Nike Air Max 97 Review: Why This 90s Icon Still Turns Heads in 2026

Nike Air Max 97 is more than a retro sneaker – it’s a daily-wear workhorse wrapped in a head?turning, 90s-inspired shell. If you want a shoe that looks bold, feels cushioned, and still fits modern streetwear, this might be the most versatile Air Max in Nike’s lineup.

You know that moment when you catch your reflection in a shop window and your sneakers completely disappear into the background? They’re comfortable, sure, but they don’t say anything. No story, no edge, no identity – just another pair of shoes you bought because they were “fine.”

Meanwhile, your feed is full of people in retro runners that somehow look both vintage and futuristic. Everyone seems to have that one pair that goes with joggers, jeans, or even a blazer, while you’re still rotating the same tired trainers that crease badly and feel flat by midday.

If you’ve ever thought, “I want something with real character that I can still actually walk around in all day,” you’re exactly the person this sneaker was built for.

The Solution: Nike Air Max 97 Steps Back In

The Nike Air Max 97 is Nike’s answer to that gap between lifestyle flex and real-world wearability. Originally released in 1997 and inspired by the sleek lines of high-speed trains and ripples on water, it’s come roaring back into everyday culture over the last few years.

On paper, it’s a retro running shoe. In reality, it’s a style anchor: full-length visible Air cushioning underfoot, wavy layered upper that looks like it’s in motion even when you’re standing still, and colorways that range from subtle monochromes to metallic statement pieces.

In 2026, when chunky dad shoes and hyper-technical runners are battling for attention, the Air Max 97 quietly sits in the middle: bold but not bulky, sporty but not performance-only, and instantly recognizable from across the street.

Why this specific model?

There are plenty of retro silhouettes in Nike’s catalog, but the Air Max 97 has a few key traits that separate it from the crowd.

• Full-length Air unit for underfoot comfort: Unlike many sneakers that only feature cushioning in the heel, the Air Max 97 uses a visible Air unit that runs almost the entire length of the shoe. In everyday terms, that means you don’t just land softly – you roll through each step on a cushioned platform, which users on Reddit and sneaker forums repeatedly mention as a big plus for city walking and long days on your feet.
• Distinctive wavy upper: The layered, rippling design of the upper is what makes the 97 instantly recognizable. On current Nike product pages for the Air Max 97, you’ll see this translated into a mix of textile and synthetic overlays that give it structure and durability while still keeping the lines clean and sleek. The effect is a shoe that looks dynamic without being loud for the sake of it.
• Hidden lacing system: The Air Max 97’s lacing is integrated into the upper, creating a smoother look across the top of the foot. This doesn’t just look cleaner; it also helps with an even lockdown when you tighten the laces, which many owners appreciate for reducing hot spots.
• Rubber outsole for everyday traction: Nike’s official specs highlight a durable rubber outsole with a traction pattern designed to grip typical city surfaces. This isn’t a trail shoe, but it’s built for pavement, malls, campuses, and commute runs.
• Versatile colorways and materials: On Nike’s site in early 2026, you’ll find Air Max 97 models in a variety of textile and synthetic mixes, from muted earth tones to classic black and white and brighter, seasonal drops. The core structure stays the same, but the vibe can swing from minimalist to maximalist depending on your choice.

All of that adds up to a sneaker that doesn’t feel fragile or overly precious. You can throw these on with joggers for a quick coffee run, dress them up with tailored trousers, or beat them up as daily commuters – they still look intentional on foot.

At a Glance: The Facts

Feature	User Benefit
Full-length visible Air cushioning	Softer landings and consistent cushioning from heel to forefoot, ideal for long walks and all-day wear.
Textile and synthetic upper (varies by colorway)	Blend of structure and flexibility with a distinctive layered look that resists sagging over time.
Hidden lacing system	Cleaner, streamlined aesthetic and a more even lockdown across the top of the foot.
Rubber outsole	Durable traction on typical urban surfaces, extending the lifespan of a daily-wear sneaker.
Low-top silhouette	Easy to style with jeans, shorts, joggers, and relaxed tailoring without looking bulky.
Iconic 90s design language	Instantly recognizable retro aesthetic that still feels modern and pairs well with current streetwear trends.

