Who designed the Nike Air Max 97?

The Nike Air Max 97 was designed by Christian Tresser.

Released in 1997, the Air Max 97 was created as a running shoe and became one of Nike’s most recognizable Air Max models. Its flowing, layered upper was reportedly influenced by high-speed Japanese bullet trains and by the metallic frames of mountain bikes. The original metallic-silver colorway became known as “Silver Bullet.”

Tresser’s design also introduced a nearly full-length visible Air unit, a hidden lacing system, and reflective Scotchlite strips. Those details helped distinguish it from earlier models and contributed to its futuristic appearance. A common mix-up is crediting Tinker Hatfield, because Hatfield conceived the original Air Max concept, while Tresser designed this specific model.

The Air Max 97 originally retailed for $150. It became especially popular in Italy, where Nike reissued it for its 10th anniversary in 2007. Nike later marked its 20th anniversary in 2017 with new colorways and collaborations.