Product Features Mesh and synthetic materials combine for the fluid look of the original. Foam sole and Max Air unit cushion each step. Logos are updated to create a premium look. Shown: Black/Metallic Gold/White/Varsity Red Air Max 97 Origins Nike's revolutionary Air-Sole unit made its way into Nike footwear in 1978. In 1987, the Nike Air Max 1 debuted with visible air in its heel, allowing fans more than just the feel of Air-Sole comfort—suddenly they could see it. Two years after the Nike Air Max 95 brought visible air to the forefoot, the Nike Air Max 97 arrived with the very first full-length unit. The shoe made a huge splash in the running world, as anticipated by its ripple-effect design lines. It's still making waves over two decades later.