If there was such a thing as an official sneaker for Grand Theft Auto 6, the Air Max 97 ‘South Beach’ should be up for consideration. This one has Vice City vibes all over it. While the color scheme makes me think of Rockstar’s upcoming monster video game release, the real buzz for this one might be its visual alignment with the Miami Heat.
I remember when LeBron James took his talents to South Beach. I remember being a Chicago Bulls fan hoping that he, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh would team with Derrick Rose and Co. Needless to say, that didn’t happen. Instead, the Heatles beat my Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals and represented the hump he couldn’t get over — along with Rose’s injury the following season. The Air Max 97 South Beach reps its city like Petey Pablo reps North Carolina. Raise up! Let’s talk sneakers.
Air Max 97 ‘South Beach’ Key Facts
|
Release |
Style Code |
Date |
Retail |
Colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Original |
921826-102 |
April 2, 2018 |
$160 |
South Beach |
|
Alternate |
CU4877-300 |
Nov. 29, 2019 |
$160 |
Hyper Turquoise/Pink Blast/Black |
|
White-based |
DC5223-100 |
2021 |
$170 |
White with pink and teal accents |
Where Can You Buy the Air Max 97 ‘South Beach’?
Nike has released the Air Max 97 ‘South Beach’ theme more than once. The 2018 pair (921826-102) came out April 2 at $160, an alternate Hyper Turquoise/Pink Blast/Black version (CU4877-300) followed in late November 2019 at $160, and a mostly white 2021 pair (DC5223-100) launched at $170. All three now trade on resale platforms such as StockX and GOAT, so check the style code before you buy.
Why Does the Air Max 97 ‘South Beach’ Stand Out?
The 2021 pair matches white leather and mesh with pink and teal accents on the overlays, liners, heel pulls and branding, plus deep teal Air supports, a black outsole and 3M reflective finishes on the wavy overlays. The 2019 alternate flips the balance with turquoise mudguards and pink branding over a black sole.
Should You Buy the Air Max 97 ‘South Beach’?
The Air Max 97 is insanely comfortable. It’s the kind of sneaker you keep wearing longer than you should because of how light and easy it feels on your foot.
My son had a pair that we literally had to pry off his feet. They went through hell week ahead of his first college basketball season and more. That’s a real attachment, but if you wear a pair, you’ll understand.
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