The Air Max 97 is one of those sneakers that are unforgettable. Modern, metallic, and full of Air, the 97 set the bar so high for sneakers, that it was almost impossible to match.
Today it’s more than a running shoe. In fact, I wouldn’t even consider it 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.
The AM97 fits true to size. It’s a very lightweight shoe with the full-length Air Max Sole inspired by Japanese Bullet trains. I picked up the Silver-Bullet colorway and am more than satisfied with the definition between the synthetic and mesh “ripples” of the upper. Its wavy design, inspired by Japanese bullet trains, gave it a futuristic flair that truly made it stand out. Its responsive Air Max unit still makes the shoe just as fit for the gym as it does for casual walks.
Most reviewers agree that the Air Max 97 offers them incredibly comfortable wear. The use of the full-length Air Max unit, along with the standard foam material, in the midsole creates added responsiveness and shock absorption. Not only does this make the shoe feel more lightweight, but it also limits the amount of pain and fatigue runners will feel by the end of the day.
The shoe overall is pretty durable but without a doubt, the sturdiest feature is the BRS 1000 Regrind outsole, which is made of a specialized carbon rubber that easily holds up to constant usage on cement and concrete. And the combination of synthetic leather and mesh allows its upper to maintain its shape for much longer, avoiding many potential rips and tears.
Compared to most of Nike’s other running shoes, the Air Max 97 is one of their more expensive models. It can be found on the brand’s website for the high price of $160.
PROS:
- All-season sneaker
- Fits true to size
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Feels as athletic as it looks
- Comfortable
CONS:
- Wear-In Time
- Stains easily
- Price
