The Swoosh is bringing back a forgotten silhouette from its archives, highlighted by Comme des Garçons' unique approach.
When Comme des Garçons unveils its collection during the Paris Fashion Week in 2025, one silhouette immediately grabs attention. Because amidst the experimental pieces from the Japanese house, it’s a model launched over twenty years ago that resurfaces: the Nike Air Max Dolce. Released in 2002, this silhouette never really achieved the success of the major Air Max references. Far from the cultural impact of an Air Max 1, Air Max 95, or Air Max 97, the Dolce has remained a confidential piece in the Nike catalog. Yet, amidst the experimental volumes and conceptual creations typical of the Japanese house, the Dolce stands out.
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Halfway between running and the Italian wardrobe, this hybrid silhouette seems, more than twenty years after its creation, perfectly aligned with current trends. What may have appeared as a marginal proposition in 2002 now perfectly aligns with Comme des Garçons' approach: to offer a new perspective on the forgotten models from the Nike catalog. Rather than betting on the safe values of the Swoosh, the Japanese brand prefers to tell a different story. One of discreet silhouettes that possess a strong enough identity to transcend decades. And while Comme des Garçons seems to have given new visibility to the Dolce, Nike is now preparing for its return solo.
An Air Max Born in a Time of Experimentation
To understand the return of the Dolce, we need to go back to the early 2000s when Nike was exploring new directions with the Air Max line. After the Air Max 1, 90, 95, and 97, the sportswear brand aimed to push the boundaries of design with bolder shapes and innovative constructions. The Air Max Dolce emerged during this experimental period.
Photo credits: vibesbydefault (Instagram)
Unlike the Air Max models, this one doesn’t aim to replicate an existing formula but seeks to stand out quickly with a unique approach. Its hidden lacing system and fluid lines give it a look that strays far from traditional running models, along with an almost futuristic appearance.
Photo credits: vibesbydefault (Instagram)
And this blend defines its identity. The Air Max technology recalls its athletic origins while its references to Italian fashion give it a stylish dimension. It was a counter-current proposition for the time, when the line between performance sneakers and city shoes was still quite distinct. Nearly twenty-five years later, this approach resonates with the current evolutions in sneaker culture, where hybrid silhouettes now hold a central place.
A Design That's Always Ahead of Its Time
For this comeback, Nike has chosen loyalty. No way they’re going to transform the Dolce: the sportswear brand is ready to bring back what made it unique in the early 2000s. On this occasion, the first model retains its complex construction, featuring sculpted volumes and technical details.
Photo credits: @kolroystudio (Instagram)
The silhouette notably features its crafted side panels and the grid cage on the tongue, one of the most recognizable elements of the shoe. In terms of technology, the visible Air bubble pays homage to the Air Max range.
Photo credits: Nike
The main change is ultimately in its visual treatment. The silhouette adopts a monochrome hue that highlights every curve of the shoe. The few touches of black on certain elements add contrast and further showcase its construction.
And when is it dropping?
More than twenty years after its launch, the Air Max Dolce hasn’t lost any of its uniqueness; in fact, it’s the opposite. Long overshadowed by the most iconic models in the Air Max lineup, this silhouette is now getting a fresh look thanks to Nike's archives. The upcoming Nike Air Max Dolce is expected to drop in 2026, with a price tag around €200.