The Nike Air Max 97 'Atlantic Blue' Is Coming Back with Black Mudguards

Nike's legendary Air Max 97 is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2022, and one piece of the festivities is the return of the OG 'Atlantic Blue' colourway ... well, sort of. The Swoosh are indeed bringing the 'Atlantic Blue' back this year but it's been changed in one notable way, namely the addition of black accents.

Where the original Air Max 97 'Atlantic Blue' – last released in 2017 – features a mixture of Sprite-like blue and volt tones combined with a metallic silver base, the 2022 'Atlantic Blue' applies a murky black shade on its mudguard, tongue detailing, heel tab and outsole. Of note is that this same colourblocking was used on the OG 'Volt' colourway. The rest of the shoe's blue, volt and silver construction remains unchanged, as do the signature strips of hi-vis detailing that race around the upper.

Another classic Air Max 97, the 'Silver Bullet,' is also supposed to make its return later this year, so with the changes made to the 'Atlantic Blue,' it merits watching if it'll be altered in some way as well or if the 'Volt' will release as a stand-alone style. Either way, you can expect this fresh-yet-familiar Air Max 97 to release later this year and retail for $180.

If you want to find out exactly why the Air Max 97 was so influential, click here to get the scoop on how it took a permanent foothold in Italian sneaker culture.