Marion Franklin Rudy aka Frank Rudy is the engineer who created Nike’s Air technology, which forever changed the footwear business. In 1978, Nike released the first shoe using Rudy’s “Air” technology, the Air Tailwind. In 1980, he was a able to patent the technology furthering the “Revolution.”

To pay tribute to the latest engineer, much like they did with the Air Max 90 and Air Max Plus, Nike will also be releasing a special edition Air Max 97 (amongst others).

The shoe features a White mesh base with leather overlays and suede mudguards. It comes with special details such as blueprint insoles showing off the technology artwork with his signature, his iconic California “Nike Air” license plate hangtags, EST. 1997 printed on the lateral Air unit, and his name printed on the laces tips. A White midsole atop a Yellow semi-translucent outsole completes the design.

Check out the official photos below, and look for the Nike Air Max 97 “M. Frank Rudy” to release on December 8th at select retailers and Nike.com. The retail price tag is set at $185 USD.