Nike SB Air Max Ishod "Silver Bullet".
One model. Endless inspiration.
The latest iteration of Nike SB's signature Ishoda Wair model draws inspiration from one of the most iconic 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 with a long-standing cultural phenomenon.
When Christian Tresser began work on the Air Max 97 , the pressure was on. The design had already passed through two other designers before he got to it, and expectations were high. An avid cyclist, Tresser found inspiration in the futuristic look of mountain bikes and combined their industrial aesthetic with another visual motif – the ripples of water after a drop hits it. The result was a sleek silhouette with signature wavy panels and a metallic sheen. 
The Nike Air Max 97 “Silver Bullet” debuted in 1997 with a bold, mechanized colorway that evoked speed that resonated far beyond the running world. In Italy, it became a cultural phenomenon, embraced by underground subcultures, graffiti communities, and the club scene. Lordz of Vetra , a Milanese graffiti group, was among the first to adopt the sneaker. Its reflective 3M details shone through the city and at night. Its futuristic design and premium price made it a status symbol that helped cement Nike’s position as the leading sneaker brand in Italy.
Before the AM97, Italian subcultures had clearly defined preferences – preppy youth wore Stan Smiths, the club scene relied on Buffalo platforms and the graffiti community stuck to Puma or Adidas. But the Silver Bullets broke these boundaries and allowed 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 times – loud, uncompromising and immensely influential.
Nike SB has a long history of connecting skateboarding with sneaker culture, and the Air Max Ishod continues that tradition. As the first professional skate shoe to feature Air Max cushioning, it delivers an evolution of performance footwear with a nod to the past.
The Nike SB Air Max Ishod “Silver Bullet” brings the iconic metallic silver upper, wavy panels and reflective details of the original 97 to a skateboarding-inspired silhouette. Compared to the running shoe, this version is designed for increased durability, with a reinforced upper, cupsole construction and an Air Max unit modified for shock absorption rather than just comfort.
The Nike SB Air Max Ishod “Silver Bullet” embodies the ongoing evolution of sneaker culture, fusing skateboarding, streetwear and high-performance design. Just as the original Silver Bullet transcended the boundaries of running and became a cultural icon, this new version bridges generations – connecting those who experienced the original rise of the Air Max 97 with a new wave of skaters and sneakerheads. Nike is reminding us that sneakers are not just shoes – they are a reflection of the cultural moments and movements that shape them.
On sale soon at POPNAME .
