection, including the Air Max line. The Air Max 97 was the flagship model for only six months - in the spring of 1998 came the new Air Max 98. After the release of the new generation, the ninety-seventh began to be reissued in classic and new colors. This model was particularly popular in Europe, especially in Italy, where it was nicknamed "The Silver".
In 1998, the sneaker made an appearance in the Armani and Dolce&Gabbana collections. Thus, the model is noticed by fashionistas around the world. Nike Air Max 97 sneakers were in great demand in the traditional circles of "Air Max" - street artists and fashionable nightclub visitors. And, of course, athletes used them for their purpose and simply ran in them.
Thanks to its phenomenal success with totally different people, Nike Air Max 97 sneakers marked the beginning of a new era in sports shoe design. The provocative look finally became coveted. Just like the latest technology, modern sneakers with a futuristic design underline the status character of their wearer. Unsurprisingly, the model was the choice of many stars of the time for their look.
Collaborations, hybrids and heritage.
In 1999, the second classic color came out for the first time and the model was relaunched in noble gold. The first collaboration based on the silhouette appeared in 2004. The San Francisco True was used to create a unique version of the model. The release was made with an incomparable quality of materials and a small speckled print on the sole. Today, such details don't surprise anyone, but at the time, it was a real miracle.
Then thematic versions of Nike sneakers start to appear, and Air Max 97 is actively used in the collections. Paying homage to Italian fans of the model, Nike even released a deluxe edition of the Air Max 97, made in a factory in Italy. Collaborations based on Nike Air Max 97, the famous music label Eminem, Slim Shady Records, and the legendary street brand UNDEFEATED, footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and musician Skepta, designer Virgil Ablo with the Off-White brand and Edison Chen with the CLOT brand.
One of the most prominent projects involving Air Max 97 is the work of designer Sean Wotherspoon, winner of the Vote Forward. Especially for the Air Max Day 2018, his idea came to life and presented a 97s hybrid with an Air Max 1 sole and a multicolored corduroy upper.
The Nike Air Max 97 sneakers float through time like a moving train, yet remain as modern as they were in 1997. The classic colors of the Nike Air Max 97 continue to be reissued in small editions. The unique hybrids and limited editions of the Air Max 97 often thrill the community, while the Air Max line surprises with innovative designs. After more than 20 years, the Nike Air Max 97 has won the title of one of the most successful silhouettes in the Air Max line. The release of the Nike Air Max 97 has once again changed the game and proved that Nike alone can set the trends.
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History of the Nike Air Max 97
The Nike Air Max 97 is a classic Nike running shoe developed in 1997. It is the very first sneaker to feature a full-length Air Max air cushion. A legendary model with an incredible futuristic design that looks modern even 20 years after its release.
In 1996, Nike hired Christian Tresser, a young designer who had previously designed soccer cleats and sneakers for Reebok. The same year saw the release of the Air Max 96, which remained in the shadow of the previous model, the "Ninety-fifth". Created in the best tradition of the line's classics, the Air Max 96 failed to replicate the success of the previous silhouette. All this because it did not benefit from the expected technical and conceptual innovations. Once again, Nike needed a new product that would be a flagship in every respect.
Mr. Tresser's first project for Nike were the Air Zoom Spiridon sneakers. They were launched in 1997 and the solutions applied to this model form the basis of Air Max 97. When he was asked by management to develop the new Air Max, Mr. Tresser was told, "Your career depends on these sneakers. Don't throw it all away". There was no margin for error. An opportunity was given to a talented designer to design a top-notch racing series.
Christian Tresser had the difficult task of designing the sneaker for the new Air Max cushion, which this time took up the entire midsole. In the old 95 and 96 models, the air cushions were in the front and back - the new generation arrived with the most advanced technology. The upper part had to match the innovative system. The designer had to create a collective image in which every detail would be in its place.
Tresser was inspired by his own sporting hobby, mountain biking. At the time, they used a lot of chrome and that's what caught the designer's attention. Nature also played a role in the creation of the sneaker - the overlapping upper part symbolizes the ripples we see on the water when it rains. And that's not all - the aggressive shape of the Air Max 97 was inspired by Japan's Shinkansen high-speed trains. It is in their honor that the original silver-colored model will be named "Silver Bullet".
From the initial launch to the Fashion Week runway show
In the fall of 1997, the Nike Air Max 97 made its debut. In addition to the latest cushioning, the shoe was equipped with an innovative hidden lacing system. In addition, Air Max 97 became the first Nike sneaker with reflective elements on all sides. It was a resounding victory. Christian Tresser exceeded all expectations. However, the sneakers did not become an immediate success.
In the late 1990s, Nike quickly built up its current collection, including the Air Max line. The Air Max 97 was the flagship model for only six months - in the spring of 1998 came the new Air Max 98. After the release of the new generation, the ninety-seventh began to be reissued in classic and new colors. This model was particularly popular in Europe, especially in Italy, where it was nicknamed "The Silver".
In 1998, the sneaker made an appearance in the Armani and Dolce&Gabbana collections. Thus, the model is noticed by fashionistas around the world. Nike Air Max 97 sneakers were in great demand in the traditional circles of "Air Max" - street artists and fashionable nightclub visitors. And, of course, athletes used them for their purpose and simply ran in them.
Thanks to its phenomenal success with totally different people, Nike Air Max 97 sneakers marked the beginning of a new era in sports shoe design. The provocative look finally became coveted. Just like the latest technology, modern sneakers with a futuristic design underline the status character of their wearer. Unsurprisingly, the model was the choice of many stars of the time for their look.
Collaborations, hybrids and heritage.
In 1999, the second classic color came out for the first time and the model was relaunched in noble gold. The first collaboration based on the silhouette appeared in 2004. The San Francisco True was used to create a unique version of the model. The release was made with an incomparable quality of materials and a small speckled print on the sole. Today, such details don't surprise anyone, but at the time, it was a real miracle.
Then thematic versions of Nike sneakers start to appear, and Air Max 97 is actively used in the collections. Paying homage to Italian fans of the model, Nike even released a deluxe edition of the Air Max 97, made in a factory in Italy. Collaborations based on Nike Air Max 97, the famous music label Eminem, Slim Shady Records, and the legendary street brand UNDEFEATED, footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and musician Skepta, designer Virgil Ablo with the Off-White brand and Edison Chen with the CLOT brand.
One of the most prominent projects involving Air Max 97 is the work of designer Sean Wotherspoon, winner of the Vote Forward. Especially for the Air Max Day 2018, his idea came to life and presented a 97s hybrid with an Air Max 1 sole and a multicolored corduroy upper.
The Nike Air Max 97 sneakers float through time like a moving train, yet remain as modern as they were in 1997. The classic colors of the Nike Air Max 97 continue to be reissued in small editions. The unique hybrids and limited editions of the Air Max 97 often thrill the community, while the Air Max line surprises with innovative designs. After more than 20 years, the Nike Air Max 97 has won the title of one of the most successful silhouettes in the Air Max line. The release of the Nike Air Max 97 has once again changed the game and proved that Nike alone can set the trends.
