Nike Air Max
Nike Air Max 97 ‘Black Dark Obsidian’ Review: Sleek, Stealthy, and Timelessly Cool
Introduction
More than 25 years after its debut, the Nike Air Max 97 remains one of the most iconic silhouettes in sneaker culture. With its signature bullet-train-inspired curves and full-length Air cushioning, it’s both performance-driven and fashion-validated. Now, in the Nike Air Max 97 ‘Black Dark Obsidian’colorway (Style Code: DQ3955-001), the Air Max 97 takes on a moody, refined new look that balances minimalism and attitude.
Whether you’re a longtime Air Max aficionado or new to the game, this colorway stands out as a must-own for fans of stylish sneakers.
Design: Stealth Luxury with Iconic Lines
The Air Max 97’s design has always been futuristic, and the ‘Black Dark Obsidian’ execution doubles down on elegance and edge. This release emphasizes deep tones, layered texture, and uninterrupted flow.
Design Highlights:
- Wavy upper panels in black mesh and synthetic leather
- Dark Obsidian accents that reveal subtle contrast in light
- Reflective piping across the signature ripple lines for low-light pop
- Full-length visible Air unit housed in a tonal midsole
- Mini Swoosh branding on the midfoot and tongue for a clean finish
This pair hits that sweet spot between understated streetwear and premium execution.
Materials & Build Quality
Nike uses a blend of premium and performance materials to ensure the Air Max 97 not only looks sleek but also holds up well in daily wear.
Material Breakdown:
- Upper: Breathable mesh with synthetic leather overlays
- Reflective 3M piping for visibility and structure
- Midsole: Foam cushioning with visible full-length Max Air unit
- Outsole: Durable rubber with traction pattern inspired by performance running
- Interior: Padded collar and textile lining for comfort
This combination of materials ensures both form and function, true to the Air Max legacy.
Comfort & Performance
Built on a foundation of innovation, the Air Max 97 still delivers a comfortable, cushioned ride, even by today’s lifestyle sneaker standards. While it’s not made for running anymore, its performance roots shine in all-day wearability.
Comfort Features:
- Full-length Air Max unit offers consistent impact absorption
- Contoured shape hugs the foot securely
- Low-profile tongue and heel tab make it easy to slip on and off
- Grippy outsole works well across urban surfaces
Whether you’re walking the city streets or styling it for casual wear, the Air Max 97 keeps you comfortable, supported, and fresh.
Style Versatility
The ‘Black Dark Obsidian’ colorway is incredibly easy to style, thanks to its deep neutral tones and subtle sheen. It’s a natural fit for techwear, monochrome fits, and classic Nike streetwear alike.
Styling Suggestions:
- Techwear fit: Cargo pants, nylon shell jacket, tactical crossbody
- Streetwear fit: Oversized graphic tee, distressed denim, snapback
- Minimalist fit: All-black joggers, tonal tee, silver accessories
- Smart casual flex: Tapered chinos, longline hoodie, wool overcoat
This sneaker is a wardrobe staple for anyone who prefers bold structure with understated flair.
Who Should Buy the Air Max 97 ‘Black Dark Obsidian’?
This pair is perfect for:
- Nike Air Max collectors looking for a versatile new addition
- Streetwear fans who love subtle, moody palettes
- Everyday wearers seeking comfortable and durable lifestyle sneakers
- Sneaker minimalists who want stealth with texture
- Fashion-forward individuals who appreciate iconic silhouettes
If you’re building a rotation around function, comfort, and classic style, this is a no-brainer.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Timeless design with updated, modern color palette | Can feel snug—recommend half-size up for wide feet |
| Full-length Air cushioning still delivers comfort | Not ideal for performance athletics |
| Reflective accents and tonal contrast add dimension | Slightly heavier than newer lifestyle sneakers |
| Easy to style with streetwear and neutral fits | Dark tones may not appeal to bright color fans |
Comparison Table
| Sneaker | Design Focus | Compared to Air Max 97 ‘Black Dark Obsidian’ |
|---|---|---|
| Nike Air Max 95 ‘Triple Black’ | Muscle-car rugged | 97 is sleeker and more fluid in form |
| Nike Air Max 90 ‘Infrared’ | Classic retro runner | 97 has more tech-forward and futuristic vibe |
| Nike Air VaporMax Plus | Air and modern fusion | VaporMax is lighter, but 97 is more iconic |
| New Balance 2002R ‘Dark Navy’ | Street-lux utility | NB is chunkier, while the 97 is smoother and sleeker |
The Air Max 97 holds its own as a tech-luxe street essential.
Where to Buy
The Nike Air Max 97 ‘Black Dark Obsidian’ colorway is part of Nike’s seasonal rotation and may be available for a limited time.
Trusted Retailers:
- TheenStyle – Curated Nike releases and stealthy streetwear drops
- StockX – Verified resale platform with live pricing
- GOAT – Trusted marketplace for size filters and authentic pairs
Search using style code DQ3955-001 for precise results.
Final Verdict
The Nike Air Max 97 ‘Black Dark Obsidian’ brings dark elegance to one of the most timeless silhouettes in sneaker history. With full-length comfort, layered design, and endless styling potential, this is a pair that stays relevant no matter the trend cycle.
Sleek. Subtle. Iconic.
Whether you’re on the move or curating a clean fit, the Air Max 97 in ‘Black Dark Obsidian’ does it all—with polish and power.