This week’s Sole Facts is full of heat and also asterisks.
As we await confirmed details and potential surprises surrounding both Yeezy Day and SNKRS Day, it’s actually fair to say anything and everything could drop or restock in the next seven days. Nevertheless, there’s plenty of drops written in pen ranging from the “Pollen” Air Jordan 1s to the latest “NERD” Pharrell x adidas NMD Hu colorway.
So, what’s hitting and why does it matter? Peep the Sole Facts below.
8/2
adidas Yeezy 700 V3 “Dark Glow”
- First released in December 2019, the adidas Yeezy 700 V3 is the third generation of the progressive lifestyle running series with Waverunner roots. Unlike the V1 and V2, the V3 does not feature Boost but rather EVA foam.
- Very similar to the “Alvah” iteration that released in February of 2020, this “Dark Glow” take carries a similar black-on-black approach, instead illuminating the cage in a sky blue hue in the dark rather than that of neon green.
- While a Yeezy Day release still awaits confirmation, pairs of the “Dark Glow” 700 V3s are expected to retail for $200.
adidas Yeezy Boost 700 “Waverunner”
- The adidas Yeezy Boost 700 debuted in 2017, bringing an aggressive edge to the dad shoe craze and a new approach to how Boost cushioning is showcased. Industry vet Steven Smith is said to have worked on this design that was once believed to be a shelved idea.
- This original “Wave Runner” rendition of the 700 debuted in 2017. In the time since its arrival, it has restocked on numerous occasions with Yeezy Day 2021 expected to be the latest.
- Since 2017, the adidas Yeezy Boost 700 has retailed at a whopping $300. In 2021, the MSRP moved to a lower rate of $240, believed to be the new price for the 700 moving forward.
adidas Yeezy Foam RNNR “Ochre”
- First released in 2020, the adidas Yeezy Foam Runner introduced Kanye West’s interpretation of the foam injected styling made famous by Crocs. Using similar design language to that of the ovular 700 series, this sculpted style proved popular and polarizing from the start, launching for a low price point but also in very limited quantities.
- A new “Ochre” style follows that of the “Ararat” debut, bringing to life a bold aesthetic in a yellow hue that leans autumnal in nature.
- Releasing for $80 this new style will launch in the US, Europe, and Asia.
8/3
Nike Dunk Low Disrupt “Light Soft Pink”
- 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 Disrupt “Light Soft Pink” serving as a Nike Sportswear drop.
- New for 2021, the Nike Dunk Low Disrupt leans into the chunky look of the Sportswear silo seen in the early 2000s and makes it even bulkier by reimagining the midsole.
- This “Light Soft Pink” or “Barely Rose” rendition will launch online at Nike Store for $110 in women’s sizing.
8/4
8/5
New Balance 574 mita Exclusive
- The New Balance 574 is amongst the most revered and released models in the brand’s rich history. Created for running in the 1980s, the shoe has been a staple in the lifestyle realm at some point in every decade since.
- Inspired by the streets of Tokyo, this Japanese exclusive 574 relies on shades of blue and grey that typically score many a New Balance, amplified by 3M branding and heel hits.
- Fans of this New Balance 574 can enter a raffle at mita that begins on August 5th for their chance to cop a pair.
Nike Air Max 2021
- The Nike Air Max 2021 is by name the latest member of the annual Air Max series. Rather than taking on the track, this pair appears to lean all the way into the casual crossover the line is championed by.
- Big on comfort and sustainability, this pair sports a huge heel bag and is made of 20% recycled materials.
- Retailing for $160, this woman’s release will be available at Nike Store.
Y-3 QISAN COZY & Y-3 AJATU RUN
- The Y-3 QISAN COZY and AJATU RUN are both new models for 2021. Taking notes from the ever-popular Y-3 QASA, both models rely on oversized midsoles and tonal color blocking.
- On the QISAN COZY, slip-on neoprene characterizes the upper while mixed materials denote that of the AJATU Run upper.
- Fans of these new models can pick them up at Y-3, at select stores, and on the adidas Confirmed App.
Bandier x New Balance 327 & 57/40 “Move Her World”
- The New Balance 327 and 57/40 are both modern lifestyle silhouettes that amplify retro ethos. Both casual models rely on big sidewall branding, low-top cuts, and chunky midsoles.
- Bandier is a fashion-oriented fitness brand designed with women in mind. Founded in 2014 and started with a store in Southampton, NY, Bandier has broken through by merging high style with high performance.
