Who designed Nike’s Air Max 97, the 1997 running shoe inspired partly by Japan’s high-speed trains?

Christian Tresser designed Nike’s Air Max 97, which debuted in 1997.

The shoe is known for its layered, flowing upper and a full-length visible Air unit. Tresser drew inspiration from several sources, including the appearance of water droplets and the sleek forms of Japan’s high-speed trains. Its metallic silver colorway also helped create the model’s futuristic reputation.

The Air Max 97 extended Nike’s Air Max line after the success of earlier models such as the Air Max 1 and Air Max 95. It was notable for making the cushioning unit visible along almost the entire length of the shoe rather than only under the heel.

A frequent mix-up is attributing the Air Max 97 to Tinker Hatfield, who designed the Air Max 1 and several other important Nike models. Sergio Lozano, meanwhile, designed the Air Max 95.