Sole Facts is back and when we say there’s something for everyone this time around, we really mean it.
This week’s slew of sneaker releases is a GR paradise despite the anticipation surrounding Travis Scott’s first retail release with Jordan Brand in nearly two years. Notably, the Dunk drops continue at a rapid pace while once-coveted Air Force 1 and Air Jordan pairs from the 2000s return as what should be easy cops.
On top of the new Nikes and old favorites, you’ll see many recurring kicks as release dates continue to get tossed around like hot potatoes. Wondering why so many February and March launches are popping up again in April or May? Peep DP’s recent podcast with Shanghai Sole.
Until then, buckle up and peep what’s dropping this week and what makes each pair important in the context of culture. As always, a SoleSavy membership will provide you with everything you need to add some of these releases to your rotation. Join here.
4/27
Nike Air Griffey Max 1 “Varsity Royal”
- The famous “Varsity Royal” colorway was an OG launch for the Griffey Max 1. On TV, the signature shoe played an integral part in the comedic “Griffey in ‘96” ad campaign which placed Junior as a presidential candidate. The ads saw cameos from George Clinton, Reggie Jackson, and James Carville.
- In the past, the “Varsity Royal” Griffey 1 has released in 1996, 2009, and 2016.
Nike Dunk Low “Green Glow”
- 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 “Green Glow” serving as a Nike Sportswear drop.
- Setting the spring mood, this “Green Glow” colorway is new for 2021 and exclusively launching in women’s sizing. Like previous Sportswear styles, the colorway is reliant on a white base with blunt contrast.
- Retailing for $100, the “Green Glow” Dunk Low is slated to release in the US and Europe.
4/28
Air Jordan 4 “University Blue”
- The Air Jordan 4 was released in 1989 and was worn on court by Michael Jordan to finish the 1988-89 NBA Season and to begin the 1989-90 NBA Season. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 4 was famed for its implementation of visible mesh, Air cushioning, and Flight script tongue.
- Inspired in many ways by the Air Jordan 4 PE given to the University of North Carolina Men’s Basketball program back in 2019, this general release rocks a similar blue suede upper while leaning deeper into the model’s “Cement” roots.
- This retro release will retail for $200 in adult sizes. The dual-branded tongue carries a nod to tagging seen on Nike Organized Team Sports gear from the 1990s.
Nike Air Force 1 “Shamrock”
- In 1982, the Nike Air Force 1 arrived as the brand’s basketball vehicle for what would become their signature tech – Air. Designed by Bruce Kilgore, the high cut hoops shoe would outfit top talent in the NBA, NCAA, and the streets. In 1983, the shoe would release in low-top form for hoops and casual wear with the latter option serving as a staple for decades to come.
- This “Shamrock” style is perhaps the best example of a release pushed back numerous times due to delays in shipping said to be caused by COVID. For reference, the pair is inspired by St. Patrick’s Day which occurred well over a month ago.
- Previously, the Nike Air Force 1 has honored the March holiday with drops in 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, and 2012.
Nike LeBron 8 “Hardwood Classic”
- 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.
- This “Hardwood Classic” launch recalls an OG Player Exclusive worn by James as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. This pair features throwback royal and orange hues across the upper to the tune of tumbled suede and Flywire technology with a full-length Max Air 360 unit resting beneath.
- The original LeBron 8 was the first model King James wore when taking his talents to South Beach. This “Hardwood Classic” scheme is the V1 version of the LeBron 8 with the V2 version proving lighter and leaner by way of more mesh.
The Simpsons x adidas Superstar “Squishee”
- 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.
- This Simpsons collaboration calls to mind the “Squishee” beverage served at Kwik-E-Mart. A riff off the popular Slurpee in spirit, the frozen convenience store drink is tributed by an iced-out sole and Shelltoe, complimented by fictional tagging on the tongue and dubrae.
- While a slew of Simpsons x adidas collaborations has hit in 2021, this Kwik-E-Market makeup may have the most collector cache when considering its thematic resemblance to the canceled “7-11” Nike SB Dunks.
