Air Max 97 “Energy Jelly” Drops March 19th

Japan’s fascination with the Air Max lineage, notably the Air Max 95, has lead the line to lean on the nation for inspiration. So much so that the follow-up Air Max 97 looked to Japan’s super-fast bullet train for its underlying motivation. Now, as we approach Air Max Month, a second regional-dedicated release has appeared — and once again it returns to the nation’s heavily-saturated mini-mart market. Like the previously-previewed Air Max 95 “Japan”, this Air Max 97 “Swoosh Mart/Energy Jelly” tasks on a colorful package-inspired collage (apparently here inspired by energy jelly packets) across the upper, all the while staying true to its original speeding bullet-theme. It’s even possible that the color selection of the collage below is, in fact, derived from the nation’s bullet train route map. Moreover, its overlays of metallic silver channel the nation’s Shinkansen — even to the point where it features precipitation droplets along its plating

More metallic silver surfaces at the branding, Air supports, and outsole glitter flecks, the latter encased in a milky-translucent jelly rubber. A sweeping blue medial line channels Japan’s retro railers, while a return to the mini-mart is found along with the colorful graphic insoles — a detail that completed with a barcode and all.

Though an official release date for the Nike Air Max 97 “Swoosh Mart/Energy Jelly” is yet to be poured, you can expect to see pairs arriving fairly soon, with retailers in Asia already reporting a March release. Until then, you can enjoy an official look at the release here below, and be sure to give us a follow here on Twitter for all further updates on the pair.

Nike Air Max 97 SE

Release Date: March 19th, 2021

Style Code: DD5480-902
Color: Multicolor/Metallic Silver-Racer Blue-White-Black-Pure Platinum
Price: $160