Size and fit
The Air Max 1/97 SW from the Swoosh brand is a unisex shoe that's exclusively available in men's sizes. The guys can choose from sizes 3.5 to 18 while the ladies who fancy a pair should go 1.5 sizes down from their regular shoe size. This sneaker reportedly runs bigger than expected and consumers recommended sizing down half a size.
It utilizes traditional lace-up closure for a lockdown fit while a plush velour lining and cushioned insoles provide in-step comfort.
Nike Air Max 1/97 SW Style
This low-top shoe's one of a kind, and hybrid design exudes a vintage yet contemporary aesthetic. With the familiar look of both the Air Max 97's upper and Air Max 1's sole, consumers recognize it and have a sense of nostalgia towards the shoe.
However, the combination of both old-school kicks and pastel hues has never been done before which intrigued and excited most consumers. Moreover, its retro roots offer versatility and can easily be incorporated into most ensembles.
Notable Features
A hybrid sneaker that’s bathed in unique, eye-catching color schemes and crafted with an unprecedented upper material – if this isn’t the formula for extraordinary sneakers then we don’t know what is. This shoe’s colorway provides a stylish aesthetic that could be a fashionable focal point to any outfit, while the corduroy upper with changing patterns offer nostalgia and exceptional style. Lastly, the Air Max 1’s sole with the infrared bubble not only complements the upper but also provides superb comfort and cushioning.
Nike Air Max 1/97 SW History
The Nike Air Max 1/97 SW is the brainchild of Sean Wotherspoon who got to see his design come to life by winning Nike's Vote Forward competition in 2017. Nike invited a dozen creatives, whom they called "Revolutionairs," to come up with their shoe designs. Consumers had to vote which shoe they wanted most, Wotherspoon's design won and beat the other 11 kicks.
Wotherspoon is a sneakerhead, a vintage collector, and the owner of a vintage boutique called RoundTwo. He gathered a group of people that consists of sneakerheads, designers, consumers, and creatives to help him brainstorm and design the shoe. Color-wise, the group started with brown and thought of other colors that complemented it including green and purple. Then Wotherspoon went for the pastel colors to match his signature white tee look.
Wotherspoon's sneaker hybrid of Air Max 97 x Air Max 1 features a corduroy-crafted upper that's inspired by Nike's 80s vintage hats. Design details also add character and value to the shoe. Elements such as interchangeable tongue patches, embroidered "VA -> LA" at the heel pay homage to Wotherspoon's roots in Virginia and move to Los Angeles, and a smiley face with the Swoosh logo as its mouth on the insole is inspired by the vintage "Have a Nike Day" shirt design.
The sneaker was first released in ultra-limited amounts in November 2017. Then on 2018's Air Max Day, those who voted in the competition were given a chance to cop their pair, and another exclusive release was held on June 2018. Today, acquiring this kick is difficult, but die-hard fans with money to spare can buy it through resellers, although it would not be cheap as it sells for $600+.
Additional Info
- Denim heel and tongue pull-tabs are provided for easier on and off.
- The shoe comes with three extra laces and a corduroy dust bag.
- Added patches are available for separate purchase to interchange and customize it.
- The yellow shoelaces are the only ones with metal lace tips.
- The insoles are detachable.
- SW stands for Sean Wotherspoon.
Facts / Specs
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Nike Air Max 1/97 SW unboxing and on-feet videos
