Official Images of the COMME des GARÇONS HOMME PLUS x Nike Air Max 97 in Black

The Air Max 97 is usually known for its clean, swooping design lines and overall speedy aesthetic. Christian Tresser, the designer who conceptualized and created it, was inspired by the ripples caused by water droplets falling into a pond. Its famous “Silver Bullet” colorway — which is also set to return later this year in celebration of the 97’s 25th anniversary — even drew from Japanese bullet trains and chromed-out mountain bikes.

However, COMME des GARÇONS marches to the beat of their own drum as they’ve opted to tone down the high-speed stylings in favor of a more weathered look, dressing the leather mudguard and overlays with weathered detailing that contrasts with its stark black base. As usual, special CdG branding is kept to a minimum, only appearing on the insole where it’s surrounded by three Swooshes. Besides this black colorway, there’s a similarly-weathered white and blue makeup, official images of which have yet to surface.