Nike x Skepta Air Max 97 SK - Launching 2nd September

British-Nigerian artist Skepta’s signature Air Max 97 is inspired by his love of Nike Air and his home-away-from-London, Morocco.

Following a relentless slog of touring, Skepta went in search of peace and tranquility and found it in an unlikely place - Morocco.

Reminiscent of his Nigerian roots, he was inspired by the intricate elements of embroidery common on even the most casual clothing - elevating simple garments to a place of regality.

Inspired to introduce elements of this ornate detail to the street, Skepta set out to reinterpret the vibe of Morocco in Air Max form for his release with Nike.

When designing the Air Max 97 Sk, Skepta blended the palette of Morocco with the 1999 colourway of the iconic Air Tuned Max - the first shoe he remembers saving money to buy.

The upper of the Air Max 97 Sk has iridescent, polyutherane-coated, copper/rose gold leather paired with black sandwich mesh and an HF weld of the Swoosh logo in favour of the more popular embroidered swoosh.

Featuring Nike Ultra tooling throughout, reducing the original shoe's weight and highlighting the signature lines, the new iteration also introduces new Air-Sole PSI levels and softer foam density in the midsole and includes the Moroccan-infused embroidery detailing on the tongue and heel.

Air Max is museum-worthy. They’re worthy of standing next to other pieces of art. That's why it's more than just a shoe. And it's always been that for me. When looking at this 97, I just wanted to feel the way I did when I was a child. And we got there. It's perfect.- Skepta -

Release information

Air Max 97 UL '17/Skepta

Multi-Colour/Black-Vivid Sulfur

AJ1988-900

09/02/2017

writerEuan Smart
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