Happy Labor Day! As the country collectively takes a day off, the big brands are rolling out plenty of heat this week to add to your individual collection.
This time around, the New Balance 990v3 has another moment via collaborations from Joefreshgoods and Levi’s. Additionally, the adidas Yeezy Quantum comes in a very Donda do-up while sacai enlists familiar friends for trio takes on the LDWaffle.
All this, an Air Jordan re-retro, and yes, more Dunks, in the latest Sole Facts below.
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Nike Dunk Low “University Red”
- 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 “University Red” serving as a Nike Sportswear drop.
- Essentially a flip on the original Be True to Your School St. John’s style, this “University Red” rendition leads with white panelling atop the team tone base. In many ways, this blocking is reminiscent of the “City Attack” Pack.
- This pair is slated to launch in the US and Europe for $100 in men’s sizing with GS availability also appearing at select accounts.
9/8
fragment x sacai x Nike LDWaffle
- The Nike LDWaffle is a sacai introduced silo that stacks the archical Nike LDV and Nike Waffle Racer for a protruding take on retro running fit for the runway.
- Sacai and Nike have a long history of collaborating together with projects ranging from coveted footwear releases to fashionable yet functional outerwear pieces and even performance tennis gear for Naomi Osaka. Fragment Design is Hiroshi Fujiwara’s celebrated brand that recently worked on Travis Scott’s latest Air Jordan 1.
- This three-way collaboration will be released through SNKRS with CLOT and UNDERCOVER also getting in on the LDWaffle fun in the near future.
9/9
Levi’s x New Balance 990v3
- The New Balance 990v3 was introduced in celebration of the original 990’s 30th Anniversary in 2012. The evolved upper made the most of typical pigskin and mesh panelling, appearing more rounded than introductory installments.
- Following recent work with Levi’s and New Balance, both pairs of the 990v3 are based off of Levi’s Shrink-To-Fit denim with suede also scoring each silo.
- Want these? They’ll be launching through the Levi’s App and online at New Balance.
CLOT x sacai x Nike LDWaffle “Orange”
- The Nike LDWaffle is a sacai introduced silo that stacks the archical Nike LDV and Nike Waffle Racer for a protruding take on retro running fit for the runway.
- CLOT has collaborated with Nike an array of times over the years, with their Air Max 1 and Air Jordan 14 Low launches recently taking place. Sacai and Nike have a long history of collaborating together with projects ranging from coveted footwear releases to fashionable yet functional outerwear pieces and even performance tennis gear for Naomi Osaka.
- This three-way collaboration will be released through SNKRS.
Air Jordan 1 Low “Denim”
- Peter Moore’s transcendent Air Jordan 1 originally launched in high top, low top, and canvas KO form. While reports vary as to whether the Air Jordan 1 Low debuted at retail in 1985 or 1986, the shoe has remained in and out of Jordan Brand’s rotation of releases since the early 2000s.
- Likened to Levi’s collaborations in the past, this denim do-up dons navy panelling, tan branding and contrast stitching. The cut is similar to other AJ1 Low launches from 2021.
- Look for these to release first in the UK through Nike for $110.
Air Jordan 36 “First Light”
- 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 “First Light” colorway was amongst the first Air Jordan 36 makeups spotted in hand or on court. Bright mango accents set off the sole while hyper violet intermingles with black contrast all over the upper.
- Expect the Air Jordan 36 “First Light” to retail for $185 and also launch in GS sizes.
Nike Air Max BW “Persian Violet”
- The Nike Air Max BW, or Nike Air Max Big Window, originally launched in 1991 as an addition to the growing Air Max series. This model made at the time for performance running was designed by Tinker Hatfield.
- A time-tested favorite, the “Persian Violet” version of the BW dates back to 1991 and is the most famous makeup of said shoe. This colorway has been released in retro form numerous times.
- Suggested retail is set for $130.
9/10
Joe FreshGoods x New Balance 990v3
- Debuted in 2012, the New Balance 990v3 was introduced in celebration of the original 990’s 30th Anniversary. The evolved upper made the most of typical pigskin and mesh panelling, appearing more rounded than introductory installments.
- Chicago’s own Joefreshgoods goes back to New Balance for yet another collaboration, this time taking on the “Outside Clothes” concept as an homage to playing outdoors in the neighborhood as a child.
- Retailing for $220, this limited launch is set to take place online at New Balance.
Nike Air More Uptempo “Peace, Love, Basketball”
- Designed by the legendary Wilson Smith, the Nike Air More Uptempo touched down in 1996 as the brand’s basketball statement product celebrating their beloved tech. The big bubble basketball shoe with big bubble letters was famously worn by Scottie Pippen as a member of the Chicago Bulls and the Dream Team II.
- Playing off ‘90s ethos tied to the Air Raid and other outdoor, community-focused hoops initiatives, this all-new “Peace, Love, Basketball” blend takes over the Pippen favorite for the first time.
- In addition to this Uptempo, a variety of other Nike Sportswear models will be released under the same theme, including the Air Huarache and Air Max 90.
Nike Dunk High EMB “Official Basketball Merchandise”
- 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 were worn on court by bright NCAA talent and sold to the public just the same.
- This Sportswear style of the Nike Dunk High carries EMB (embossed) labeling. Unlike most Dunks dressed exclusively in leather and/or suede, unique underlays appear for depth and difference.
- Following a “Laker” launch, this “Official Basketball Merchandise” makeup pairs corduroy and leather paneling to the tune of white, navy and green hues.
adidas Yeezy Quantum “Onyx”
- Following years of preview wear and buzz by Kanye West, the adidas Yeezy QNTM/BSKTBL released in Chicago at All-Star Weekend 2020. Pairs were famously distributed on the streets of the city in Sherp ATVs.
- Though almost identical in styling, the QNTM pair is produced for casual wear while the BSKTBL variation features performance tooling and fit that favors getting buckets on the hardwood.
- Look for these to retail for $250, launching online at adidas and at select Yeezy stockists.
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