The shoe comes constructed in a mix of mesh, leather, and suede, Soft greys and off-whites dominate the model for a sleek, neutral look.<\/p>\n
The lower half of the signature wavy overlays and details on the tongue ditch the usual mesh build for suede.<\/p>\n
To mark its placement within the \u201cFirst Use\u201d collection, the pack\u2019s distinguishing \u201cFirst Use June 18, 1971\u201d text is subtly applied to the gap between the overlays and the midsole on the medial side.<\/p>\n
As for the lateral side, a black Swoosh with a red outline is used instead. Red further tints the textile makeup under the tongue, details on the heel tab loop, and parts of the outsole to add some brightness to the minimalist look.<\/p>\n
An off-white full-length Air unit and a gold Swoosh lace dubrae round out the celebratory style.<\/p>\n
The Air Max 97 was first released in 1997 as a running shoe. Designed by Christian Tresser, its look was said to be inspired by high-speed Japanese bullet trains and alternatively the titanium metal frames on mountain bikes,<\/p>\n
Taken for granted now, but a new technology at the time, the hidden lacing system on the Air Max 97 was a first. Compared to the Scotchlite dazzle of that 360-degrees of reflectivity and the silver shine on those synthetic panels, this concealed element of Christian Tresser\u2019s design is easy to ignore, but it was an important detail.<\/p>\n