# Water Droplet-Decorated Sneakers The New Nike Air Max Uptempo 97s are a Bright Hue of Ocean Blue By Riley von Niessen | Published 2017-02-13 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-air-max-uptempo References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2017/2/nike-air-max-uptempo-97-university-blue) & [sneakerpolitics](http://sneakerpolitics.com/collections/new/products/nike-air-max-uptempo-97-as-qs-university-blue) The new [Nike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thunderstorm-colorway) Air Max Uptempo 97s make use of the brand's beloved 'University Blue' colorway and have a variety of synthetic accents that help them to stand out. The uppers are constructed from nubuck, which is split up with different layers of material, allowing a wavy design to be created near the bottoms. On these components, Nike's branding is including minimally, with its iconic [Swoosh](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-dn-sneaker) logo decorating the area near the toe in a matching hue of bright ocean blue. Closer to the backs of the heels, the Swoosh logo is featured again, where it is surrounded by synthetic accents that look like droplets of water. The Nike Air Max Uptempo 97s also have transparent midsoles, which have accents of blue within them. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 31% | Activity: 18% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Ocean Blue Colorway:** Brands can explore the use of vibrant and eye-catching colorways to differentiate their products and attract customers. - **Synthetic Accents:** Incorporating unique synthetic accents, such as droplet-like embellishments, can add a distinct and visually appealing element to footwear designs. - **Transparent Midsoles:** The use of transparent midsoles with colored accents presents an opportunity for brands to experiment with bold and innovative designs. ### Where This Applies - **Footwear Manufacturing:** Footwear manufacturers should explore incorporating unique design elements, such as synthetic accents and transparent midsoles, to stay competitive and attract fashion-forward consumers. - **Sportswear Retail:** Sportswear retailers can capitalize on the popularity of vibrant colorways and innovative design elements, like droplet-like embellishments, to engage a younger and trend-conscious consumer base. - **Fashion Accessories:** Fashion accessory brands can draw inspiration from the use of synthetic accents and vibrant colorways in footwear designs, exploring new ways to incorporate such elements into their product offerings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Monochromatic Patterned Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thunderstorm-colorway.md) - [Bold Gradient Tonal Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aqua-colorway.md) - [Italy-Inspired Textural Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-plus-1.md) - [Chunky Olympic-Ready Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/olympic-colorway.md) - [Yellow Patterned Bold Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/university-gold-2.md) - [Retro Blue Tonal Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/signal-blue.md) - [Tropical-Inspired Sneaker Colorways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peach-and-teal.md) - [Monochromatic Metallic Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-90-usa.md) - [Layered Weatherized Breathable Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goretex-nike-air-max-90.md)