The Best Sneakers Releasing in January
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With another holiday season in the books, some sneakerheads may be looking for a breather as the new year commences. Even though the release slate for January is looking relatively light so far, there are still several sneakers in the pipeline worthy of attention, including what could be the most anticipated running shoe to arrive in years.
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Nike’s highly anticipated Alphafly 3 “Proto” will kick off the year with an early January release date, as it ushers in new heights for super shoes in the marathon scene. In both the basketball and lifestyle space, Chinese New Year looks to be January’s dominant theme, with an increasingly vast collection coming from both Nike and Jordan Brand.
Below, you’ll find the best sneakers releasing in January. This list will be updated throughout the month as new information becomes available.
Adidas Samba “Nylon”
Release Date: Jan. 3
Price: $120
After dominating 2023, the Adidas Samba is kicking off 2024 with nylon replacing its typical leather upper. Reflective panels also mark another new flourish for the nearly 75-year-old sneaker.
$120
Nike Alphafly 3 “Proto”
Release Date: Jan. 4
Price: $285
For some, the knowledge that the Nike Alphafly 3 is the sneaker worn by Kelvin Kiptum as he set the new world record for the men’s marathon may be enough to warrant purchase. For those that need to know more, the latest in Nike’s series of record-breaking marathon sneakers is the lightest yet and boasts a new continuous midsole for better heel-to-toe transition, a wider full-length carbon fiber Flyplate, and new Fast Shot technology for the outsole. The upper also makes use of a new Atomknit 3.0 material for improved containment, breathability, and midfoot support.
Snow Peak x New Balance Tokyo Design Studio Niobium Concept 3
Release Date: Jan. 5
Price: $300
Japanese outdoor brand Snow Peak continues its series of modular shoes made in collaboration with New Balance’s Tokyo Design Studio. Following a three-in-one hiking boot and sandal-cum-mule, their third concept is a waterproof snow boot with an inner bootie that could be worn indoors to keep your feet toasty.
$299.99
Nike LeBron NXXt Gen “First Game”
Release Date: Jan. 5
Price: $170
The Nike LeBron takedown models don’t typically garner much attention, but an exception has been made for the “First Game” edition that James himself wore last year on the 20th anniversary of his first NBA game. The-lower priced sneaker mimics the colorway in which James rang in his career two decades ago.
$169.99
Salehe Bembury x New Balance 1906R “Heat Be Hot”
Release Date: Jan. 11
Price: TBD
Salehe Bembury’s latest New Balance collaboration sees the 1906R take on two dashing “Magma” and “Lava” colorways that will release exclusively through is own website. Having been teased and highly anticipated since last summer, they’ll be early favorites for sneaker of the year 2024 contenders.
Nike Dunk Low “Reverse Curry”
Release Date: Jan. 12
Price: $135
Originally released as a Japan-exclusive in 1999, the Nike Dunk Low CO.JP “Reverse Curry” makes its first ever return. The rare shoe predates every single SB Dunk and, much like other CO.JP releases, help created the template for modern sneaker culture.
$135
Puma MB.03 “Chinese New Year”
Release Date: Jan. 12
Price: $125
Breaking a streak of much louder limited-edition colorways, LaMelo Ball’s third signature sneaker celebrates Chinese New Year subtly through a mix of creams and pink.
$125
Air Jordan 1 High “Yellow Ochre”
Release Date: Jan. 13
Price: $180
The first Air Jordan 1 release of the new year will arrive in “Yellow Ochre,” a color that’ll be a fixture of Air Jordan drops in 2024. The brand-new colorway mimics the iconic “Chicago” variant, only with its namesake shade of yellow replacing Chicago Bulls red.
Fucking Awesome x Adidas Samba
Release Date: Jan. 17
Price: $120
Jason Dill and his brand Fucking Awesome continue a streak of Adidas Samba collaborations with a classic color scheme kept simple with the addition of their logo and a custom insole.
$172
Clot x Adidas Superstar
Release Date: Jan. 19
Price: $200
After decamping from a long partnership with Nike, Edison Chen and his label Clot make their debut with Adidas through an aggressive Superstar remix. A stacked and treaded sole unit borrow cues from more formal footwear to go along with a leather lace tassel.
Nike Ja 1 “Chinese New Year”
Release Date: Jan. 22
Price: $140
Following the “Zombie” and “Christmas” editions, Ja Morant’s love for themed sneakers continues with his Nike Ja 1 invoking the Year of the Dragon. A special metal lace dubrae takes the shape of dragon curled into the infinity symbol, while gold accents include a scale print for the midfoot overlay.
$140
Air Jordan 1 Low “Year of the Dragon”
Release Date: Jan. 24
Price: $160
The Year of the Dragon is sparking a lot of fun details for the Chinese New Year sneaker collection from Nike and Jordan Brand, including the first of two Air Jordan 1 Lows. Inspiration takes many forms for the pending drops, including the green overlays here with a scale texture. So far, this is the only CNY sneaker in adult sizing that Jordan has confirmed will release stateside.
$255
Air Jordan 1 Low SE “Chinese New Year”
Release Date: Jan. 24
Price: $125
An ornate, metallic gold Swoosh headlines this additional Air Jordan 1 Low, and the luxurious look continues with burgundy leather overlays. There’s a good chance this pair releases exclusively in China or Asia.
$125
Adidas AE 1 “Arctic Fusion”
Release Date: Jan. 25
Price: $120
Anthony Edwards’ debut sneaker sold out fairly quickly in adult sizing for the launch colorway, and there’s no reason to expect the same response for the shoe’s second colorway taking on the colors of his Minnesota Timberwolves.
$120
Nike LeBron 21 “Algae”
Release Date: Jan. 25
Price: $200
LeBron James’ latest signature sneaker continues its nautical theme while taking on shaggy suede for the first time in a tonal “Algae” green makeup.
SoulGoods x Jordan Air Ship “Prove Yourself”
Release Date: Jan. 26
Price: $150
Following its release through the Chinese label’s website, the SoulGood x Jordan Air Ship will get a stateside release through Extra Butter and more. The brown and grey suede”Prove Yourself” treatment takes inspiration from Beijing in the ’70s and ’80s, while the “5” embroidery calls back to the1957 Chinese Film “Women’s Basketball Player No. 5.”
$180
Nike Mac Attack “Light Smoke Grey”
Release Date: Jan. 26
Price: $120
This original Mac Attack colorway helped usher in the silhouette’s return last year for the first time since its debut nearly 40 years ago. A restock ensures that those who missed out don’t have to wait nearly as long for another shot at John McEnroe’s signature shoe.
$120
Nike SB Dunk Low “Court Purple”
Release Date: Jan. 27
Price: $115
Although it’s not a collaboration of any sort, the SB Dunk Low “Court Purple” borrows its color blocking cues from the Air Jordan 1. Last released in 2021, the shoe is coming back as a welcomed surprise.
$163
Nike Dunk Low “Valentine’s Day”
Release Date: Jan. 29
Price: $115
With a few weeks to spare before the holiday, Nike’s annual Valentine’s Day collection will release with a rosy Dunk Low taking on rosy shades in suede in sizing exclusive to women. If the lady in your life is also a sneakerhead, the gift portion of your V-Day plans may already be covered.
$160
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
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