As someone who has been following sneaker culture for over two decades now, I must say that this week’s releases are nothing short of impressive! The variety and quality of designs on offer truly showcase the creativity and innovation within the industry.
Starting with the Nike Gato “Pine Green”, it’s great to see a classic silhouette making its comeback, especially since I remember the Supreme collaboration back in 2018 quite vividly. The return of the futsal-based shoe is a nod to the game’s growing popularity and the vibrant energy it brings.
Moving on to the Reebok Answer III “Vector Navy”, I can’t help but feel nostalgic as Allen Iverson was one of my favorite players during his prime. The colorway, inspired by Notre Dame, adds a unique touch to an already iconic shoe, reminding us all that The Answer’s impact extends far beyond the basketball court.
The Nike Running Ekiden collection is particularly exciting as it celebrates the Japanese long-distance running relay race. The fiery colorways of the Air Zoom Rival Fly 4, Zoom Fly 6, ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 3 FK and Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% 3 are a testament to the passion and determination required for such an enduring tradition.
Last but not least, the Kevin Durant x Nike KD14 “Chaos” is a must-have for any KD fans out there, like myself. The shoe’s design, inspired by chaos theory, represents the unpredictable nature of basketball and life itself – something that resonates deeply with Durant’s journey both on and off the court.
To wrap it up, remember: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” So grab a pair (or two) from this week’s releases, and let’s keep creating our own futures – one step at a time!
Oh, and as for the joke: Why did the sneaker go to therapy? Because it had too many issues with its laces!
As a sneaker enthusiast with over two decades of collecting under my belt, I must say that 2024 was a remarkable year for the footwear industry. From groundbreaking collaborations to innovative designs, this year had it all! The plethora of releases ranged from exhilarating to downright bizarre, and I found myself constantly on the lookout for the next big drop.
However, it seems that most brands are still in holiday mode, as our final list primarily focuses on Nike, New Balance, Jordan Brand, and Reebok releases. Regardless, there are a few pairs worth mentioning that should not be overlooked. To kick things off, let’s take a peek at the latest collaboration between Devin Booker and Nike Basketball.
But first, let’s rewind a bit and recap what transpired in the footwear world this past week. It’s been an eventful ride!
To begin with, Nike recently unveiled their third annual roundup of the most sought-after SNKRS releases from 2024. Predictably, Travis Scott took the top spot again with his Air Jordan 1 Low OG collaboration. Interestingly, however, it was Jordan Brand that stole the show this year. Moving forward to upcoming drops in 2025, we can expect the release of Lil Yachty’s Nike Air Force 1 Low “Lucky Green/Mystic Red” and a potential Supreme partnership on the AF1 Low. Additionally, a sneak peek at one of Supreme’s SB Dunk Low samples has leaked, giving us a glimpse into their innovative design process.
For Jordan Brand, the Air Jordan 4 is gearing up for another successful year. After being speculated for over 20 months, a first glimpse of Nike SB’s “Navy” colorway of the AJ4 has been unveiled. Additionally, we caught a sneak peek at the anticipated “Firewood Orange” colorway of the AJ4 designed by Nigel Sylvester. Moving on to upcoming releases, there were hints about the return of the Air Jordan 3 “Black Cat,” which is set to make its comeback in January, as officially confirmed by the Swoosh with relevant visuals.
This week, I’ve been noticing some cool drops that caught my eye, especially the ones themed around the Lunar New Year. Notably, adidas Originals and Dr. Martens have released new collections, both celebrating the Year of the Snake. As if that wasn’t enough, MM6 Maison Margiela introduced its fresh Sprinter silhouette – a tribute to Nike’s original “Moon Shoes” from 1972. It’s been an exciting time for sneaker enthusiasts like me!
As a dedicated sneaker enthusiast with years of experience scouring the market for the freshest drops, I’ve compiled a list of ten must-have releases this week that you shouldn’t miss out on. Keep in mind that these limited edition styles often sell out quickly, so act fast! If you don’t want to wait for future drop dates, head over to HBX and pick up some styles available today. Trust me; your sneaker collection will thank you!
Nike Book 1 “Sedona”
As a long-time basketball enthusiast with a penchant for unique sneaker designs, I find the upcoming release of Devin Booker’s signature shoe by Nike particularly intriguing. Having grown up in the vibrant landscapes of Arizona, I appreciate the nod to the Sedona city’s beautiful desert terrain in this “Sedona” iteration. The topographic pattern on the upper and the “No Service” and “Sedona” text at the heels evoke a sense of adventure and connection with nature that resonates deeply with me. Furthermore, the red-orange base color is reminiscent of the breathtaking sunsets I’ve witnessed in Arizona, making this shoe a must-have for my collection. I eagerly await its release on January 1st and look forward to stepping into the new year with these stylish and meaningful kicks.
