Nike Air Max 97 Black Off-White DH0559-001

The Nike Air Max 97 has returned in a number of original and retro versions ahead of its 25th anniversary. The latter category has now been increased by another count, with a mostly-muted pair featuring famed safari print animated. This Nike Air Max 97 Black Off-White pair sports a white leather upper, with tonal suede overlays present on the mudguard. The Swoosh is also done up in white, as are the laces, inner liner, and tongue branding. This pair begins to differ from an all-white AM97 in its use of black and grey safari print — a nod to the atmos x Nike Air Max 1 that popularized the animal-inspired pattern. The effect is subtle, though it does add a bit of contrast and texture to an otherwise very clean pair of sneakers.

The updated version of Christian Tresser's 1997 concept reimagines several elements. The synthetic leather mudguard is now replaced with an apparently waxed component, to begin with. The tiny swoosh logos that were previously seen at the mid-foot are no longer there. Vamp overlays, which enjoy the sneakers' most prominent detail, feature a two-tone version of the spotted pattern designed by Tinker Hatfield in 1987; tongues follow suit. Underfoot Air Max units employ a pitch-black make-up that contrasts with the off-white foam it sits upon, while treads also go for a dark colour scheme. The vibrant red flair breaks the monochrome design on the tongue, sock-liner, and outsole, while logos on the tongue (left), sock-liner (centre), and outsole (right) break up the uniformity. Finally, metal replaces lace loops on the heel pull tab to suggest that this pair is part of a limited run. Many other reasons make the Air Max 97 a legendary brand even today. Please read our Nike Air Max 97: A Complete Guide, where we share details of the mega-brand.

As part of their 2022 plan, Nike has revealed the Nike Air Max 97 Black Off-White, but no release date or information about other models has been published. The Nike website update does not include a release date for the Air Max 97, but it will most likely be announced in 2022. Enjoy these images of the Air Max 97 while you wait. For more sneaker news creating buzz among netizens, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Image Credit: sneakernews.com