Nike is revisiting the Air Max 97 “Silver Bullet” for the shoe’s 30th anniversary in 2027. It still looks like the colorway people know, though one change immediately separates it from earlier versions: the tongue is now black.

The rest of the shoe sticks closely to the original formula. Metallic Silver covers the upper, with reflective strips running through the Air Max 97’s curved layers. White returns on the midsole, while red Swooshes and smaller accents bring back the contrast that has defined the “Silver Bullet” since 1997.

That black tongue changes the look more than expected. It gives the upper a darker center and breaks up all the silver, but it does not pull the shoe too far away from its roots. Anyone familiar with the original will still recognize it right away.

Nike has rereleased the “Silver Bullet” more than once, with previous retros arriving in 2008, 2013, 2016, and 2022. Instead of putting out the exact same shoe again, the brand appears to be using the anniversary to make a slight adjustment for collectors who may already own an older pair.

There could be much more planned for the Air Max 97 in 2027. A laceless version has already surfaced, and the model’s 30th anniversary gives Nike plenty of room to bring back older colorways while introducing a few new variations.

The Nike Air Max 97 Silver Bullet “Black Tongue” is expected to release during Spring/Summer 2027 through Nike.com and select Nike Sportswear retailers. The retail price is set at $190.

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Photos: sneakerologue