Honestly, if you walk into a sneaker shop today, you’re bombarded with neon knits and chunky dad shoes that look like they were designed by a glitchy algorithm. But there’s a specific kind of person who just ignores all that noise. They go straight for the wall, look for the darkest corner, and pull out the Nike Air Max 2017 black on black. It’s a shoe that doesn't try too hard. It’s moody. It’s functional. It’s arguably the last "pure" Air Max before the design team at Nike went full experimental with the VaporMax and the 270.
People often ask why this specific model still fetches high resale prices or why Nike keeps it in the rotation years after its debut. It’s because the 2017 iteration hit a sweet spot that hasn't really been replicated. It isn't just a gym shoe. It isn't just a "roadman" staple. It’s a piece of engineering that looks like a stealth bomber for your feet.
The Engineering Behind the Triple Black Shadow
Most people think "Triple Black" is just a colorway. It’s not. In the world of the Nike Air Max 2017 black on black, the "Black/Black/Anthracite" designation is a tactical choice. When you look at the shoe under bright light, you notice the ripples. Nike used a seamless Flymesh upper for this model. Unlike the 2016 version, which had a lot of messy overlays, the 2017 is smooth. Those concentric circles radiating from the heel toward the toes? They aren't just for show. They provide zonal support.
Think about how your foot moves when you run. Or even when you’re just walking to the grocery store. Your midfoot needs to stay locked in while your forefoot needs to flex. The 2017’s molded foam wrap does exactly that. It hugs your heel and midfoot like a second skin. It's snug. Some say too snug. If you have wide feet, you probably know the struggle of the "pinky toe pinch" in these. But for everyone else, it feels like a vacuum seal.
Then there is the Cushlon midsole. This is the stuff that sits right above the massive 360-degree Max Air unit. It’s soft. Not "mushy" like some of the newer foam-heavy runners, but responsive. You get that classic Air Max "pop." When you strike the ground, the air compresses and then pushes back. It’s a mechanical feeling that fans of the brand have loved since the late 80s.
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Why the 2017 Model Beats the 2018 and Beyond
Designers usually can't help themselves. They have to change things. But with the Nike Air Max 2017 black on black, they hit a peak of minimalism. After this, Nike moved toward the Air Max 2018 (which felt like a regression) and then into the era of specialized lifestyle silhouettes.
The 2017 feels substantial. It has weight to it, but not in a way that drags you down. It’s the kind of weight that signifies durability. You can beat these shoes up. You can wear them in the rain—though that Flymesh will eventually let water in—and they still look sharp because black hides the grime.
Comfort Realities: Let's Be Honest
We need to talk about the "break-in" period. You see these influencers acting like every shoe is a cloud from minute one. That’s a lie. The full-length Air unit in the 2017 is stiff out of the box. It takes about two weeks of regular wear for the plastic to soften up and for the Air unit to actually start articulating with your gait. Once it happens, it’s glorious. Until then, it’s a bit like walking on a very high-quality garden hose.
- Breathability: The Flymesh is great for airflow, but because it's double-layered for durability, it's warmer than a pure Flyknit shoe.
- Traction: The clear rubber waffle outsole is a beast on pavement. On wet tile? Be careful. You might end up doing an accidental split in the mall.
- Versatility: This is the "suit and sneakers" shoe. It’s the "gym to dinner" shoe. It is the ultimate "I don't want to think about my outfit" shoe.
The Cultural Weight of the Triple Black
There is a reason the Nike Air Max 2017 black on black is a constant in London, New York, and Berlin. It has an aggressive silhouette. It looks fast even when it’s sitting on a shelf. In many subcultures, the "all black" sneaker is a uniform. It’s discreet. It doesn't scream for attention with flashy logos or "look at me" color blocking.
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Technically, the "Swoosh" on the side is reflective. This is a crucial detail. During the day, it blends into the black mesh. At night, when a car's headlights hit it, it glows. It’s a safety feature for runners, sure, but for the lifestyle wearer, it’s just a cool "easter egg" that adds to the tech-wear aesthetic.
Maintenance and Longevity
If you’re dropping $190 or more on these—and let’s be real, prices haven't exactly dropped—you want them to last. The biggest enemy of the Nike Air Max 2017 black on black isn't actually dirt. It's "fogging."
Sometimes, moisture can get trapped between the Air unit and the midsole, or the plastic can start to oxidize and turn a cloudy grey. To prevent this, keep them out of damp closets. If they get soaked in a storm, don't put them near a heater. The heat can warp the glue and even compromise the Air pressure. Let them air dry naturally.
Cleaning the Flymesh is also a bit of a chore. Dirt gets trapped in the grooves of those concentric circles. A soft-bristled brush is your best friend here. Don't use a stiff brush or you'll fray the mesh fibers and make the shoe look "fuzzy." That’s a one-way ticket to ruining the sleek look.
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How to Spot the Fakes
Because this shoe is so popular, the market is flooded with "Reps." If you're buying from a secondary marketplace, look at the Air unit. On a real pair, the Air should be crystal clear (unless they're old) and should feel firm. If you can squeeze the Air bubble easily with your thumb, it’s a fake. Real Max Air is under high pressure.
Also, check the "ripples" on the upper. On authentic pairs, these are perfectly symmetrical and the transitions between the foam and the mesh are seamless. Fakes usually have messy glue lines where the upper meets the midsole.
The Performance Verdict
Is it a world-class marathon shoe? No. Honestly, it’s a bit heavy for competitive long-distance running. The tech has moved on to Pebax foams and carbon plates. But for a 5k, a heavy leg day at the gym, or an 8-hour shift on your feet? It’s hard to find anything better. The heel-to-toe transition is smooth because of the flex grooves cut into the outsole. It encourages a natural stride, which is why you see so many healthcare workers and hospitality staff wearing them. They need the support, but they also want to look like they haven't given up on fashion.
How to get the most out of your Nike Air Max 2017:
- Sizing is Key: Go up half a size if you have wide feet or prefer a bit of wiggle room. The 2017 runs notoriously narrow through the midfoot.
- The Lacing Hack: Don't pull the laces too tight across the top of the foot. The Flymesh is structured enough to hold your foot in place; over-tightening can cause "lace bite" because the tongue is relatively thin.
- Rotation Matters: Don't wear them every single day. Giving the foam and the Air unit 24 hours to "reset" between wears will significantly extend the life of the cushioning.
- Style Choice: Pair them with tapered joggers or cropped trousers. The bulk of the 360 Air unit looks best when it’s not hidden by baggy jeans. You want the silhouette to be visible.
The Nike Air Max 2017 black on black isn't just a trend. It’s a staple that has survived the rise and fall of dozens of other sneaker fads. It’s the safe bet that also happens to be the coolest shoe in the room. Get a pair, break them in for two weeks, and you’ll likely find yourself buying a replacement pair three years from now when you finally wear the tread down to nothing.