Cristiano Ronaldo's signature Nike Air Max 97 is set for a March 31 launch as the Swoosh invite their footballing icon to the Air Max Day 2018 celebrations. The patriotic design for the Portugal captain pushes his signature series further into lifestyle ground.

The "University Red" design was revealed in January this year and Nike have kept customers waiting until now, announcing a drop date for over the Easter weekend. The Air Max 97 CR7 continues the patchwork concept that begun on the Gold Air Max 97 CR7 last October – a design inspired by Ronaldo's childhood, when his mother would sew patches on the shoes he wore through while playing football school.

Air Max Day 2018 has turned into Air Max Month as Nike continue to roll out variations of their iconic silhouettes which sit under the Air Max title. CR7 leads the way in football as his "University Red" design appeals to the masses due to its understated "CR7" branding only visible on the heel. The special edition also features a leather and mesh construction, and that unmistakable wavy panelled upper.

Pick up the Nike Air Max 97 CR7 sneakers from prodirectsoccer.com on March 31.