The back half of the year has arrived and so have the next round of bangers.
From the second shot at “South Beach” LeBron 8s to another pairing between Prada and adidas, there’s truly something for everyone in this week’s Sole Facts. Notably, an Air Max 1 made with Kanye West in mind arrives at retail for the first time ever while Jayson Tatum adds to his PE resume.
What’s hitting this week and why are they relevant? Find out in the feature below.
7/19
Prada x adidas A+P LUNA ROSSA 21
Image via adidas
- Inspired by sailing and entirely new in shape and styling, the Prada x adidas A+P LUNA ROSSA 21 is the latest collaboration between the Italian fashion house and the German sportswear giant.
- Eco-friendly, water-resistant materials define this nautical sports shoe, following up collaborative takes on the shell-toed Superstar.
- Both “Grey” and “Black” pairs are slated to launch on the adidas Confirmed App for $650 each on July 19th at 9 AM BST.
7/20
Nike Free Run Trail “Dark Driftwood”
Image via Nike
- In 2004, Nike rolled out Free technology as a way to mimic the feeling and benefits of running barefoot. Over the years, the split sole sneakers have evolved in the running, training, and lifestyle space in sculpting and height.
- The Nike Free Run Trail is an outdoor update to the original Free Run model, released in retro form in recent years with styling likened to that of the OG.
- Look for this “Dark Driftwood” drop to release online at Nike for $120.
CLOT x Nike Air Max 1 “K.O.D. Solar Red”
Image via Nike
- The Nike Air Max 1 debuted in 1987 and served as a landmark moment in the history of the Beaverton brand. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the former Oregon track standout looked to expose the brand’s Air technology after being inspired by Paris’ Georges Pompidou Centre.
- This “Kiss of Death Solar Red” rendition is released at retail for the first time after appearing as a PE pair made for Kanye West in 2006. As legend has it, Edison Chen and Kevin Poon presented West with the pair when traveling in Shanghai for the promotion of Late Registration’s Touch the Sky tour.
- Following a July 17th pre-release, the “KOD Solar Red” was released at JUICE locations and on the JUICESTORE App on July 20th.
7/21
FTC x Nike SB Dunk Low
Image via Nike
- Though rooted in basketball, the Nike Dunk crossed over to skateboarding in 2002 by way of the Nike SB Dunk. Denoted by a fat tongue for added cushion, the rebranding redefined the hardwood icon for a new generation of skaters and sneakerheads.
- FTC is a San Francisco skate shop with deep roots in the culture. The store released an SB Dunk collab in 2013, returning to work with the Swoosh on this Japanese bathhouse-inspired drop.
- After arriving in San Fran, the FTC Dunks will drop on SNKRS and hit select Nike SB retailers.
Nike LeBron 8 “South Beach”
Image via Nike
- Introduced in 2010, the Nike LeBron 8 received the retro treatment in 2020 with more colorways rolling out in 2021. From an aesthetic and technical standpoint, the Jason Petrie design beefed up the Air Max cushioning and Flywire support seen on the Nike LeBron 7.
- The original LeBron 8 was the first model King James wore when taking his talents to the Heat. This original energy colorway captured the pastel palette likened to Miami Vice, never worn on court by LeBron but crossing over into a whole new land of fashion and collectibility.
- Back for the first time, the Nike LeBron 8 “South Beach” will be released on July 21st via Nike SNKRS after boutique arrivals the week prior.
7/22
Nike Dunk Low Women’s “Purple Pulse” & “Yellow Strike”
Image via Nike
- Designed by the great Peter Moore, the Nike Dunk debuted in 1985 as a way to bring color and team spirit to college basketball. Since then, the shoe has crossed over to various categories with the Nike Dunk Low “Purple Pulse” and “Yellow Strike” serving as a Nike Sportswear drop.
- Both ladies launches continue to add lifestyle steeze to the once-prized hoops model. Each pair bears the quoted color on a suede Swoosh, faint graphic overlays and solid outsole.
- Both pairs will retail for $100 and release at select Nike Sportswear accounts.
Nike Dunk Low “NY vs NY”
Image via Nike
- The Nike Dunk first released over the course of the 1985-86 basketball season with a focus on the collegiate level. A slew of two-tone takes tied to the top college programs across the country was worn on court by bright NCAA talent and sold to the public just the same.
- Though intended for casual wear, the “NY vs NY” Dunk Low leans on the hoops heritage of the silo by celebrating summer hoops in the city. An icy outsole and fiery orange branding bring together this launch, adding yet another Dunk drop to 2021.
- Sporting styling usually seen on an Air Force 1, look for this NYC-themed Dunk to release via SNKRS.
Nike KD 14 “Sunset”
Image via Nike
- The Nike KD 14 serves as the latest signature shoe for Brooklyn Nets All-Star forward Kevin Durant. Returning a swooping midfoot strap, notably seen on the KD II, KD IV, and KD 7, the line continues to carry a chukka cut as seen on KDs 11 through 13.
