A classic among classics. The Nike Air Uptempo 3, now known as the Nike Air Uptempo ’97, has returned as a premium release alongside other classic Air Max basketball models from the 90’s.
While I love the OG colorways, there is a certain level of appreciation I have when a classic is slightly revamped with better materials and simple colorways. The OG model used leather and synthetic nubuck whereas this ‘Black Pack’ and ‘Urban Haze’ editions feature actual nubuck. Comfort isn’t what they once were, but it’s pretty much what we expect from Nike Sportswear at this point.
If you were interested in the Nike Air Uptempo 97 then you may enjoy this detailed look and review of the model. I wouldn’t recommend paying over retail, but I do recommend the shoe overall if you’re a fan of the model.
Love the up-tempo line. I have some with some straps on them I wore at the end of a season. I think they were supposed to be a players shoe and the contract ended or something.
Hi Weartesters, great review ,great looking shoe . You mentioned the air sole is smaller than the OG What’s the comfort like for ballin in?
Are the uptempo 97’s more casual than performance?
Back when I was in high school I sold these at a shoe store I worked at. Like Jordans, they were just the latest Air Max Uptempo. They retailed for $140, and had way more air. At the time, I was 6’1″ and 285lbs and these were the perfect big man shoe.
Like most non Jordan retros, the reduced amount of air would make these a casual only shoe. I don’t know why Nike is releasing retros with less air, it can’t be that much cheaper.
These are a very clean colorway, I like them.