New Balance “Lunar New Year” Collection
Launch Date: January 1
Launch Range: ¥16,500 JPY to ¥27,500 JPY (approximately $105 USD – $175 USD)
Where to Purchase: New Balance Japan
Why Consider Purchasing: This new collection from New Balance is a celebration of the Lunar New Year, with five unique pairs available this year. The 740 model starts off the collection in beige and boasts a subtle gradient on its ABZORB midsole. The 1906R follows suit, transitioning through various shades of gray. The 1000 offers a sleek black finish with silver accents, while the WRPD Runner comes in two colorways: gray and white, each accompanied by a Year of the Snake-themed carrying bag.
Nike LeBron 22 “Mogul”
Launch Date: January 1
Launch Price: $180 USD
Where to Purchase: Nike
Why You Might Want to Get Them: In commemoration of his 40th birthday, the legendary LeBron James is releasing a new colorway for the Nike LeBron 22. Dubbed as “Mogul”, this shoe boasts an elegant color scheme of black, white, and gold. The left side of each shoe predominantly features black while the right side leans towards white. Gold accents adorn the Swooshes, laces, tongue branding, and heel signature, adding a touch of royalty to this court-ready sneaker.
New Balance 1906L “Dark Juniper”
Launch Date: January 1
Launch Price: $160 USD
Where to Purchase: Sneaker Politics
Why You Might Want to Buy: The New Balance 1906L, often referred to as the “sneaker loafer,” was one of the most divisive new sneaker designs in 2024. This season sees its official release, with the American sportswear brand continuing to experiment with this slip-on silhouette. This week, they’ve unveiled a “Dark Juniper” colorway featuring a mix of silver, gray, navy, and green across the shoe’s layered construction, while the midsole is predominantly coated in off-white.
Jordan Tatum 3 “Year of the Snake”
Launch Date: January 1st
Launch Price: $125 USD
Where it’s Available: Nike
Why You Might Want to Buy: The NBA champion, Jayson Tatum, unveiled his Jordan Tatum 3 in October and has since introduced various distinct styles. Joining the collection is this “Year of the Snake” version which continues Jordan Brand’s yearly Lunar New Year series. The shoe’s upper boasts an iridescent finish that promises to make a bold statement on the courts.
Nike KD 17 “B.A.D. 3.0”
As a gamer, I’m super excited to share that I’ll be getting my hands on the new Kevin Durant sneakers, the KD 17, coming January 1st! They’ll set me back $160 USD, but trust me, it’s worth it. These kicks are part of the “B.A.D.” series, a tribute to his late grandmother, and they’re available exclusively at Nike. The third iteration in this lineup features a beautiful lavender color scheme, paying homage to Barbara A. Davis once more. So, if you’re a fan of KD or just love unique sneakers with a heartfelt story, you should cop these!
Nike Ja 2 “Twelve Time”
Launch Date: January 2
Purchase Price: $120
Where to Find: Nike
Why You Might Want to Get This: Completing the series of significant releases from Nike Basketball this week, Ja Morant’s Nike Ja 2 is back with a fresh “Twelve Time” color scheme. This combination of vibrant green and orange, along with brown accents on the heel, mirrors Morant’s jersey number (12) worn with the Memphis Grizzlies and continues the midnight theme that has been present in his signature shoes. Notable changes to its design include a “Twelve Time” graphic on the left shoe’s tongue and “12:12” at the heel tab.
Nike Running “Ekiden” Collection
Launch Date: January 2
Launch Price Range: Between $100 USD and $285 USD
Where to Purchase: Nike Store
Why You Might Want to Buy: This year, the Nike Running team has compiled a series of shoes inspired by the Ekiden, a traditional Japanese long-distance relay race. The collection includes vibrant colorways of the Air Zoom Rival Fly 4, Zoom Fly 6, ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 3 FK, and Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% 3. Each pair features a white base with red and orange accents that include flame designs.
Reebok Answer III “Vector Navy”
Launch Date: 3rd of January
Launch Price: $140 USD
Where to Purchase: Reebok
Why You Might Want to Buy: Allen Iverson, known as “The Answer,” made a big impact in the ’90s with his Reebok collaboration shoes. Now, 26 years later, the Reebok Answer III is back, featuring a “Vector Navy” colorway that pays tribute to Notre Dame, the university he aspired to play quarterback for as a child. The shoe’s upper, made of suede and leather, boasts gold accents, while the sole showcases white DMX foam padding.
Nike Gato “Pine Green”
Launch Date: 4th of January
Launch Price: $110 USD
Where to Purchase: SNKRS
Why You Should Buy: After more than half a year, Nike has finally reintroduced the futsal-inspired Gato silhouette, which previously collaborated with Supreme in 2018. The original model from 2010 is now available, and this week marks its return in the “Pine Green” colorway. The shoe features “Pine Green” on the upper, white on the Swooshes and midsole, and gum brown on the outsole for a classic look.
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2024-12-31 21:26