- A full-length Zoom Air strobel follows the use of Zoom Air as seen on the KD 12 and KD 13, presented in a fashion similar to recent Paul George signatures. Pronounced tongue branding recalls that of the KD III, KD V, KD 7, and KD 8, also amplified on many KD Trey 5 models.
- The “Sunset” Nike KD 14 will launch at Nike Basketball retailers for $150. It is also a part of the NY vs NY collection.
Nike Kyrie 4 Low “Sunrise”
Image via Nike
- Releasing out of order with that of the mainline, the Nike Kyrie 4 revives the 2017 signature in revised low-top form. The aggressive midfoot is linked to that of the recent Nike Kyrie 7 while a below-ankle cut and reworked upper further deviate it from the dated OG.
- This “Sunrise” colorway plays a part in the NY vs NY pack from Nike which honors summer hoops culture in The Big Apple. Commemorative tongue tagging drives that theme home while pink and yellow hues play to the sun rising in the east.
- Look for the Nike Kyrie 4 Low “Sunrise” to release at Nike Basketball accounts all over.
7/23
Nike LeBron 8 “Space Jam”
Image via Nike
- Debuting in 2010, the Nike LeBron 8 received the retro treatment for the first time in 2020 with more colorways rolling out in 2021. From an aesthetic and technical standpoint, the Jason Petrie design beefed up the Air Max cushioning and Flywire support seen on the Nike LeBron 7.
- This “Space Jam” makeup honors LeBron’s leading role in Space Jam: A New Legacy. The film’s logo tags the tongue with upper graphic playing to the “Computer Chip” theme seen on other models from the movie’s 2021 rollout.
- Fans of the “Space Jam” LeBron 8 can pick up a pair for $200 via Nike. Learn more about the history of Space Jam sneakers here.
adidas D.O.N. Issue #3 “USA”
Image via adidas
- Debuted in the 2021 NBA Playoffs, the adidas DON Issue #3 is the latest signature shoe for Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell. Like previous pairs, the Issue #3 features a cut that reads mid to low, hosting LIGHTSTRIKE foam cushioning as an update to BOUNCE.
- A “USA” colorway coincides with the Summer Olympics though Donovan is not set to participate. Nevertheless, a navy mesh upper is accented by patriotic camo on the midsole and signature Spider branding on the tongue.
- Fans of the All-Star combo guard can pick up his latest signature shoe for $110 at adidas, Finish Line, Foot Action, and Foot Locker.
Reebok Question Low “Phillies”
Image via Reebok
- The Reebok Question debuted in 1996 as the first signature shoe for #1 Pick Allen Iverson. Designed by Scott Hewett, the shoe was drafted during Iverson’s days at Georgetown and in many ways inspired by AI’s love for the Air Jordan 11.
- The Reebok Question Low did not debut at retail until 1999. For years, the mid and the high remained on the market and were hits all across the country. After arriving as a low, the below-ankle Question has proven a favorite in lifestyle wear while still seeing some burn on the NBA hardwood.
- As an homage to Iverson’s professional home of Philadelphia, this “Phillies” colorway hosts the throwback hues of the baseball club and will launch online at Reebok for $120. The likes of Foot Locker, JD Sports, Eastbay, and other retailers will also carry said shoe.
OFF-WHITE x Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT%
Image via Nike
- Engineered for performance running, the Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% is a progressive model made for torching the track and trail. A Flyknit upper gives way to ZoomX foam cushioning and forefoot Zoom pods for a responsive ride.
- OFF-WHITE is a high-fashion meets streetwear brand founded by Virgil Abloh. Originally known as Pyrex Vision, the genre-blurring line has risen in acclaim in recent years thanks to high-profile collaborations with the likes of Nike, Levi’s, and Jordan Brand.
- The OFF-WHITE x Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% times out with the track and field events of the Tokyo Summer Olympics, launching in loud colorways on SNKRS for $260 a pair.
7/24
Air Jordan 12 “Twist”
Image via Nike
- The Air Jordan 12 debuted in the Fall of 1996. Worn by Michael Jordan while defending his fourth title and winning his fifth ring, the Tinker Hatfield design was a durable departure from the flashy Air Jordan 11 and sought design inspiration from high heels and Japan’s Rising Sun flag.
- Set up for summer, this white-based “Twist” take offers a seasonal variation on traditional Chicago Bulls themes. Rather than re-release the OG “Cherry” colorway again, this pair positions red as a punctual accent by way of a metallic finish.
- Retailing for $190, the “Twist” will launch at Jordan Brand accounts and also release in full-family sizing.
Air Jordan 36 Jayson Tatum PE
Image via Nike
- The Air Jordan 36 is the latest signature shoe from the historic performance series. Said to be the lightest Air Jordan yet, the mid-top model features a breathable mesh upper, wrap-around TPU midsole ribbon and double-stacked Zoom Air cushioning.
- This PE pair centered around Jayson Tatum coincides with his summer play for Team USA and also his playground upbringing. Previously, Tatum has seen player-exclusive Air Jordans reach retail in the form of the “Zoo” AJ 34 and the “Greatest Gift” AJ 35.
- Expect the Air Jordan 35 Jayson Tatum PE to launch on SNKRS for $185.
