Nike’s Yardrunners Program Returns With The Air Max 97

Clark Atlanta University up first.

Matt Varga 3 minutes

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Nike’s commitment to HBCUs goes far beyond the bounds of footwear, but given our purpose here, it’s typically the most visible aspect from our perspective. Often enlisting pros that came to their respective leagues through those storied universities, the “Yardrunners” collection has dropped off yearly product for current attendees and alumni, not to mention the connection that Jordan Brand has fostered with schools like Howard.

Following a Yardrunners takeover of the Nike Air Max 95 in 2025, it seems that the Air Max 97 may be next up for its own signing day in the near future. Images of a Nike Air Max 97 tooled with Clark Atlanta University coloring and branding have just touched down, the first indication that a network-wide collection could be in the works. This edition arrives in a sensible mix of red, black, and grey, particularly effective with gradient “waves” running down the sides. “Panthers” pulltabs and a CAU stamp on the tongue ensure you can’t miss the purpose of this pair.

Beyond the varsity aims of that potential capsule, this aligns with what’s already looming as a massive year for the Air Max 97, a bit sidelined in recent years but facing its own 30th anniversary in 2027. Previews at Paris Fashion Week tipped off a return for the “laceless” variation and a return to the “Silver Bullet” aesthetic.

The Yardrunners x Nike Air Max 97 “CAU Panthers” should be dropping sometime in 2027, though finer release details aren’t currently available. Keep it locked to our Sneaker Release Dates page and our coverage in general for more details as we learn of them.

: @kicksdong

: @kicksdong

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Mens Nike Air Max 97 "Clark Atlanta"

SKU: IW7003-600

RETAIL PRICE: $N/A

RELEASE DATE: 2026

US 2026

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Written by

Matt Varga, Junior Editor

Matt Varga is an Editor at SneakerNews. Initially earning a degree in Video Arts and Technology, he got his start in video editing and writing in the music world — primarily on hip-hop and electronic. A long-standing interest in sneakers led him to switching over to footwear. An avid collector, his favorite sneaker of all time comes down to either the Air Jordan 1 “Black Toe” and Air Jordan 5 “Laney,” his first ever pick-ups. When he’s not writing, you can find Matt cooking, traveling, attending concerts and when weather permits, on the handball court.