Nike SB Air Max Ishod “Silver Bullet”: When Skate Culture Meets Running Royalty

I still remember the first time I saw the original Air Max 97 “Silver Bullet.” It was 1997, and I was standing in a mall with my jaw practically on the floor. Those sleek, futuristic lines looked like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. Fast forward to today, and I’m getting that same flutter of excitement as Nike announces the SB Ishod 2 “Silver Bullet” – a perfect marriage of running heritage and skate functionality.

Let’s be real for a minute. Nike has done collabs and crossovers before, but there’s something special happening with this one. As someone who’s spent way too much money on sneakers over the years (don’t tell my wife), I can spot the difference between a cash-grab and something genuinely innovative. This falls firmly in the latter category.

A Dash of History with Your Kickflips

The Nike SB Ishod 2 “Silver Bullet” isn’t just another colorway – it’s a love letter to one of the most iconic sneakers ever made. The shoe takes the unmistakable metallic silver upper of the Air Max 97 and reimagines it for the skateboarding world. Those red Swooshes pop against the silver background in a way that makes my nostalgic heart skip a beat.

Last weekend, I was showing my nephew some old skate videos, and he couldn’t understand why we all wore such bulky shoes back in the day. “They look like moon boots,” he laughed. If only I could show him these new Ishods – proof that skate shoes can be technical AND look good.

Built for Abuse (In a Good Way)

I’ve torn through enough skate shoes to know that looking cool means nothing if they fall apart after a week of skating. The good news is that these aren’t just pretty faces. Nike has reinforced these bad boys to handle the daily grind of skateboarding.

The uppers feature durable materials that can withstand those abrasive griptape slides that eat through normal shoes like my dog goes through tennis balls. Trust me, I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. I once bought a pair of non-skate shoes for skating because I loved the look. They lasted exactly two sessions before they had more holes than Swiss cheese.

The Details Matter

You can always tell when a product has been designed by people who actually care about the culture. The “Silver Bullet” Ishods have thoughtful touches that show they understand both the running and skating worlds. The black and red tongue tabs, those distinctive rope laces, and the heel stripes all nod to the AM97 heritage.

I noticed they’ve kept Ishod Wair’s branding subtle but present – exactly as it should be. Ishod’s one of those skaters who lets his skating do the talking, and these shoes reflect that understated confidence. I had the chance to watch him skate at a demo a few years back, and the man makes even the hardest tricks look effortless. These shoes carry that same vibe.

When Can You Get ‘Em?

Here’s where I’d usually say “mark your calendars,” but Nike’s being somewhat mysterious with the exact release date. What we do know is that the “Silver Bullet” Ishods are scheduled to drop during the Holiday 2024 season with a price tag of $110.

That price point is actually pretty reasonable in today’s market. I spent more than that on dinner last weekend (it was our anniversary, so I had to splurge a little). For a shoe with this much tech and style, $110 feels almost like a bargain.

They’ll be available at select skate shops and on Nike.com. My advice? Make friends with your local skate shop owner now. These are likely to disappear faster than free pizza at a skatepark.

Should You Cop or Drop?

Look, I’m not here to tell you how to spend your money. But as someone who’s been around the block when it comes to both collecting and skating in Nikes, this release hits a sweet spot. They’re functional enough for actual skating but stylish enough that non-skaters will definitely be trying to get their hands on pairs too.

I’m already planning to grab two pairs – one to skate and one to keep clean. It’s a strategy I’ve used before, though I usually end up giving in and skating both pairs anyway. Some habits die hard.

The “Silver Bullet” inspiration means these will pair with pretty much anything in your wardrobe. Jeans, shorts, even those track pants you probably shouldn’t still be wearing from 2003 (I still have mine too, no judgment here).

Whether you’re an old-school skater who remembers the original Silver Bullets, a sneakerhead looking to diversify your collection, or just someone who appreciates good design, these should definitely be on your radar. Just be ready to click that “purchase” button real quick when they drop. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years of chasing limited releases, it’s that hesitation leads to regret.

See you in the checkout queue!