Nike's Latest Air Max 97 Celebrates the Father of Air Technology
Spotlighting NASA engineer M. Frank Rudy.
Back in 1978, NASA engineer Marion Frank Rudy (1925-2009) presented Nike founder Phil Knight with the novel idea of adding an air unit to the midsole of sneakers. In 1980, the revolutionary technology was patented, and the rest was history. To celebrate the man behind the breakthrough, Nike Sportswear released a commemorative two-tone Nike Air Max 97 “M. Frank Rudy” colorway earlier this year and now follows up with another take in bright retro tones.
The upcoming pairs arrive in a “Summit White” canvas base with a light grey wraparound suede mudguard. “Safety Orange,” yellow, and blue piping offers eye-catching pops of color, and a tan leather piece is overlaid on the tongue. Additional details include a hand-drawn Swoosh decorating the lateral cutouts, blueprint graphics featured on the insoles, “Est. 1997” branding on the air bubble midsoles, and yellow rubber outsoles. Putting the finishing touch to the thematic offering is a Nike Air pressure gauge hangtag.
Take an official look at the new Nike Air Max 97 “M. Frank Rudy” above and look for the pairs to release in the coming weeks on Nike’s website and at select retailers for $185 USD.
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