Chenille isn’t the rarest nor is it the most common material when it comes to sneakers. We’ve seen it being used sparingly from time to time, usually as the statement piece of a silhouette such as the Nike Dunk High “Chenille Swoosh” from August last year.

Coming into 2023, it does seem like the fluffy material is making a big leap. Perhaps owing to the fact that it is the Year of the Rabbit and the Lunar New Year festivities is just around the corner, but Nike has to-date utilised chenille on several of its latest offerings. This upcoming Air Max 97 will also feature the fuzzy texture, joining a lineup that includes the Air Max Scorpion “Air Max Day 2023”, Air Jordan 8 “Playoffs” and Dunk Low “Year of the Rabbit” to name a few. 

This latest Air Max 97 offering sees its uppers painted in a near-clad monotonous white. Notably, the usual mesh and leather build is switched out for a canvas construction, while chenille is applied onto its laces. A pink gradient is applied to its sole unit, gradually fading from white on the midsole to a pastel pink underfoot.

Accentuating this design is another application of chenille, this time as a pink mini Swoosh on its lateral side. While nothing concrete has been announced by the Swoosh brand yet, one can’t help but think this silhouette could be influenced by a cartoon rabbit, given its white and pink color scheme as well as its fluffy chenille finishes.

While there’s no release date announced for this women’s exclusive Air Max 97, expect it to release on Nike and select retails in the coming months. You can enjoy an official look at this upcoming model via the top slider above and hang tight as we’ll bring you the latest news when we receive them.

In other sneaker-related news, check out this dazzling Nike Dunk High “Silver Swoosh”.