Sole Facts – April 6th to April 12th

This week’s Sole Facts is light in regard to the number of drops but heavy in terms of heat.

Starting with a collaborative SB Dunk drop, ending with a new Yeezy colorway, and also seeing a very celebrated Air Jordan retro, this week’s range of releases offers something for everyone as spring sets in.

See the history behind each of this week’s biggest releases below.

4/6

Wasted Youth x Nike SB Dunk Low

• Though rooted in basketball, the Nike Dunk crossed over to skateboarding in 2002 by way of the Nike SB Dunk Low. Denoted by a fat tongue for added cushion, the rebranding redefined the hardwood icon for a new generation of skaters and sneakerheads.
• Japanese artist Verdy, well known for his work with Girls Don’t Cry, brings punk rock rebellion to the Wasted Youth SB Dunk as seen by black denim, metallic d-rings, and a rose wrapped Swoosh.
• Pairs previously popped up at Wasted Youth and at select SB accounts earlier in April, with the SNKRS launch taking place on April 6th.

4/8

Kim Jones x Converse Chuck Taylor

• The Converse Chuck Taylor, also known as the Converse All-Star, was introduced to the world as a basketball shoe in the early 1920s. Named after basketball player/salesman Chuck Taylor, the shoe has since served as a staple and statement shoe in the worlds of sport, style, music, and culture for almost an entire century since its debut.
• The model’s most recent collaborator, Kim Jones, is a fashion designer best known for his work at Dior and Louis Vuitton, now joining Fendi. In 2020, Kim Jones famously collaborated with Shawn Stussy on a range of highly regarded runway looks. Kim Jones has paired with Nike on the Air Zoom LWP 16, Air Max 360 Hi, and Air Max 95 models. He is also credited due to his work at Dior on the infamous Dior x Air Jordan 1 collection.
• Aside from the collaborative Chuck Taylors, Kim Jones and Converse will be releasing a range of lifestyle apparel.

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 regularly.

Nike Air Max 96 II “Comet Red” & “Goldenrod”

• The Nike Air Max 96 II was released as a performance running shoe in 1996. Slightly less aggressive than the proper Air Max 96, this model plays off the popular mix of mesh, leather, and visible Air that defined an era.
• Both women’s “Comet Red” and men’s “Goldenrod” releases recall originals, following the tech-driven Air Max 96 II XX from 2016 that featured modernized cushioning and construction updates.
• Pairs are reported to pop up first in Japan, as seen via the atmos images above.

4/9

Overkill x adidas ZX 8500 A-ZX Series

• OG in inspiration but a hybrid in reality, the adidas ZX 8500 is a cross between the ZX 8000 and ZX 9000 models. TPU heel counters and Torsion bar technology are all in play in this inherently retro runner.
• Overkill is a Berlin-based boutique and brand with deep roots in sneakers and streetwear. Overkill has collaborated with adidas on an array of Boost, ZX, and EQT models in the past.
• This collaborative colorway is inspired by 1UP, a famous graffiti crew that calls Berlin home. The protective black overshoe is a nod to the tagging scene, shielding the shoe when spray painting.

Reebok Question Mid “I3 Motorsports”

• 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.
• This Black and Metallic Silver style is not an OG colorway but a throwback nod to Iverson’s famed platinum jewelry, baggy black outfits, and love for bike culture.
• This “I3 Motorsports” makeup will retail for $140 and release at most major mall retailers across the US and online.

Coca-Cola x ASICS GEL-Quantum 90

• The ASICS Gel-Quantum 90 is a sport style model from the Japanese brand, merging performance running DNA with casual appeal. A knit upper and cage branding rest atop GEL cushioning for a responsive feel whether on the run or a walk.
• Soft drink purveyor Coca-Cola is no stranger to the streetwear and sneaker scene. Famously, Coca-Cola rugby shirts were popular in the 1980s with the brand venturing into collaborative footwear with KITH and Converse in recent years.
• Sporting dual branding across the upper and beverage tagging on the heel, this collaboration illuminates the classic cushioning in green as a nod to old-school bottle caps.

4/10

Air Jordan 5 “Toro Bravo” (“Raging Bull”)

• 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 before 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.
• The “Toro Bravo” Air Jordan 5 originated in 2009 as one-half of the famed “Raging Bull” Air Jordan 5 Pack. The storied style is not an original colorway but does amplify Chicago shades by basing the entire upper in red suede. 
• In 2017, a similar “Red Suede” Air Jordan 5 was released with inspiration from the 2009 favorite but less love than the popular pack pair.

4/12

adidas Yeezy 500 High “Frosted Blue”

• Famous for finding itself as the first adidas Yeezy without Boost, the adidas Yeezy 500 features adiPrene+ cushioning and lifts the Feet You Wear sole seen on Kobe Bryant’s 1999 signature shoe, the adidas KB8 III. Since it’s underneath the ankle arrival, the Yeezy 500 has expanded to a range of boot-like Yeezy 500 High releases.
• This “Frozen Blue” makeup follows “Mist” and “Wakaran” Yeezy 500 High releases in February 2021, continuing the theme of royal-hued Yeezys while juxtaposing the sporty tone with neutral hues.
• Retailing for $220, pairs of this adidas Yeezy 500 High will be sold in the US.