OG Dunks, DIY Jordans, and 700 series Yeezys detail the latest Sole Facts.
The game of musical chairs surrounding release dates continues as a few pushed products appear in the list below. Familiar or brand-new, this week’s lineup is also full of variety as we see a spirited collaboration from Kevin Durant, a sherpa-lined Superstar, and an Air Max 95 favorite back in revised fashion.
What’s worth copping this week? Decide for yourself by catching up on the details of each drop.
9/20
adidas Yeezy Boost 700 MNVN “Honey Flux”
- First released at retail in February 2020, the adidas Yeezy 700 MNVN offered the latest chapter in the storied 700 series. Sporting the same midsole tooling as the original, a sleek nylon upper replaces that of the multi-material predecessors, made sporty by reflective notation.
- This “Honey Flux” foray appears timely as summer transitions to fall, finding a deep shade of yellow scoring the shoe’s sporty base. Thus far, the 700 MNVN releases have ranged from highlighter hues to neutral tones.
- The adidas Yeezy Boost 700 MNVN “Honey Flux” will retail for $220 and launch at select Yeezy retailers in the States.
9/21
Nike Air Max 90 “Laser”
- Released appropriately in 1990, the Nike Air Max 90 also known as the Air Max III was yet another breakthrough from the touted Tinker Hatfield. The performance running shoe featured sturdier ethos introduced on the pivotal Air Max 1 to include TPU support, a sloped stance, and a larger Air unit.
- Reviving laser etching technology made famous on Nike Dunks, LeBrons, and the Air Jordan XX in the mid-2000s, this mahogany make-up avoids traditional panelling for a smooth look that looks like carved wood.
- Capped off by a semi-translucent sole, this premium Air Max 90 runs $200 through SNKRS.
Nike Dunk Low “Grey Fog”
- 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.
- Leaning into fall neutrality, this “Grey Fog” colorway is familiar as many muted makeups have touched the Dunk over the years. Like previous Sportswear styles, the colorway is reliant on a white base with smooth contrast.
- The Nike Dunk Low “Grey Fog” will be released in the US on SNKRS for $100.
Nike KD 14 “Ron English 1”
- 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, being 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 “Ron English 1” Nike KD 14 will launch on SNKRS for $160, just $10 above the price of inline KD 14s and made in collaboration with the LA-based artist.
9/22
Nike Air Max 95 “Japan”
- Nike designer Sergio Lozano made the leap from ACG and tennis to that of running with the task of the Air Max 95. Lozano’s lens on the annual Air Max was a departure from previous pairs as Nike Running wanted to bring in new blood and take a risk.
- This “Japan” makeup is derivative of the famed “Comet” colorway, making the most of bold red accents on an otherwise grey and white base. The Japanese inspiration comes through on the outsole which features a floral mosaic graphic.
- Retailing for $180, this Air Max retro runner will be released via SNKRS in the US as well as at select NSW accounts in Europe.
Henry Ruggs III x adidas Superstar WS2
- The adidas Superstar was born as a basketball shoe in 1969. At one point in the 1970s, over 75% of the NBA was playing in the shoe. By the 1980s, the model was a staple of street culture thanks to its rich history and renowned rebranding by Run-DMC.
- Designed in collaboration with Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III, this cozy colorway features a cool blue upper, sherpa detailing and namesake nods above the signature striping.
- Retailing for $100, these will launch at adidas.
9/23
Nike Air Max BW “Black 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 “Black Violet” colorway is a new take, adding more black to the base and going all-leather in construction.
- Suggested retail is set for $140.
Nike Dunk High “Midnight Navy”
- 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 “Midnight Navy” makeup is an original colorway, worn by the Villanova Wildcats and Arizona Wildcats in the 190s. At the time, the high top take of the Dunk was favored by most players on the court though the low top variation has crossed over with extreme popularity in years since.
- Back again, look for the “Midnight Navy” Dunk High to release for $110 at SNKRS and at big-box retailers across North America.
adidas Ultra Boost 4D “Arizona State” & “Miami”
- An homage to 2015’s pivotal adidas Ultra Boost, the adidas Ultra4D updates the iconic running model by replacing the landmark Boost cushioning with that of 4D printed technology for an updated aesthetic and support.
- Both “Arizona State” and “Miami” makeups tribute the very rare team exclusive Ultra Boosts gifted to student-athletes years ago, replacing Boost cushioning with that of 4D printed support.
- No longer exclusive to D1 football players, both pairs of the Ultra Boost 4D will release online at adidas in the US and at select accounts worldwide for $220.
9/24
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Prototype”
- First seen on the feet of Michael Jordan in 1984 and released at retail in 1985, the Air Jordan 1 High designed by Peter Moore was the first signature shoe for the Chicago Bulls legend. In the time since its arrival, the Air Jordan 1 has paved the way for modern marketing in regard to performance footwear.
- This “Prototype” pair leans all the way into the DIY fashion associated with the original Air Jordan. Aside from patchwork color blocking, this pair famously features perforations around the collar, allowing wearers to cut these into low tops.
- Releasing worldwide at Jordan Brand accounts, these customizable kicks start at $170.
9/25
adidas Yeezy Boost 700 V2 “Mauve”
- Arriving at the end of 2018, the adidas Yeezy 700 V2 offered an updated aesthetic to the dad shoe style showcased on the Yeezy 700 V1. Carrying over the 700 V1 sole and updating the upper with flatter branding and a bulkier build, the V2 leaned even further into the normcore stance seen throughout the 700 series.
- This “Mauve” colorway is strikingly similar to that of the “Mauve” makeup dropped in October 2018 on the Yeezy 700 V1.
- The “Mauve” 700 V2 are said to carry over a price drop from $300 to $240.
Air Jordan 5 “Oreo”
- First released in 1990, the Air Jordan 5 was designed by Tinker Hatfield and worn by Michael Jordan on court as a member of the Chicago Bulls prior to winning his first NBA Championship. A molded ankle collar, ventilated mesh window, and Air cushioning provided the technical tooling while 3M tongue styling, flame midsole graphic, and a translucent sole provided pizzaz.
- Released first in 2013, the “Oreo” Air Jordan 5 launched at retail as a continuation of the cookie colorway introduced on the Air Jordan 4 in 1999. This re-release follows a slew of retro revivals that have hit in 2021. It is formally being called “Moonlight” by Nike, likely to avoid lawsuit from the cookie company.
- Launching in full-family sizing, pairs will start at $190 in men’s sizes and release at Jordan Brand accounts worldwide.
