Nike Air Max 97  The Nike Air Max 97 is part of the Nike Air Max line of shoes sold and released by Nike, Inc.. The Nike Air Max 97 was first released in 1997. The design of the shoe was inspired by the bullet trains of Japan The Air Max 97 was Nike's first shoe that introduced full-length air. The Air Max 97 also introduced a hidden lacing system. At its inception in 1997, the design of the Air Max 97 seem to draw both admirers and critics. In fact, The Air Max 97 spent less than a year on store shelves. The Air Max 97 was very popular in Italy and Serbia. At its release in 1997 the Air Max 97 retailed at $150. When compared with its previous predecessors, it was priced at $10 more. The year 2017 marked the 20th anniversary of the Air Max 97. Nike marked the occasion by releasing many colorways and collaborations. March 26 has been officially declared by Nike as "Air Max Day". First launched by Nike in 2014, Nike wanted to highlight the popularity of the Nike Air Max. Air Max aficionados  look forward to the many collaborations, including the Air Max 97, that are released on Air Max Day.