The Nike Air Max 97 was first released in 1997. The design of the shoe was inspired by the bullet trains of Japan The Air Max 97 was Nike's first shoe that introduced full-length air. The Air Max 97 also introduced a hidden lacing system. The Nike Air Max 97 has had anniversaries before, but given that its 20th birthday ties in with a revival of late-'90s style, it’s a slightly bigger deal. This is one of those shoes that’s both loved and hated — an object that’s very much of its time, but one with an undeniable identity. Last year was about the Air Max 95, but next year belongs to the 97. From its inception to the strange forms it took throughout the years, Nike designer Christian Tresser’s creation has had an interesting couple of decades so far.
Known as the Air Max III until 2000, when it was reissued taking its name from the year of its launch. The original colourway
of white/black/cool grey with infrared was chosen to exaggerate the thickness of the sole air cushion. The upper featured Duromesh,
synthetic felt and synthetic leather. Nike specially designed a pair of Nike Air Max 90s for President George H.W. Bush. Images of
the customized sneakers have been seen around the Department of Nike Archives, and feature AIR PRES branding along with what appears
to be a unique colorway.