4/29
Nike Air Force 1 Low “Acorn”
- In 1982, the Nike Air Force 1 arrived as the brand’s basketball vehicle for what would become their signature tech – Air. Designed by Bruce Kilgore, the high cut hoops shoe would outfit top talent in the NBA, NCAA and the streets. In 1983, the shoe would release in low-top form for hoops and casual wear with the latter option serving as a staple for decades to come.
- Originally released in the retro rush of the Air Force 1 in 2002, this “Acorn” colorway is back for the first time ever. Contrasting canvas and leather on the upper, nutty and neutral shades dress this clean colorway that’s rarely seen today in DS condition.
- Set to release in Japan, US availability is unknown at this time. This pair does follow recent retros like the “3M Snake” Air Force 1 and other turn-of-the-millennium rarities.
Air Jordan 35 “Smoke Grey”
- The Air Jordan 35 is the latest model in Michael Jordan’s long-running line of signature shoes. Credited to designer Tate Kuerbis, who also worked on Air Jordans 31-34, the model continues to build off the Eclipse Plate technology introduced on the Air Jordan 34.
- This “Smoke” style continues the premium path of the Air Jordan 35, electing grey suede across the upper with a quilted composition covering the ankle. Infrared accents and black trim close out this colorway with a translucent sole also adding to the appeal.
- Over the course of the 2020-21 NBA Season, the likes of Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic and more have worn the Air Jordan 35 on a regular basis.
Nike Dunk High PRM EMB “Lakers”
- 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 PRM (premium) and EMB (embossed) labeling. Unlike most Dunks dressed exclusively in leather and/or suede, mesh is used on the underlays for depth and difference.
- Most notably, this Lakers-themed launch features embossed Nike branding on the heel akin to the franchise’s ‘faster’ font. Additionally, throwback tongue tagging appears.
sacai x Nike Vaporwaffle “Dark Iris” & “Sesame”
- First seen on the feet of models at sacai’s Paris runway show, the VaporWaffle has released in a range of colorways over the course of 2020 with “Dark Iris” and “Sesame” launches proving the latest for 2021.
- The VaporWaffle combines that of the 1983 Pegasus running shoe with that of modern Vaporfly technology. The result is a stacked silo with plenty of personality and nostalgic materials met with overemphasized cushioning and stance.
- 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.
Jordan Zion 1
- The Jordan Zion 1 is the first signature shoe for former Duke standout and #1 NBA Draft Pick Zion Williamson. Debuted this spring by the All-Star forward, the shoe features bold Z branding on the sidewall as a nod to his haircut.
- Designed for his point forward play, the mid-cut sneaker features Air strobel cushioning with Zoom Air in the forefoot. A padded tongue and collar feature additional branding specific to Zion and Jordan.
- Learn more about the impact of Zion Williamson on the future of Jordan Brand in our Generation Zion feature.
4/30
Travis Scott x Air Jordan 6 “British Khaki”
- Michael Jordan debuted the Air Jordan 6 at 1991 All-Star Weekend in Charlotte. Worn by MJ from that exhibition event all the way until the same festivities in 1992, the Tinker Hatfield design carried the GOAT famously to his first-ever NBA Championship.
- This “British Khaki” colorway of the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 6 follows 2019’s “Olive” iteration on the same silo. Translucent tongue and outsole detailing appear to glow in the dark while bright crimson contrast appears on the branding.
- Unlike the 2019 take, this “British Khaki” colorway features additional stash pockets on the medial side of each shoe, complete with zipper closure.
Nike Air Foamposite One “All-Star”
- Designed by Eric Avar, the Nike Air Foamposite One debuted in 1997. Branded as a signature shoe for Penny Hardaway, the truly disruptive model reimagined the future of footwear and released between Hardaway’s namesake Air Penny 2 and Air Penny 3 models.
