Nike is Adding a Black Tongue to the Iconic Air Max 97 Silver Bullet

Paris Fashion Week was full of endless sneaker previews from every corner of the industry. From high fashion collabs to inline pairs with square toes and outlandish fabrics, the runway shows and showcase galleries lived up to the event’s legacy. In the middle of Nike’s Square Max 90 creativity and Air Bakin low previews, The Swoosh slipped in an icon with a slight shift on top.

Number 97 with a Bullet

The Nike Air Max 97 Silver Bullet Black Tongue features the same upper as the 1997 icon, with a metallic silver base and swooping tonal stripes stacked around the entire silhouette. The same red accents bring a mini Swoosh to the lateral side panel just above the midsole and on the tongue tag.

This time around, though, the Silver Bullet brings the outsole to the tongue, adding a sandwich of black above and below the silver body. The black tongue and laces are a major shift from the OG colorway, despite looking identical from the side. A bit more black is added inside the full-length Air bubble for a bit more two-tone energy.

Nike Air Max 97 Silver Bullet Black Tongue Release Details

The Nike Air Max 97 Silver Bullet Black Tongue will be released Spring 2027 through Nike and select retailers in-store and online. Available in unisex sizing, the retail price is still TBD. For all the latest Nike Air Max news and drop info, download the Sole Retriever App.

Zach Harris

Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com