Slam Jam is bringing its usual dark approach to the Air Max 97 as the model starts showing up more often in Nike’s upcoming plans. The Italian retailer has revealed an early look at a new collaboration dressed almost completely in black, giving the 1997 runner a mix of materials and smaller details that become more noticeable up close.

Cracked black leather covers the mudguard, while a tumbled material can be seen through the cutout along the side. Both textures appear to continue across different parts of the upper rather than sticking to one section of the shoe. A small metal Swoosh also sits inside the side panel, replacing the embroidered logo normally found on the Air Max 97.

The changes continue underneath with a darker, slightly grainy finish surrounding the full-length Air cushioning. White circular markings are visible across the Air unit, breaking up an otherwise blacked-out design without changing the overall look of the shoe.

More Air Max 97 releases are beginning to surface ahead of 2027, including the return of the “Silver Bullet” and several pairs connected to Nike’s Yardrunners collection. Slam Jam also has another project with Jordan Brand on the way, with an Air Jordan 8 collaboration already in the works.

Slam Jam says its Nike Air Max 97 collaboration will release in one month. Based on the October 2 announcement, the pair is expected to arrive around November 2, 2026.

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Photo: slamjam