The Nike Air Max 97 Goes Bold With Safari Print

Ahead of its 25th anniversary, the Nike Air Max 97 has emerged in handfuls of original and retro styles. Recently, the latter category has gained another tally in the form of a predominantly-muted pair animated by famed safari print.

The latest take on Christian Tresser’s 1997 design reimagines a number of details. For starters, the synthetic leather mudguard is replaced with an ostensibly-waxed component. Miniature swoosh logos still appear at the mid-foot, but not atop mesh underlays. Vamp overlays indulge in the sneakers’ boldest detail, boasting a two-tone version of the spotted pattern invented by Tinker Hatfield in 1987; tongues follow suit. Air Max units underfoot opt for a pitch-black makeup that contrasts the off-white foam it sits below, with tread also favoring a dark arrangement. Logos on the tongue, sock-liner and outsole, however, interrupt the monochromatic composition with vibrant red flair. Lastly, lace loops are given a metal makeover, while branding on the heel pull tab also deviates from the traditional, suggesting the pair is part of a special collection.

Official Nike.com release details haven’t been disclosed by the brand, but that’s likely to change as 2022 inches closer. In the meantime, enjoy images of the Air Max 97 ahead.

For more swoosh-branded sneakers, check out the Air Jordan 1 Low.

Images: Nike