Nike Air Max 97

The iconic wavy design of the Air Max 97 was inspired by Japanese bullet trains and was crafted by Nike designer Christian Tresser. The original Silver Bullet colorway was heavily influenced by the metallic finish of mountain bikes. It was officially released by Nike in 1997.

The Air Max 97 was revolutionary because it was the first Nike shoe to feature a full-length, visible Air Max cushioning unit. Previous models only featured air bags in the heel or the forefoot. This full-length unit provided unmatched impact protection and a bouncy feel for runners at the time.

Many wearers find that the Nike Air Max 97 runs slightly narrow and can feel a bit tight across the toe box. Because of this, sneaker enthusiasts often recommend going up half a size for a more comfortable fit. Trying them on in-store is highly recommended if you have wider feet.

While they were originally designed as high-tech running shoes in 1997, by modern standards, the Air Max 97 is considered quite heavy and stiff. Today, they are primarily worn as a stylish streetwear sneaker rather than for serious athletic training. The full-length air unit is still comfortable, but the shoe lacks the modern foam tech required for long-distance running.