What Users Are Saying

Dive into Reddit threads and sneaker forums and you’ll see a clear pattern about the Nike Air Max 97: it’s loved for its looks and solid comfort, with a few caveats you should know before you buy.

The praise:

• Design that never really left: Many users call the Air Max 97 one of the most timeless Nike silhouettes. It shows up often in "favorite Air Max of all time" discussions, with people praising how easily it dresses up or down.
• Comfortable once broken in: Owners frequently report that while the shoe can feel a bit stiff out of the box, the cushioning feels very comfortable after a short break?in period, especially for everyday walking and casual wear.
• Surprisingly versatile: A recurring theme is just how many outfits the 97 works with. From techwear-inspired fits to simple jeans and a hoodie, users love that it upgrades simple outfits without trying too hard.

The criticism:

• Fit can run narrow: Many reviewers note that the Air Max 97 feels snug, especially in the forefoot. Wide-footed users often recommend going up half a size for comfort.
• Not the lightest shoe: Compared with modern performance runners, the 97 can feel heavier. It’s not usually an issue for casual wear, but people who expect a featherweight running shoe may be disappointed.
• Ventilation is moderate: Because of the layered upper, some users mention that the shoe can run a bit warm in hot climates, making it better as a three?season shoe than a peak-summer beater.

The consensus: if you buy the Nike Air Max 97 as a lifestyle sneaker and size it correctly, you get exactly what you’re expecting – a stylish, cushioned, durable pair that holds up in daily rotation.

It’s worth noting that behind the Air Max 97 stands Nike Inc., one of the world’s dominant sportswear companies, listed under ISIN: US6541061031, which helps ensure steady availability of new colorways and updated drops.

Alternatives vs. Nike Air Max 97

The sneaker market in 2026 is crowded, and even within Nike’s own catalog, the Air Max 97 has strong competition.

• Nike Air Max 90: Another classic, but with a chunkier, more blocky profile and a visible Air unit mainly in the heel. It’s lighter and often a bit more breathable but doesn’t have the full-length cushioned feel or the sleek, layered upper of the 97.
• Nike Air Max 95: Famous for its gradient side panels and layered look, the 95 leans bulkier and more aggressive. If you want a more muscular aesthetic and don’t mind the extra heft, it’s a strong contender, but the 97 is generally easier to pair with slimmer pants and modern fits.
• Modern performance runners (e.g., Pegasus line): These deliver more advanced foams and lighter builds for actual running, but they typically don’t have the same lifestyle impact or style cachet. If your priority is streetwear and daily comfort, the 97 wins on aesthetics.
• Non?Nike lifestyle runners: Competing brands offer sleek, retro-inspired silhouettes too, but few have the cultural recognition of the full?length Air bubble and the instantly recognizable wave pattern of the 97.

Ultimately, the Nike Air Max 97 occupies a unique sweet spot: it’s more streamlined than many 90s runners but bolder and more expressive than minimal modern trainers.

Final Verdict

If you’re tired of shoes that feel great but look forgettable – or sneakers that look amazing yet punish your feet by lunchtime – the Nike Air Max 97 threads the needle between both worlds.

You get:

• Full-length Air cushioning that’s genuinely comfortable for day-to-day life.
• A design that has survived trend cycles and still looks current in 2026.
• Enough color and material options on Nike’s official store to match your personal style, from subtle to statement.

Be realistic about what you’re buying: this isn’t a cutting-edge marathon shoe, and if you have wide feet, you may want to size up half a size. But as a lifestyle sneaker – something you can wear on a city break, to the office, to a gig, or on a casual date – it’s incredibly hard to beat.

If you want a pair of sneakers that finally feel like you – bold, comfortable, and unmistakable from a distance – the Nike Air Max 97 deserves a spot at the very front of your rotation.

You can check current colorways and availability directly on Nike’s official website at the Air Max 97 product page or browse broader drops on Nike.com.