Nike SB Air Max Ishod "Silver Bullet".
One model. Endless legacy.
Nike SB’s latest take on Ishod Wair’s signature shoe pulls from one of the most recognizable sneakers in history—the Nike Air Max 97 “Silver Bullet.” By incorporating Air Max technology into a skate shoe, the Nike SB Air Max Ishod “Silver Bullet” connects skateboarding to a long-standing cultural icon.
When Christian Tresser first started work on the Air Max 97, the pressure was on. The design had already been passed between two other designers before landing on his desk, and the stakes were high. As an avid cyclist, Tresser found inspiration in the futuristic look of high-end mountain bikes, pairing their industrial aesthetic with another visual reference—the ripple effect of a water droplet hitting a puddle. The result was a sleek, fast-looking silhouette unlike anything else at the time, defined by its wavy paneling and metallic sheen.
The Nike Air Max 97 “Silver Bullet” arrived in 1997 with a bold, high-speed, mechanized colorway that resonated far beyond the world of running. In Italy, it became a cultural phenomenon, embraced by underground subcultures, graffiti crews, and club-goers. The Lords of Vetra, a Milanese graffiti collective, were among the first to adopt the shoe, rocking its polyurethane midsoles and 3M reflective details as they moved through the city at night. The 97’s futuristic design and premium price tag made it a status symbol, and its widespread appeal helped Nike cement itself as the dominant sneaker brand in Italy.
Before the AM97, Italian subcultures had clear divisions—prep kids wore Stan Smiths, clubgoers leaned towards Buffalo platforms, and graffiti heads stuck to Puma or Adidas. But the Silver Bullet defied categorization, allowing Nike to break into the mainstream and become the brand of choice for a new generation. The Air Max 97 became a reflection of the moment—loud, unapologetic, and undeniably influential.
A Skate Shoe with an Air Max Connection
Nike SB has a long history of merging skateboarding with sneaker culture, and the Air Max Ishod takes that a step further. As the first pro-model skate shoe to feature Air Max cushioning, it continues the tradition of evolving performance footwear while nodding to past influences.
The Nike SB Air Max Ishod “Silver Bullet” brings the recognizable metallic silver upper, wavy paneling, and reflective detailing from the original 97 into a skate-specific silhouette. Unlike the running shoe, this version is built for durability, featuring a reinforced upper, cupsole construction, and an Air Max unit tuned for impact protection rather than just comfort.
A Blend of Subcultures and Generational Influence
The Nike SB Air Max Ishod “Silver Bullet” embodies the constant evolution of sneaker culture, merging skateboarding, streetwear, and high-performance design. Just as the original Silver Bullet transcended running to become a cultural staple, this latest iteration bridges generations—bringing together those who lived through the Air Max 97’s original rise with a new wave of skaters and sneakerheads. It’s Nike’s reminder that sneakers are more than just footwear—they’re a reflection of the cultural moments and movements that shape them.
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