The Air Jordan 3 “Black Cat” Sneaks Into This Week’s Best Footwear Drops

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Hello there! As we kick off the first complete week of 2025, it seems that everyone is finding their rhythm again after the New Year festivities. As for the footwear industry, they’re still gearing up, but as always, there are some exciting sneaker releases on the horizon this week. Brands like New Balance, Merrell, Nike, PUMA, Converse, and Jordan Brand all have significant drops planned. However, before we dive into this week’s top picks, let’s recap the headlines that made waves on the internet last week.

To kick things off, let’s dive into the newest addition to Air Jordan footwear, presenting an unofficial compilation for the 40th anniversary of the iconic Air Jordan 1. This guide spotlights 20 upcoming launches showcasing the silhouette across collaboration projects, classic designs, and fresh introductions.

This year, five “Team Bank” colorways of the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro are set to drop, along with an official sneak peek of the “University Red” version of the Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba”. Meanwhile, Jordan Brand made headlines with the unveiling of Zion Williamson’s Jordan Zion 4 and a preview of this year’s Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game”. The week also brought discussions about various Air Jordan samples, featuring a Slam Dunk-themed pair of Air Jordan 23s, two OVO x Air Jordan 9s, and another fragment design x Air Jordan 3.

In other parts of the footwear industry, an unexpected Salehe Bembury x New Balance 1500 MADE in UK colorway made its appearance, expected to arrive towards the end of this month. New Balance introduced two color variations for their 1906L sneaker loafer — “Silver Metallic” and a black and silver version. Additionally, a glimpse at adidas Basketball’s plans for the Year of the Snake caught our attention, while LOEWE and On closed the week with three Cloudtilt 2 colorways.

Since you’re all caught up on the newest sneaker trends, let’s explore this week’s selection, beginning with another chance to grab the JJJJound x New Balance 2002R GORE-TEX “Black.” Don’t forget to check out HBX for styles that are currently in stock.

JJJJound x New Balance 2002R GORE-TEX “Black”

Launch Date: 7th of January
Launch Price: $190 USD
Where to Purchase: New Balance Store
Why You Might Want to Buy: The collaboration between JJJJound and New Balance released their third GORE-TEX-equipped version of the 2002R towards the end of 2024. This model comes in an all-black design, with subtle blue accents around the heel area. JJJJound’s branding can be found discreetly on both the heel and sockliner. A notable feature is that this shoe replaces its usual laces with a toggle lacing system. If you missed out on the initial drop, New Balance has another release scheduled for this week.

Merrell SpeedArc Surge BOA

Launch Date: 7th January
Launch Price: $290 USD
Where to Purchase: Merrell
Why You Might Want to Buy: Kick-starting the year 2025, American outdoor brand Merrell unveils the SpeedARC Surge BOA. This innovative hiking shoe boasts a molded sole with Quantum Grip outsole technology and a midsole designed for optimal energy return. The upper is reinforced with a double BOA lacing system that ensures flexibility in fit, complementing the knit material.

Nike Air Max Sunder GORE-TEX “Bold Berry”

Launch Date: 8th of January
Purchase Price: $210 USD
Where to Find: SNKRS
Why You Might Want to Buy: The Nike Air Max Sunder has returned in GORE-TEX style this week, marking the end of a series of releases that were teased during last June’s SNKRS Showcase event. This “Bold Berry” edition features a black base with accents of deep purple across its upper. Similar to other GORE-TEX pairs, it only has a zipper enclosure as the traditional laces have been replaced by a true slip-on design for ease of wear.

Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba”

Launch Date: January 9th
Launch Price: $200 USD
Where to Purchase: SNKRS
Why You Might Want to Buy: Nike Basketball is commemorating the Lunar New Year a bit early with the release of two “Year of the Mamba” colorways for the Nike Kobe 5 Protro. The shoe features an “Eggplant” colored upper, accented by a golden snake design on the lateral side that echoes in the Kobe branding on the tongue and the outline of the medial Swoosh. The outsole sports a translucent finish reminiscent of ice.

CNCPTS x New Balance 740 “Brut”

Launch Date: 10th January
Launch Price: $120 USD
Where to Purchase: CNCPTS
Why You Might Want to Buy: For over a decade, CNCPTS and New Balance have been collaborating on unique projects. They ended 2024 with the champagne-inspired 740 “Saignée” and are starting this year with another wine-inspired version of their sneaker. This “Brut” edition pays homage to extra dry champagne with a green upper that features orange on the tongue, and a sole unit with a combination of forest green and black, reminiscent of the ABZORB technology.

Nike Air Max Muse “Metallic Silver”

Launch Date: January 10th
Launch Price: $160 USD
Where to Purchase: SNKRS
Why You Might Want to Buy: Nike’s latest women-focused Air Max Muse sneaker, initially unveiled in select boutiques last month, is now available globally. The “Metallic Silver” colorway showcases its stylish design, with the shimmering silver standing out beautifully against a black base. Despite being fashionable, this shoe doesn’t skimp on comfort thanks to Air technology that ensures support with every step.

PUMA MB.01 “Alien Safari”

Launch Date: January 10th
Launch Price: $140 USD
Where to Acquire: PUMA
Why You Might Want to Purchase: LaMelo Ball has already released four signature shoes with PUMA Hoops, and we’ve even caught a glimpse of his fifth design. However, the partnership continues to offer his initial MB.01 design in fresh styles. The latest release features an “Alien Safari” theme, with a glimmering “Green Glimmer” upper contrasted by “Pure Magenta” and “Hyperlink Blue” elements that form their own safari-inspired print.

Nike Air Superfly

Launch Date: 10th January
Launch Price: $100 USD
Where to Find: SNKRS
Why You Should Consider Buying: The Nike Air Superfly is making a comeback! Originally designed for performance, it’s now been redesigned as a fashion-forward women’s lifestyle model. Compared to many other bulky lifestyle runners, its sleek shape is more elegant and stylish. The initial colorways include all-black, green and brown, all-red, and silver, each offering a unique, fashionable twist.

Converse All Star Aged Ox for RHC Ron Herman

Launch Date: 11th of January
Launch Price: Approximately ¥14,300 JPY or $91 USD
Where to Purchase: RHC Ron Herman stores
Why You Might Want to Buy: Kick off the new year with a unique collaboration between RHC Ron Herman, known for its comfort-focused designs inspired by Californian culture, and Converse. They’ve created a special All Star Aged Ox, featuring a durable gray ripstop upper, contrasting white stitching, silver hardware at the eyelets, and co-branding on the tongue tag and sockliner.

Air Jordan 3 “Black Cat”

Launch Date: 11th of January
Launch Price: $200 USD
Where to Purchase: SNKRS
Why You Might Want to Buy: Highlighting the rather subdued week is our main attraction, the iconic Air Jordan 3 “Black Cat.” First released in 2007, this colorway belongs to a series of Air Jordan designs featuring all-black finishes. It’s now making a comeback with all its distinctive features intact. Key among these is the patent leather mudguard. The Jordan Brand’s signature elephant print pattern is situated next to it and also adorns the laces. The rest of the shoe sports a covert black hue, with the heel featuring tonal Jumpman branding.

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2025-01-07 16:26