The History of the Nike Air Max 97

1997

The 1990s is arguably the best decade for sneakers. The Nike Air Max 97 is one of the most memorable sneakers of the 90s. The shoe was designed by Christian Tresser. The low top was inspired by Japan’s bullet trains and water dropping in a pond. The 97 had a full length visible Air Max unit. The 180 degrees of visible air was revolutionary. The Air Max unit provides perfect cushioning, and it is one of the most comfortable Air Max models.

International Fame

The Nike Air Max 97 was popular in America, but its popularity in the states paled in comparison to how it was received in Europe. The pair of the Nike Air Max 97 that really clicked with European sneaker fans was the “Silver Bullet.” The Air Max 97 Silver Bullet is an icon internationally.

Silver Bullet

The Silver Bullet is the most iconic Air Max 97 colorway in the world. The Silver Bullet is what people think of when they hear “Air Max 97.” It is like the Air Max 95 and the OG Neon in that way. Both of those models have colorways that define the shoe. The Air Max 97 and the Silver colorway work together perfectly. The Silver Bullet uses Metallic Silver mesh and reflective 3M. There is a pop of Varsity Red, in the form of the world famous Swoosh. The black and white outsole is a crucial piece of the sneaker’s beloved aesthetic. The Metallic Silver colorway took inspiration from Mountain Bike components and the metal finishes bikes at the time often had.