September 19, 2022

Stashed Heat: Nike Air Max 97 Ultra Skepta

Riley Wolff

Riley is the Integrated Marketing Manager for Australia and New Zealand, and is based in the Melbourne office.

We speak to Nick from StockX Australia and find out why he loves the Skepta's so much, as well as what else he's vibing

This article is part 0 of 0 in the series: Australia

You know what this is, your favourite editorial series is back and better than it ever was. This is the one where we speak to members of our Australian authentication team to find out what they’re seeing come through StockX, what they’re rocking right now, and more importantly what they think is coming next.

Today we’re checking in on Nick. When he’s not making sure your sneaker pickups from StockX are certified authentic, Nick is collecting Air Max, and slingin’ Melbourne’s best Thai food at the family restaurant.

Let’s get into it.

Q: Nick, let’s start with a work question. What’s the most memorable pair of sneakers you’ve seen while working at StockX?

A: “We’ve had some crazy stuff come through, and I’m always amazed at the things that we see – that people have access to some of these sneakers or collectibles. I think the most memorable recently is the Louis Vuitton Air Force 1’s. The craftsmanship and quality is as you would expect, it’s really good. But the resale prices are crazy!”

Q: Has there been a pair that maybe you saw online and weren’t feeling, but when they came through the Authentication Centre they changed your mind?

A: “It’s gotta be the Nike SB Dunk High Pro Ishod Wair x Magnus Walker. I thought it was a little bit messy at first but it’s actually a nuts pair in hand. The slightly distressed texture on the shoes is crazy!”

Q: Now onto your sneakers. Let’s get straight to the big question – what have you brought in today and why do you love them so much?

A: “I’ve brought in the Nike Air Max 97 Skepta. This is a very special pair for me. I actually slept on them when they got released, so I ended up chasing them for over a year.

Originally when they dropped they weren’t something I saw myself wearing, but they grew on me – it was also around the time I was really getting into Skepta’s music and the whole UK scene in general, so eventually I realised I had to get them.”

Q: How and where do you usually wear the Skeptas?

A: “Air Maxes are pretty easy to wear with a lot of things I think and I find them comfortable even for long days on my feet. I love the silhouette of the 97 and you can wear it with most types of pants. I wear a lot of cargo pants and loose fitting pants.”

Q: Beyond those, what’s a pair you have sitting in a box that just don’t get as much wear as they should?

A: “I would say the Nike x Acronym VaporMax Moc 2. That pair has a lot of sentimental value for me because I got it as a birthday present and it was such a special pair. I still bust them out occasionally on a light day here and there.”

Q: Finally, give me one sneaker prediction for the next few months.

A: “This isn’t so much a prediction, but I would love to see some of the archived models get some love. Things like the Nike Air Rift or the Mayfly, even the Air Max 93.

I also think Crocs have been killing it lately. They’re collabing with the right people, their drops are good, I think coming into spring summer they’ll keep doing good things.”