- Look for both pairs of sneakers and the corresponding clothing collection to launch at New Balance and Bandier.
8/6
UNDEFEATED x Nike Air Force 1 Low & Dunk Low “5 On It”
- 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 be released in low-top form for hoops and casual wear with the latter option serving as a staple for decades to come.
- 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.
- Releasing online at UNDEFEATED, both collaborative takes sport historic heel branding and make the most of mixed materials as a callback to the late 90s and early 00s.
size? x New Balance 237
- Inspired by heritage running and the style of the ‘70s, the New Balance 237 is an old-school lifestyle look that’s new for 2021. Famously, it follows the very similar 327 and 57/40, also known for their casual prowess.
- One of the more understated 237 takes, this size exclusive sports a perforated white upper with shades of grey scoring the sidewall branding and perimeter hits.
- This colorway will be released exclusively at size both in-store and online.
Levi’s x New Balance 992
- The New Balance 992 first released in 2006 as a somewhat sequel to that of 2001’s New Balance 991. Designed by Jonathan Bacon, the shoe played a pivotal role in propelling the brand’s famous ABZORB technology.
- Well known for their footwear collaborations with Jordan Brand and Nike, Levi’s lands a collection with New Balance based on grey denim and matching suede paneling.
- This Levi’s x New Balance 992 will retail for $280 and release online at New Balance and through the Levi’s app.
Nike Kyrie 7 “Copa”
- The Nike Kyrie 7 is the latest signature shoe for Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving. Designed by Ben Nethongkome, the Kyrie 7 features Zoom Turbo cushioning and is listed as lighter than the Kyrie 6.
- A general release colorway with a collaborative feel, this “Copa” makeup carries a green mesh upper with translucent forefoot and branding overlays amplified by sparkling details.
- The Kyrie 7 “Copa” will be released at select Nike Basketball retailers. Currently, Kyrie is upset with Nike on the direction of his next signature sneaker.
NEIGHBORHOOD x Vans Sk8-Hi & Era Collection
- First released in 1978 as the Vans Style 38, the Vans Sk8-Hi was introduced as a high top alternative to that of the Style 36. Canvas construction and waffle sole are the standard, often taking to lux materials when released in LX or Vault fashion.
- The Vans Era is an update to the foundational Authentic, adding a padded ankle collar as the main distinguisher.
- After arriving in early July, this NEIGHBORHOOD collaboration will restock at select US locations on August 6th.
NERD x Pharrell x adidas NMD Hu “20th Anniversary”
- The Pharrell x adidas NMD Hu debuted in 2016 for a retail price of $240. Building on the plug-soled style of the adidas Originals NMD, the Pharrell model found favor due to its unique lacing system, celebrity endorsement and toe-down messaging.
- This pair celebrates the 20th Anniversary of N.E.R.D.’s debut album, In Search of…, which featured hits such as “Rockstar,” “Lapdance” and “Run to the Sun.”
- Look for these to launch globally via the adidas Confirmed App and at select retailers.
8/7
Air Jordan 1 High “Pollen”
- 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.
- Sporting somewhat of an Iowa Hawkeyes-esque palette, the “Pollen” Air Jordan 1 High carries black and yellow blocking similar to the famous Be True to Your School Dunks.
- Retailing for $190, look for the “Pollen” 1s to release at select Jordan Brand retailers.
8/8
Nike Air Huarache “SNKRS Day”
- Debuted in 1991, Nike Air Huarache changed the world of running. Meant to be minimalist, Huarache lockdown was a case study in reduction with the name and styling deriving from South American sandals. Backed by the neoprene fit of a waterski boot and bolstered by a leather exoskeleton, the famous ads from the ‘90s asked runners, “Have you hugged your foot today?”
- Designed by Tinker Hatfield with help from Mark Parker and Hiroshi Fujiwara, the original Nike Air Huarache was an early example of the latter named HTM collective collaborating.
- This “SNKRS Day” drop is expected to be released through the app in Europe with US release details still undisclosed.
Air Jordan 1 Low “SNKRS Day”
- 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.
- Baring a mesh ankle collar, neutral hues and bold leopard hits, this “SNKRS Day” drop is denoted by date notation on the tongue tagging and insole “Got ‘em” hits. A semi-translucent sole closes it all out with the same leopard aesthetic shining through the outsole.
- This “SNKRS Day” drop is expected to be released through the app in Europe with US release details still undisclosed.