- This “All-Star” colorway carries a glossy black upper with tonal trim. A Barely Green outsole adds stark contrast, with white branding matching white lining. Lastly, thematic heel tagging replaces that of the standard 1 Cent logo, instead paying homage to 2021 All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis which has been rescheduled and relocated.
- While Penny Hardaway debuted the OG Foamposite One month after All-Star Weekend in 1997, the synthetic sneakers have been tied to the mid-season classic in its retro life as seen by the 2012 “Galaxy” launch and 2015’s silver “All-Star” style for NYC.
Nike Go FlyEase
- Serving as the first hands-free sneaker from the Swoosh, the Nike GO FlyEase introduces an origami upper designed to be stepped into and kicked off without lifting a finger. A Kickstand Heel and Diving Board Footbed provide effortless entry and exit for all on the move.
- The footprints of FlyEase technology date back to 2012 when young athlete Matthew Walzer asked Nike to make shoes that didn’t need tying due to his condition of Cerebral Palsy. Working with Tobie Hatfield, brother of Tinker and long-time Nike designer, the two created FlyEase technology for Waltzer to test. By 2015, it was introduced to the market and has updated Air Jordans, LeBrons, and more ever since.
- Retailing for $120, the Nike GO FlyEase first launched on 2/15 for Nike members, now releasing in a wider fashion.
Nike LeBron 18 Low “LeBronald Palmer”
- The Nike LeBron 18 Low is the latest below ankle iteration of the flagship signature franchise from Nike and LeBron James. Unlike the midtop makeup, ripstop nylon and welded overlays reference the current DIY trend on the upper while the 18’s Air Max meets Zoom Air sole is carried over in translucent fashion with a more protruding heel outrigger.
- This “LeBronald Palmer” pair pays tribute to Arnold Palmer, the former professional golfer well known for his beloved beverage that is half lemonade and half iced tea. The sweet drink is represented by a beachy blend of bright tones and floral print.
- Previously, the “LeBronald Palmer” theme has dressed the LeBron 9 Low and LeBron 12 Low.
5/1
Air Jordan 13 “Red Flint”
- The Air Jordan 13 hails from the start of Jordan Brand and Michael Jordan’s last season in Chicago. The Tinker Hatfield creation first debuted in 1997 and was inspired by MJ’s black cat persona as represented by the panther paw inspiration on the sole.
- This “Red Flint” colorway is new for retail in 2021. Its roots derive from 1998’s famous “Flint” original, replacing the navy mesh with that of red.
- Similarly, the “Red Flint” theme appeared on an Air Jordan 13 PE for former Jordan Brand athlete Kevin Martin during his time with the Houston Rockets. Other JB athletes like Quentin Richardson, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Ray Allen have seen Air Jordan 13 launches inspired by their player exclusives.
Nike Air Raid “White/Gum”
- The Nike Air Raid launched in 1992 during a renaissance of outdoor basketball as seen by Reebok’s Blacktop campaign and movies like Above the Rim and White Men Can’t Jump.
- A Nike Sportswear staple, the clean White/Gum palette has dressed an array of heritage hoop shoes that have crossed over to the lifestyle space to include the Air Force 1, Air More Uptempo and Sky Force.
- In 2014, the Air Raid released at retail with a white upper and gum bottoms, though much more gaudy do to gold foil paneling.
Nike LeBron 18 Low “ACG”
- The Nike LeBron 18 Low follows its mid-top counterpart – the Nike LeBron 18 – which was debuted in the NBA Bubble by LeBron James, worn during the Lakers’ 2020 Championship run, and has remained in rotation during their 2020-21 title defense.
- This “ACG” makeup riffs off the color blocking of 1991’s Nike Air Terra trail running shoe. In the summer of 2020, the Nike SB Dunk Low took to this same color palette.
- For reference, every Nike LeBron model has seen a low top counterpart release with the exception of the Foamposite clad Nike Zoom LeBron IV.
Images 1-5, 7-11, 13-16 via Nike
Image 6 via adidas
Image 12 via GOAT