Nike Get Technical on the Air Max 97 Terrascape

As part of their expansive Move to Zero initiative, Nike have begun releasing 'Terrascape' iterations of classic Air Max silhouettes like the Air Max 90 and Air Max Plus that are made from sustainable materials and feature alternate construction methods. The Swoosh have just added another heavy hitter to the Terrascape line as well: the Air Max 97.

When the Air Max 97 was originally designed by Christian Tresser, it drew from the speed and elegance of Japanese bullet trains, the technical nature of mountain bikes and the natural beauty of ripples emanating from a freshly-fallen water droplet. Though those inspirations can still be spotted on the Terrascape, there are a lot of differences from a classic 'Silver Bullet' as well!

For starters, the upper's multiple swooping overlays are cut down to just two, the mudguard is secured to the rest of the upper by a visibly-stitched seam and various synthetic meshes/textiles abound. Normally there would be a Swoosh on the midfoot window as well, but it's discarded in favour of breathability-enhancing mesh, enlarged and moved towards the heel. Multi-colour insoles are made from recycled material, as is the grey rubber midsole.

Those speckles you see on that midsole are made from Nike Grind, a material that re-uses scraps generated during footwear manufacturing processes and here surrounds the signature full-length Air unit. The whole shoe is made of at least 20 per cent recycled content by weight and is completed by 'Terrascape' hits embroidered on the heel tabs.

Check out a full set of official images above, and expect the Nike Air Max 97 'Terrascape' to hit shelves in the coming weeks.