Nike Air Max 97 Obsidian

The Nike Air Max 97 Obsidian takes the Air Max 97 and applies a dark colorway of Obsidian with splashes of electric blue and brown.

Like other versions of the Air Max 97, the "Obsidian" version finds design inspiration in the sleek contours of the Japanese bullet trains. Layered leather panels on the sides create the illusion of movement and remind the wearer of a train snaking through urban areas. The sneaker features double pull tabs, one on the heel and one on the tongue. The pull tab on the heel stretches down the back of the shoe and displays "air max" in boxy lettering. A visible, full-length Air Max unit provides responsive cushioning and is a defining feature of the model.

Our experts like the blue tone used on the Swoosh logos. It resembles University Blue and pays homage to Michael Jordan’s alma mater. The Nike Air Max 97 Obsidian was released on January 13, 2018, and retailed at $160.