2022 sees the return of the Air Max 97 ‘Silver Bullet’, an icon in Nike’s Air Max line up.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the ‘Silver Bullet’ is hugely popular with Nike enthusiasts and loyal fans of the 97 silhouette. So they’ll be excited to know the 2022 reissue stays true to the OG model – arguably the silhouette’s most iconic release.
“First 97 I bought, only right to go again.” @joellharperr
Having last released in 2017, this year’s model arrives much in the same form, offering up one of the cleanest colour palettes of all time.
Futuristic silver mesh uppers sit atop a full-length Air bubble, with tonal 3M overlays and mudguards, and striking hits of Varsity Red and black accents throughout. Dual tabs and an embroidered mini swoosh on the lateral side complete the coveted sneaker.
Whilst deemed a classic worldwide, the ‘Silver Bullet’ really resonated with the people in Italy. Nicknamed ‘Le Silver’ the Nike Air Max 97 would be worn by everyone in Italy – from street artists and club kids, to high profile designers such as Giorgio Armani at the Milan fashion week in 1998. Fast forward to now and shoe remains a cult favourite amongst the fashion elite, with the likes of Bella Hadid and Drake seen rockin the pair.
“They looked like they were from another planet.”
Sha Ribeiro (Member of the Italian graffiti group Lords of Vetra)
“These take me back to my younger days. A lovely pair!”
Contrary to popular belief, the inspiration for Christian Tresser’s original design came from nature’s most beloved resource, water. The shoe’s layered overlays were ingeniously informed by the shape a drop of water makes as it drips into a puddle.
“The nature of it was water dropping into a pond. The water would drop and radiate out to the Air unit.”
Christian Tresser
With nods to the Japanese bullet train, the shoe’s iconic Metallic Silver finish took inspiration from another unlikely source – bicycles. Tresser was captivated by the metal-on-metal finishes of mid 90s mountain bikes and brought this fascination to the shoe.
“Mountain bike components and mountain bikes at the time had metal on metal finishes like aluminium and polished titanium.”
Christian Tresser
The Nike Air Max 97 ‘Silver Bullet’ launches 11th of November.
