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Sneakers Release – Nike Air Max 97 & Air Max 90 SE “Frank Rudy” Men’s Shoes Launching 3/9

Sneakers Release – Nike Air Max 97 & Air Max 90 SE “Frank Rudy” Men’s Shoes Launching 3/9

Mar 2, 2023

The Nike Air Max 97 SE and Nike Air Max 90 SE “Frank Rudy” men’s shoes drop March 9 at Hibbett | City Gear.

Nike Air Max 90 SE "Frank Rudy" Men's Shoe side by side

When we think of the Air Max 90 and 97, Tinker Hatfield and Christian Tresser are the first names that come to mind. But what about the mind behind Air itself? That man was Marion Franklin Rudy, and Nike is finally giving him his time in the spotlight.

Nike Air Max 90 SE "Frank Rudy" Men's Shoe close up

The Nike Air Max 90 and Nike Air Max 97 “M. Frank Rudy” colorways celebrate the legacy of Rudy using a mix of Summit White and Safety Orange. Both throwback designs drop in men’s sizes on March 9.

Nike Air Max 90 SE "Frank Rudy" Men's Shoe top view

The Air Max 90 shoe uses a mix of mesh, leather and suede across the upper. White mesh covers most of the toe and ankle, while tan leather wraps around the front of the toe and eyelets. There’s a darker tan suede strip above the midsole that wraps around the heel. This overlay covers up the stereotypical orange Swoosh that sits on the middle of the shoe, leaving just the upper half visible.

Nike Air Max 90 SE "Frank Rudy" Men's Shoe heel

Also inside of this suede overlay, right where the Swoosh should be, is a yellow Air Max emblem cutout. Yellow and orange eyelet clips hold the white laces (with blue tips that read “M. Frank Rudy”) in place. At the top of the tongue, you’ll see a white patch with yellow Nike branding. Also of note is the chunky back half of the midsole, which is black and features the see-through Air panel. Written on this is the message “Est. 1990.”

Blueprint designs cover the insoles, and the heel features a cutout Nike Air logo.

Nike Air Max 97 SE "Frank Rudy" Men's Shoe close up

The Air Max 97 shoe uses a similar color scheme, with a white mesh base covered with squiggly layers of orange, tan and dark blue leather that circle the shoe like waves. A light tan suede overlay rounds the base of the shoe just above the white midsole.

Nike Air Max 97 SE "Frank Rudy" Men's Shoe guy standing

A creamy insert at the midsole features a scribbled Nike Swoosh that looks as if it was drawn in pen. Beneath this is the full-length see-through Air unit — this time reading “Est. 1997.” The tongue here is white with a hidden white lacing system draped in with a golden strip. The single embroidered blue Swoosh at the top adds class, as do the blueprint insoles.

Nike Air Max 97 SE "Frank Rudy" Men's Shoe launching 3/9

Both shoes come with an air pressure hangtag that’ll certainly add to the collector’s value of these kicks. Since they’re a similar color scheme, you can style them mostly the same way — a pair of crew socks and your favorite casual shorts, perhaps. You might even choose a pair of slim-fit distressed jeans for an even more chill look.

Nike Air Max 97 SE "Frank Rudy" Men's Shoe side by side

Celebrate the classic Air style with the Nike Air Max 90 and Nike Air Max 97 “M. Frank Rudy” colorways. They drop in men’s sizes on March 9, online and at your local Hibbett | City Gear.Don’t fret if you miss out! We have plenty of other upcoming launches for you on our launch calendar.

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