Three Drops That Prove Nike’s Air Max 97 Is for the Ladies

Finally, feminine classics!

Those looking to cop the best releases were often stuck picking off the smallest sizes available in a men’s run, or grabbing youth sizes if a drop happened to be available in GS form. Otherwise, they had to settle for releases in stereotypical colourways.

Thankfully that’s all changed in recent years as brands have (finally) crafted more coveted kicks in women’s sizes, including a bunch of ladies exclusives. The best part of the change, though, is that women are finally getting their own versions of the most iconic silhouettes — and there’s nothing particularly stereotypical about them. And at the forefront? The smooth bullet train—inspired lines of the Christian Tresser—designed Air Max 97.

Below, we take a look at some of the best women’s AM97s that the Swoosh has offered up this season.

Nike Air Max 97 LX ‘Hyper Jade’

Nike are the leader in the overbranded trend and have applied the concept to countless drops lately. One of the highlights has been the Swoosh’s recent smattering of Air Maxes, including a number of Air Max 97s. The ‘Hyper Jade’ look is one of the best of the bunch, applying the namesake hue to a tonal upper of leather and mesh, as well as the interior of the full-length Max Air unit itself.

Nike Air Max 97 LX ‘Desert Dust’

Where the ‘Hyper Jade’ Air Max 97 LX opts for a bold hue that would make it perfect for the spring and summer, the ‘Desert Dust’ version offers a decidedly autumnal counterpoint. Like the jade pair, these come in a clean tumbled leather and mesh execution, while also sporting ‘AIR’-flanked Swoosh branding throughout. The predominantly brown look even gives them a bit of a workwear-inspired edge, something not typically seen on women’s drops.

Nike Air Max 97 SE ‘Vast Grey/Metallic Gold’

The recent ‘Metallic’ pack of Air Max classics is the rare collection that comes with men’s and women’s sneakers alike. The ‘Vast Grey’/‘Metallic Gold’ colourway is the standout, juxtaposing understated smooth grey leather and matching mesh with a clean white midsole and scene-stealing gold patent leather.

These colourways can now be copped via Sneakerhub.