Skepta Unveils Nike Air Max 97 Collab + Release Info

British-Nigerian rapper Skepta has teamed up with Nike for a special edition Air Max 97 collaboration inspired by his love for Morocco and the unique 1999 Air Tuned Max sneaker. 

Just as his new clothing label, Mains, was inspired by a visit to the Moroccan town of Essouira, so is his latest collaboration with Nike, which comes one year after he created his own Nike Air Max BW.

In speaking about his upcoming release Skepta says, per Nike, “I found Morocco, and it was perfect. Everything I wanted to feel about peace, I found it there.” As for the 1999 Air Tuned Max, which was the first shoe Skepta ever saved up to buy, he says, “I wanted to bring its magic to the 97." “The magic that first made me fall in love with Air Max.”

The upper of the Air Max 97 Sk features an iridescent, polyutherane-coated, copper/rose gold leather paired with black sandwich mesh and an HF weld of the Swoosh logo, instead of an embroidered Swoosh. It draws inspiration from the colors of the 1999 Air Tuned Max, including the yellow air unit.

According to Nike, the Air Max 97 Sk has Nike Ultra tooling that reduces the original shoe's weight and highlights its signature lines in a single-layer upper. It also introduces new Air-Sole PSI levels and softer foam density in the midsole. Additionally, the print on the insole is inspired by Moroccan patterns, the all-new SK logo pays homage to the Air Max TN logo and is in the shape of a UK electrical outlet. The braided embroidery along the tongue and heel references the embellished sportswear Skepta saw locals wearing during trips to Morocco.

The Nike Air Max 97 Sk will be available globally starting September 2nd on Nike+ SNKRS, nike.com and at select retailers. You can read more about his inspiration for the Air Max 97 collab right here.

Check out some more official images of the Skepta x Nike Air Max 97 collab below.