Introducing Nike Air Max 97: Faster Than a Silver Bullet
Each year seems to bring a reimagined version of the Nike Air Max. It bridges sport and culture and fosters creativity in all aspects of design–from bold colourways to unique graphic applications to innovative materials. And while the Air Max was initially designed for running, it quickly transcended performance and embraced its inner fashion running shoe–in particular, the Nike Air Max 97.
In 1997, Christian Tresser was challenged with designing the Air Max 97, on the heels of two previously failed attempts before him. Tresser transported aesthetic elements from his recent work on the Nike Air Zoom Spiridon and the Nike Mercurial soccer cleat to create a striking design that almost looked too good to wear and scuff up. A futuristic use of metallic hues, wavy lines and reflective 3M resulted in the Silver Bullet's OG release. This standout style initially retailed for $AUD1951*, and a Metallic Gold variation was released two years later.
Though it was thought that inspiration for the Air Max 97 came from a Japanese bullet train, Tresser later revealed he was actually inspired by a raindrop in a puddle and the titanium metal frames on BMX bikes.
1Australian Price indication converted from US$150.
*All prices are based on historical eBay data. Actual selling price of items not guaranteed and may vary.
Air Max 97 Takes on New Technology
Air Max is one of Nike's most innovative technologies and remains one of its key areas of focus. Every March, running shoe enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Air Max Day, which celebrates all things Air Max and features new and retro releases.
Legendary Nike designer Tinker Hatfield conceived a visible Air unit after visiting the inside-out architectural design of the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and it was first implemented in the Air Max 1 in 1987. A decade later, the Air Max 97 took the technology even further by creating a full-length visible Air-Sole unit in the midsole. The Air-Sole unit's spring-like cushioning provides superior shock absorption and boosts performance through efficient energy return
Other standout features of the Air Max 97 include:
- Synthetic leather and mesh upper for flexibility and breathability
- Streamlined hidden lacing system for a secure fit
- Removable arch supports
- Flex grooves in the midfoot for comfort and natural movement
- Durable carbon rubber outsole with textured tread for added traction
Air Max 97 In the Fashion World
Once in a while, a running shoe becomes synonymous with a geographic region. For the Silver Bullet, this was Italy. "Le Silver," as the style was dubbed, attracted an underground community of artists and club-goers, and quickly found its calling within Italy's fashion circles. The Air Max 97 made its way to Milan Fashion Week's runway and onto the feet of athletes and celebrities like Olympian Michael Johnson and Sporty Spice. Italy's craze for the design was so manic that Nike centred marketing campaigns around the Air Max 97 for its 20th anniversary in 2017.
A subculture of artists, writers and the nightlife scene was fascinated with the running shoe's futuristic design that quickly swept the country. The 3M lines on the metallic upper created a reflective effect when photographed with a flash that added to its allure. Years later, Nike dedicated an entire book that captures the history of Italy's love affair with the Air Max 97, entitled Le Silver: An Italian Oral History of the Nike Air Max 97. Of all Air Max models, the 97 is arguably the most embedded in the fashion world.
Air Max 97 Creates a Canvas for Collaboration
Although the Silver Bullet is the heart and soul of the Air Max 97, it launched an exciting canvas for colourways and collaborations, especially in recent years:
UNDFTD
In 2017, streetwear brand UNDFTD paid tribute to the AM 97's cultural ties to Italy with a black, green, white and red colourway.
Sean Wotherspoon
Sean Wotherspoon collaborated with Nike in 2018 for Air Max Day, designing a running shoe fusion of the Air Max 97 and Air Max 1 that features a multi-coloured corduroy 97 upper with the Max 1's sole.
Serena Williams colorway
Virgil Abloh included an Air Max 97 in his original "The Ten" collaboration with Nike and later released a Serena Williams colourway in silver, pink and purple.
In 2019, "Jesus Shoes" by MSCHF x INRI made waves with a concept that emulated walking on water. The Air Max sole was injected with holy water sourced from the River Jordan, and it retailed for nearly $AUD1,9502*.
2Australian Price indication converted from US$1,500.
*All prices are based on historical eBay data. Actual selling price of items not guaranteed and may vary.
Other Notable Releases
Nike also successfully experimented with fusing elements of the Air Max 97 with other Air Maxes on versions like the Vapormax 97 and the Air Max Plus 97.
The Air Max 97's Lasting Lifestyle Appeal
Although the Air Max 97 quickly got adopted as a fashion running shoe, it remains a performance shoe at heart. The style was initially designed with runners and athletes in mind, but with far more advanced technology available today, the Air Max 97 is coveted by running shoe enthusiasts for its aesthetic beauty.
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