Tabular array of contents CoreScoreVerdictProsConsComparisonThe Nike Air Max 97 became the Stuff of LegendMore than a running shoe, because it'southward notThe Nike Air Max 97 was congenital to lastThe Nike Air Max 97 was made for your feetIt tin can even concur its ain in harsh conditionsThe Nike Air Max 97 is potent as a beautiful boardThere'due south a premium for this piece of fashion historyFacts / SpecsPopularityVideo reviews

Nike Air Max 97 Flat Lay

The Nike Air Max 97 became the Stuff of Fable

The Nineties were an excellent decade for the Air Max line. From the AM90 to the AM Plus there were so many stand-out silhouettes. The Air Max 97 is ane of those that could not exist forgotten. Modernistic, metallic, and full of Air the 97 gear up a bar that was almost impossibly high.

Like Sergio Lozano'due south AM95 and Sean McDowell'due south AM Plus, the 97 was Christian Tresser'southward get-go silhouette inside the Air Max line.

Nike Air Max 97 Side View Review

Nicknamed the Silver Bullet after that super fast Japanese train, or only "Le Silver" in Italian republic, the 97 was actually modeled later mountain bike hardware and "water dropping in a pond" according to Tresser.

It's this mixture of strength and lightness, paired with Nike's first full-length, visible Air cushion organisation that led the likes of Carl Lewis to endorse it.

More than than a running shoe, because it's non

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Today it's more than a running shoe. In fact, it's definitely not a running shoe. The Air Max 97 is a piece of cultural heritage in Milan and across the world. Seen on runways for Giorgio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana.

In classic Nike class, the AM97 fits true to size. It'south definitely not as lightweight equally a h2o droplet would have y'all believe, but there is a large chunk of material on the upper. I picked up the all-white colorway and am super happy with the definition between the synthetic and mesh "ripples" of the upper.

The Nike Air Max 97 was built to last

On that notation, the Air Max 97 is made of sturdy stuff. The tightly woven mesh and seemingly indestructible constructed leather tin take a beating. Although these still await bang-up when a bit trashed, it's easy plenty to proceed them looking fresh.

Nike Air Max 97 Upper Durability

That's if you avert stains. Unlike many Air Max, the mesh and the strands of leather fiber blot stains and marks quite easily and the unlike layers mean it'southward hard to become to them when cleaning.

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Nike Air Max 97 Stain Testing Clean

The Nike Air Max 97 was fabricated for your anxiety

Nike Air Max Lacing

The inner of the shoe is pretty comfortable too. With a foam sock-liner and comfortable in-sole, the 97 is a good choice if you prefer sockless wear. I will say, the upper is pretty stocky and doesn't permit likewise much air through, something to think virtually if you lot're effectually friends when you take your shoes off.

It can even concur its ain in harsh weather

Nike Air Max 97 Waterproof Review

Everything is and then well constructed that it's also a solid option for a wintertime sneaker. When testing the sneaker'due south ability to keep water out I was pretty surprised. Paired with its durability, it'south definitely a good choice for all-twelvemonth wear.

Nike Air Max 97 Review on feet

The Nike Air Max 97 is stiff as a cute board

The Air Max 97 was the starting time Air Max to have an all rubber outer sole. While this promised more immovability and back up, information technology does brand the shoe a bit stiff. This is one of the issues with the 97, it's only not equally comfy as something like the AM95 or AM Plus out of the box.

Nike Air Max 97 Review Bend Testing

There's a premium for this slice of fashion history

When released, the Air Max 97 was one of the almost expensive sneakers on the marketplace. Still selling for £150+ depending on the colorway, some things haven't changed. Withal, for the cost point, you're buying a mode item that is well-made, durable, and can concur upward in near weather.

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Facts / Specs

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Doug Turner

Doug Turner

Doug is a Scottish documentary and style lensman and filmmaker. Stumbling into the sneaker game afterwards than usual, he started out behind a camera through long hiking expeditions around the globe. Seeking a cleaner artful, Doug now works mostly in mode and sport, opting for outdoor locations rather than a studio.