This year, Nike has revamped the indoor version of their Total 90 III soccer cleat, releasing the updated model in a variety of lifestyle colourways, including classic black and white pairs, as well as more colourful red and orange styles. Yet we can’t help but notice how the all-silver aesthetic of the brand’s upcoming “Metallic Platinum” Nike Total 90 III perfectly channels the futuristic look of The Fantastic Four: First Steps‘ Silver Surfer.
As Marvel prepares to welcome the new chapter for its mutated heroes and their foe/ally this July, it seems impossible for us to avoid drawing a parallel between the sleek silver football sneaker and the cosmic comic book character. Perhaps our minds are flooded with all things F4, but the striking metallic silver finish applied across the Total 90s quilted leather uppers practically screams Silver Surfer.
Adding to the futuristic look are complementary Photon Dust accents on the Swooshes, Total 90 embroidery, inside lining, and laces. The design is then finished off with a grey sole unit underneath, keeping with the tonal look.
If anything, the overall look is actually quite similar to the Silver Surfer GEL-Kayano 14 Kith created for its ASICS “Super Villains” line last year—except for the obvious change in silhouette and brand, that is. These also don’t come with all the extra bells and whistles that Kith’s GEL-Kayano 14 design had, like the Silver Surfer images on the insole and the corresponding comic book included in the box. Plus, we’ll be the first to admit that the Total 90 design lacks the added flair of the collaborations transparent detailing on the sole unit.
Julia Garner isn’t replacing Norrin Radd. She’s actually playing Shalla-Bal. There’s a big difference. But try telling that to the internet. The moment Marvel dropped the first teaser for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, fans didn’t cheer, they exploded. “Silver Surfer is a dude,” cried one. “Woke disaster incoming,” groaned another. But the worst comment was “Disney’s erasing everything good.” Except they’re not. Shalla-Bal has existed in Marvel Comics for decades. She’s not new. She’s canon. And yes, she was a Silver Surfer. Garner’s casting isn’t rewriting history. It’s referencing it. One fan said it best: “Y’all know there’s a female Silver Surfer, right?”
If you’ve got time to post a rant, you’ve got time to Google. Or open a comic. Or both. So, before the outrage, maybe ask yourself: Are you reacting to the character… or just the change?
Regardless, the “Metallic Platinum” Nike Total 90 III looks exactly like the type of sneaker you’d wear to celebrate the character’s arrival in the MCU. If you want to cosplay Silver Surfer, this would be a great pick.
All that being said, soccer shoes (particularly cleats) are having a moment of their own this season, with the “boots-only summer” hashtag highlighting the trend of wearing soccer cleats as everyday footwear. The new Total 90 III certainly makes the trend more accessible to individuals who want a sporty look without having to hear the clink of their cleats as they walk down the street. But while many Nike fans are more than happy to jump on this trend with the nostalgic Total 90 III indoor model, others would rather see the OG soccer cleats released for some actual time on the field.
One Instagram user moaned, “WE WANT THE BOOTS! I don’t wanna pair them with jeans, I wanna slap it top bins!.” Someone else wrote, “Bruh. Bring them back on the pitch instead of these sock cleats.”
Still, if you are looking for a terrific pair of kicks to wear while viewing The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July, keep an eye out for the release of the Total 90 III “Metallic Platinum” on Nike.com and at select stores this summer for $100 USD.
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Nike Total 90 III “Metallic Platinum” |
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| SKU / Style Code: II9792-011 |
| Retail Price: $100 |
| Release Date: Summer 2025 |
| Colours: Metallic Platinum / Photon Dust |
| Where to Buy: Nike |
