The Nike Air Max 1/97 Returns for the First Time Since 2018

One of Nike’s most beloved hybrid sneakers is finally making a comeback. The Nike Air Max 1/97 is officially set to return as part of the Doernbecher Freestyle 2027 Collection, marking the silhouette’s first release since its highly coveted debut in 2018.

The return is part of Nike’s annual Doernbecher Freestyle program, which celebrates creativity while supporting a meaningful cause. The 2027 collection will feature six unique sneakers, each designed by a pediatric patient from OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in collaboration with Nike’s design team.

The Air Max 1/97 first gained worldwide attention through Sean Wotherspoon’s winning design in Nike’s Vote Forward competition. The sneaker combined the wavy, layered upper of the Air Max 97 with the iconic sole unit of the Air Max 1, creating one of the most recognizable and celebrated hybrid silhouettes in Nike history.

Its colorful corduroy construction and vintage-inspired aesthetic quickly made it one of the defining sneaker releases of 2018. Despite overwhelming demand and enduring popularity. Nike never revisited the silhouette until now. While the upcoming Doernbecher edition is expected to feature an entirely new design, the return of the Air Max 1/97 alone is enough to generate significant excitement among longtime Air Max fans.

Joining the Air Max 1/97 in the 2027 Doernbecher Freestyle Collection are the women’s Air Jordan 11 Low IE, women’s Nike ACG Rufus, men’s Nike Air Force 1 Mid, women’s Nike Structure Plus, and one additional model that has yet to be revealed. As with previous Doernbecher collections, every sneaker will reflect the personal journey and creativity of its young designer, making each pair a meaningful expression of resilience, hope, and individuality.

Nike has not yet revealed official images or a release date for the Doernbecher Freestyle 2027 Collection, but more details are expected in the coming months. With the highly anticipated return of the Air Max 1/97 leading the lineup, the collection is already shaping up to be one of Nike’s most anticipated sneaker releases of Spring 2027.