Air Max 97 - Walk on Air!

For 25 years, Nike Air Max 97s have exceeded in satisfying eBay's customers with their impeccable design and comfort. Many Nike lovers describe this sneaker as resembling the bullet trains in Japan. In reality, they were designed with mountain bikes in mind.

If you look at the shoe, you will notice that the laces are hidden within the tongue, so they do not get tangled up in bike pedals and gears. The appearance mixed with the full palm cushioning has also resulted in a versatile running shoe that has made this sneaker popular with activity-focused people.

Dive Into the Groundbreaking History of Air Max 97s

The Nike Air Max 97 started as an idea and a sketch and evolved into an innovative shoe with a rich cultural heritage. Since the Nike Air technology was released in 1978, the line continues to hold a legacy that adapts through time and needs. This shoe had hit milestones dating back to 1990 when the Air Max 95s were responsible for a huge sneaker boom in Japan. Following the 95s, the 96s featured a more traditional sneaker design. This rendition was somewhat of a flop that did not keep up with the robust sales of the more popular Air Max 95. The new 97s, though, would break this trend upon their successful release.

What makes the Air Max line so great is the authenticity of being led by a young soccer player named Christian Tresser. After joining Nike in 1996, his knowledge of soccer and design skills were instrumental in developing a running shoe. He was given the Air Max project with the understanding that it could result in his extreme success as a shoe designer. Young Christian Tresser obviously does his best work under extreme pressure, and this shoe is proof of that.

Also contributing to the shoe's success were veteran sports star Carl Lewis and American sprinter Michael Johnson who promoted the shoe in many ads. Even after the release of the new Air Max 98s, the 97s held their popularity, and demand remained high. Italy idolized this new line of running shoes. That adulation grew immensely shortly after their debut in a Dolce & Gabbana runway show.

The Nike Air Max 97 sneakers have also been featured in many fashion venues, including Vogue. They also were showcased in public by icons such as Shirley Manson, Alexander McQueen, Mel C from the Spice Girls, and many more. Between the sports industry and the fashion industry, this shoe has become much more than just a sportswear running shoe. It has also become an iconic sneaker.

What Makes the Air Max 97 So Special?

The Air Max 97 was the first shoe to feature air technology throughout the entire midsole of the sneaker. This premium sneaker features mesh underlays to enhance the airy and streamlined look. Furthermore, the hidden lacing system adds to its sleek design, and the foam midsole and rubber outsole were developed to provide the utmost comfort. Lastly, the full-length air cushioning units are placed throughout the shoe. That is why the phrase "walking on air" is so commonly used by people describing these shoes on eBay.

Influential Collaborations Contributing to Air Max 97 Success

A lengthy list of collaborations has contributed to this shoe's soaring popularity. These collaborators include popular rapper Skepta, also known as Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr, and huge brands like Undefeated. These profitable collaborations boosted the Air Max 97's reputation and helped sustain it during the booming and competitive sneaker era. Sean Wotherspoon is, thus far, the most popular collaboration that sets this footwear apart from the rest. One of the founders of Round Two, a vintage sneaker shop, Wotherspoon, and his business partner Chris Russow, created their own YouTube show in 2015 to showcase rare sneakers in their collection. This partnership contributed to the 97s being one of the most hyped releases for not only Nike but the entire footwear industry.

While Nike did not have to push too hard to find collaborators among other companies, they received many. The first collaboration was in 2004 with True, a company founded by San Francisco's Michael Brown. Shortly after, Nike released new models with collaborators Sony PlayStation and Shady Records. These partnerships, and many more, resulted in models that became desirable to collectors in this industry.

The Air Max 97 Interesting and Little-Known Facts

A little thing that most don't know about this shoe is that there is a slip-on model and a zip-up model. The futuristic designs of the Air Max 97 became a nationwide bestseller and, as previously mentioned, an Italian favorite. As such, Nike created a limited-edition sneaker called the Made in Italy Air Max 97 Lux in 2010. They only made 1,695 pairs of this shoe, making it an additional rare collector's item many covet.

The children's model of the 97 incorporated the Air Max 95's insole, which makes it inferior to the true Air Max 97. Kids don't seem to mind, though. They are more interested in the fashion trend set by these beauties.

Another fun fact is that the silver colorway was nicknamed the Silver Bullet based on the inspiration of Japan's bullet trains. This story wasn't coined until after the shoe was made, meaning it was not truly an inspiration but an afterthought based on appearance. However, this catchy nickname helped build their reputation and popularity. These sneakers were inspired by the metallic finishes of mountain bikes. Other aesthetics were inspired by the ripples that a drop of water creates in a puddle of water.

Nike experimented by fusing together the Air Max 97 with the Air Force 1 and separately with the Air Max 90 and Humara. Also, the Silver Bullets were so popular Nike launched a gold edition, which excited the public in late 1999. These interesting, quirky, and little-known facts illustrate Nike's continual attention to innovative sneakers that hold their customers' attention and business over time.

Present and Future of Air Max 97

The beginning of 2022 marked the 25th anniversary of the Air Max 97. If there is one thing the creators at Nike love, it's a shoe anniversary! It has been rumored that the original shimmering colorway of these shoes is set to appear soon. It is also predicted that a showcase in the Comme des Garcons Homme Plus show will lead to greater things for the 97s. In addition, this shoe is perfect for the current rising trend in 1990s fashion.

Ultimately, the Air Max 97 has been a successful shoe for decades. Most colors, patterns, and styles can be found by searching through eBay. Collaborations with designers and other companies have allowed Nike to continually rework this footwear to keep up with the ever-changing trends in fashion. The company also continues to improve the design of the Air Max to meet the needs of people who strive for an active lifestyle. While athletes choose these sneakers based on their performance and sneakerheads choose them to match trendy outfits, they both love walking on air.