Launching as part of Nike’s ‘Air Sprung’ collection, the Air Max 97 ‘Cream’ delivers a playful take on the retro running shoe. Purple rope laces secure the tan textile upper, accented with a series of wavy synthetic suede overlays in a subtle cream hue (and a lone textile overlay in fuchsia). ‘Air Sprung’ is inscribed on each webbing heel tab and tongue, the latter featuring a butterfly graphic on the left shoe and a caterpillar graphic on the right. The caterpillar motif is repeated on the embroidered Swoosh that decorates the lateral quarter panel. Lightweight cushioning arrives via a purple-tinged full-length Max Air unit.