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London's been getting some decent Nike Hyperfuse Air Max exclusives over the last few months. There was the 'New Blood' editions that were okay in a mad basic iD kind of way, the Air Max 90 Infrared that we still get begging emails and tweets about and now this Arsenal 125 themed pair of AM1s. The Air Max 1 Hyperfuse is a strong base to make simple colourways really pop and this year's Arsenal 125th anniversary celebrations had to have a footwear tie-in to match that fine Destroyer jacket from a few months back. It seems that all eyes are on Emirates, because at least sixty percent of our American friends seem to be Arsenal fanboys these days. This drop's timely too, given that it's the 125th anniversary game today.

After the 'Forever Forward' film, and '125' gallery show and book with Arena Homme+, there's a certain parallel with Nike's innovation talk, meaning these black and red editions with bonus Hyperfuse looks are a decent shoe. But that alone would still be kind of underwhelming, right? The custom box carries some Arsenal-related photographs, the red outsole and 'CXXV' on the tongue makes all the difference, while the spot varnished text, and a 22ct gold lace jewel (also known as a dubrae if you're a fancy talker) carrying the iconic Gunners' logo is apparently made by a Cartier jeweler all works. That extra luxury, and the decision to make these a silhouette that resonates with a British audience, rather than the bulk of an Air Force 1 works well.

If you want a pair, they're limited to 25 pairs, so head to London's 1948 today and lay down £150. It's odd that every commemorative Nike Sportswear shoe seems to be using this palette at the moment, but as football tie-ins go, these are very, very subtle.