This Week’s Biggest Sneaker Releases, and Where to Get Them
- 1/11
This week is all about remixes. It's not just the broad volume of high-level collaborations that are slated for release-though there are a lot of them-it's also how historical classics are reinterpreted in fresh ways. The collabs start with a team up between Nike, Supreme, and Comme des Garcons Shirt, which took a classic-looking Air Force 1 and subtly reconstructed it. Add that to the list with Ronnie Fieg's new Wallabees, Pharrell's latest Adidas, and the return of the Diamond Supply Dunk. Beyond those collaborations, Nike is taking references from its past-notably, the Air Max 97 and Air Trainer 1-to inject nostalgic life into fresh releases. Even Oliver Cabell gets in on the fun with a refreshed version of a sneaker, which was first created for war. None of this is a rewrite of history, but certainly a little bit of fun with the past.
Courtesy - 2/11
Nike Air Max Deluxe
The Air Max Deluxe rose to popularity thanks to the unique texture and colors that skate across the shoes. Black, volt, and white ripple all over the upper of the sneaker, making waves, while a habanero red pops up at the heel and on branding on the toe. The kicks are from a bygone era (almost two decades ago), and retain the same aesthetic that made them popular in the first place.
Release: 11/7
Courtesy - 3/11
Nike x Supreme x CdG Shirt Air Force 1
SHOP $165, supremenewyork.com
Two-way collaborations are always a hot market for ideas, but throw in a third collaborator and the results can be down right expansive. In the latest three-way work between Nike, Supreme, and Comme des Garcons Shirt, a fairly classic low Air Force 1 in black and white has been cut and restitched to make an off-balance look. It's an extension of the collaborative collection that released a few weeks ago in apparel, but execution in footwear is much more daring and technically challenging.
Release: 11/8
Courtesy - 4/11
Clarks x Ronnie Fieg Wallabee
Clark’s Wallabee is one of those shoes that transcends sneaker culture; it’s a shoe that sneakerheads love almost without exception. The shoe has been remixed and worked on as a base in collaborations innumerable times, and the latest is with Ronnie Fieg. Ronnie brings five different colorways–but it’s less about the shades and more about the materials. English suede sets the tone, while sheepskin lining makes them weather ready for the fall. The branding is minimal: an engraved rose gold plate appears at the throat. We’re told that these pairs are being released in very limited numbers, so if they’re your taste, act fast!
Release: 11/9
Courtesy - 5/11
Nike Air Max 97
The very first Air Max 97 was the Silver Bullet, inspired by super fast Japanese trains. This week, the metallic inspiration returns to the 97 in three different colorways. Black, white, silver, and gold appear on the late-'90s runner in three different combinations. None of these colorways is a classic but each of them references the history of the sneaker, while also providing new elements for an appropriate update. You can’t go wrong with any of them.
Release: 11/9
Courtesy - 6/11
Nike x Diamond Supply Dunk Low
There’s a very good argument to be made that the reason sneaker culture is the way it is today dates back to the Nike SB Dunk collaborations that came out in the early 2000s. That was the first time sneakerheads began lining up for shoes, and when the model of limited numbers, reselling, and expansive creative partnerships became the norm. The Tiffany Dunk from Diamond Supply was part of the first generation releasing in 2004, and to this day is still a staple for “true” sneakerheads. A high version of the original released in 2014, but this week Nick Diamond is back with a trio of follow-ups. Black and white Dunks feature smooth leather and a croc embossed texture with removable hook and loop swooshes that reveal the Tiffany Blue underneath. Diamond Supply is selling the white pairs, while the black pairs are available on Nike.com. A third pair, done up in canary Yellow, was available only last weekend at ComplexCon.
Release: 11/10
Courtesy - 7/11
Air Jordan III Chlorophyll
You may recognize the colorway on this Air Jordan III from the classic Air Trainer 1 Chlorophyll. The scheme has been disseminated throughout the years on plenty of Nike silhouettes, and the Air Jordan III is the latest. The Air Trainer 1 has a similar aesthetic to the Air Jordan III (they are from the same era of sneaker design), and both were designed by Tinker Hatfield. The white, gray, and bright green lends itself well to the wide panels on the Air Jordan III. While this isn’t a pure classic, it’s something close.
Release: 11/10
Courtesy - 8/11
Adidas x Pharrell NMD Hu "Inspiration Pack"
SHOP $250, adidas.com
Pharrell continues his ongoing relationship with Adidas with the newest release of his signature sneaker the NMD Hu. This "Inspiration Pack" represents moments that Pharrell and his team find inspiration from, using color schemes and looks that blend the sensibilities of West Africa with embroidered Chinese characters that read “Empower” and “Inspire." Pharrell is always trying to spread a larger message through his work, and this pack is no exception.
Release: 11/10
NUREG GmbH - 9/11
Nike Air Force 270 Utility Volt
The Air Force 270 Utility may seem like it has identity issues, but there's almost a tough elegance to them. The Air Max 270 air bubble is intact at the heel, while the upper features a combination of leathers and textiles. The lacing system is constructed of loops and eyelets, while the tongue is hidden under a unique zipper and strap. This Volt colorway makes the look even bolder, but future colorways may tone down the aesthetics.
Release: 11/10
Courtesy - 10/11
Nike Air Max 270
More digestible than the Forces, the Air Max 270 also appears this week in a Volt colorway. The 270 Air bubble at the heel features the bright greenish yellow Nike calls "Volt," with the rest of the sneaker is shaded by black. What's unique about the 270 is that Nike is able to layer different materials to allow different colors to shine through. You’ll notice that there’s an entire layer of volt material under the top layer of black mesh, allowing the volt to peek through. The deep contrast between the two colors makes for a look that’s as sophisticated as it is sporty. The 270 is quickly becoming one of our favorite gym-to-street sneakers, and this colorway is a great example why.
Release: 11/10
Courtesy - 11/11
Oliver CabellGerman Army Trainer
SHOP $188, olivercabell.com
The provenance of the German Army Trainer (known colloquially as “GATs”) is hard to chase down. More than a handful of designers and brands have taken credit for the original design that was produced and distributed among Germany’s Army after World War I. Over the years, brands all over the world have offered their own versions of the shoe, and the latest is Oliver Cabell. The minimalist brand distills the original design down to its most basic constituent parts and releases them in black, navy, and white. The popular combination of leather and suede remains, and each pair is offered on top of a gum sole to complete the look.
Release: 11/13
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From Jordan, Adidas, Clarks, and more.