Air Max 1997

The Air unit went full length in 1997. The Air Max 97 offered maximum cushioning and style. This still is one of the most popular Nikes out there, re-issued numerous times around the world. Rumor has it that this shoe was originally going to be called the Air Total Max 3. This ultra modern-looking Air Max was inspired by the high-speed Japanese Bullet train. The sleek liner design and metallic silver colourway were striking. The full-length visible Air Unit displayed Nike’s Air Technology, and the three reflective lines on the top part of the shoe provided a space-age ‘glow’, especially in the dark.The 97 was particularly popular in Europe. The original men’s colourway has been reissued several times over the years. In 2001, a slip-on version was produced but was frowned upon by the Air Max 97 purists. The coolest colourway was the black / neon yellow / metallic silver, which was released in Japan in 1997.