Visually, its a pretty basic shoe and very reminiscent of the NikeiD edition that was released in Jan (Designed by Ash Casmally). This edition uses much higher premium materials and lace loop detailing.. an ideal shoe for the winter blues… and there are only 125 pairs available worldwide.

Press release arrived today:

“On Friday, December 11th 2009, Nike Sportswear will release a very special Air Max Current sneaker created in partnership with legendary British artist, Ben Drury.

The iconic Air Max 90 Current [first seen at the launch of Nike Sportswear in Fall 08] receives a functional update by Drury and Nike Sportswear Design.

“I was inspired heavily by London” said Drury, “London at night, the rivers, walking—the stealth of it all.”

Visually, this sneaker is dark, understated, functional, and practical – reflecting Drury’s own experience of a life split between town and country. The details of Drury’s Air Max 90 Current reflect this dual inspiration: D-rings; the laces; the overall robustness of the design and its construction from practical materials.

“It shares much of the same DNA as my Air Max 1 ‘Hold Tight’ created in partnership with Nike a few years ago, but this one has moved on, reflecting my move to the country and my love of walking” said Drury.

“This specific partnership came about to celebrate a long-term 3-way collaboration between myself, Dizzee and Nike Sportswear” added Drury, “kind of joining the dots. However, as it developed, Dizzee’s shoe, which I co-created, became more about his album (Tongue n’ Cheek), which was totally where he was at that time. I channeled that in the same way I work with him when I design his sleeves. His Air Max 90 became the “Tongue n’ Cheek”, mine became the “Silent Listener”. It was designed as a counterpoint to Dizzee’s Air Max 90. Walk with me. Traversing the city. I walk in London like I walk on Dartmoor. Using waypoints, landmarks, and local knowledge. The city as a landscape. Distances shrink with the right footwear.”

The Nike Air Max Current “Silent Listener” will be available exclusively from Nike Sportswear at 1948, London on Friday, 11th December, 2009“