Fall is still weeks away, and while “Wheat” tones and other autumn hues will soon dress a range of releases, the summer heat is still very much in effect in this installment of Sole Facts.
From an Asia-exclusive Air Jordan retro release to a back-to-school collaboration from Social Status, the week ahead is full of bright, bold, and colorful drops deemed worthy of everyday wear or collectible cache.
See what we’re talking about in the Sole Facts below.
8/29
Air Jordan 6 Low SE “Dongdan”
- 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.
- Originally, the Air Jordan 6 hosted a molded ankle collar and only released in mid-top form during its first retail run. In 2002, that all changed as the model debuted as a low top in “University Blue” and “Chrome” colorways in men’s sizes with a “Coral Rose” rendition releasing for the ladies. Despite this daring departure from the OG, pairs were relatively popular. In fact, Kobe Bryant played in the “Chrome” 6 Low during his famous free agency.
- This “Dongdan” drop is inspired by the Beijing park of the same name and is said to be an Asia exclusive.
8/30
8/31
Nike Dunk Low “NY vs NY”
- 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.
- Though intended for casual wear, the “NY vs NY” Dunk Low leans on the hoops heritage of the silo by celebrating summer hoops in the city. An icy outsole and fiery orange branding bring together this launch, adding yet another Dunk drop to 2021.
- Sporting styling usually seen on an Air Force 1, look for this NYC-themed Dunk to release via SNKRS.
Nike ISPA Drifter Split “Indigo Dye”
- First launched in 2018, ISPA stands for Improvise, Scavenge, Protect, Adapt. The line has created all-new models such as the Zoom Road Warrior as well as popular updates to the Air Max 720.
- The Nike ISPA Drifter Split continues the technical take on lifestyle footwear initiative, merging lightweight, eco-friendly materials on the upper with design cues from various eras of Nike nostalgia. Most interesting, the shoe features a split-toe commonly associated with runway fashion.
- This “Indigo” iteration is exclusive to Japan, said to be hand-dyed, and extremely limited.
9/1
Quartersnacks 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.
- Previously dropping a Dunk Low SB collab in 2014, this Little Debbie Zebra Cake-inspired pair reimagines the iconic “NYC Nike” font seen on Air Force 1s and more with that of QS25 tagging on the heel.
- Pairs are expected to launch on SNKRS and likely select Nike SB doors.
New Balance 550
- The New Balance 550 famously returned from the archives by way of the Aime Leon Dore collaboration. These general release launches are similar in styling to the ALD pairing, only stripped of collabo branding and pre-aged aesthetic.
- Inspired by the 1989 original release, this pair possesses similar tooling to other late ‘80s models made by Avia, adidas, Nike and Converse. Ethos of this era all inspired Louis Vuitton’s 408 Trainer.
- At the time of the 550’s original launch, the likes of James Worthy, Roy Tarpley and Antoine Carr were wearing New Balance in the NBA. However, being big men they were playing in high tops rather than this model.
9/2
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 96 II “Mystic Teal”
- The Nike Air Max 96 II 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.
- This “Mystic Teal” release recalls the original, following the tech-driven Air Max 96 II XX from 2016 that featured modernized cushioning and construction updates.
- Look for these to launch worldwide at Nike Sportswear accounts for $160.
Nike Dunk Low “Georgetown”
- 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.
- Inspired by original Be True to Your School styles from the shoe’s first season, John Thompson’s Georgetown basketball team famously received their own PE pairs of the Terminator in that time as opposed to that of the Dunk.
- This Hoya homage is slated to launch in the US in full-family sizing.
9/3
UNDFTD 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 and in-store at UNDEFEATED on 9/3, both collaborative takes sport historic heel branding and make the most of mixed materials as a callback to the late 90s and early 00s.
Nike LeBron 18 Low “Stewie Griffin”
- The Nike LeBron 18 Low is another below ankle iteration of the flagship signature franchise from Nike and LeBron James. Unlike the mid-top makeup, new Knits take a holiday 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.
- Worn often on court by LeBron James over the course of the 2020-21 NBA Season, the model makes a cartoon crossover with this pair that pays homage to Family Guy and King James’ coveted LeBron 6 of the same styling.
- Nike Basketball accounts in the US, Europe, and Asia are expected to stock this shoe in adult sizing.
DTLR x New Balance 992 “Varsity”
- 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.
- Over the course of 2020, the New Balance 992 flourished in exclusive takes from Joe Fresh Goods, WTAPS, JJJJound, Kith and Packer Shoes. This 2021 collab is exclusive to retail chain DTLR and will retail for $185.
- Though famed in collab colorways, the original grey makeup was made most famous by the late, great Steve Jobs.
Air Jordan 1 Mid “Hemp”
- The Air Jordan 1 debuted on the feet of Michael Jordan during his 1984-85 rookie campaign. Designed by Peter Moore, the concept of selling MJ as a signature athlete brought to Nike by Sonny Vaccaro completely changed the sportswear industry and laid the foundation for what we now know as Jordan Brand.
- Though “Hemp” nicknamed shoes in the past pulled in texture to tie in with the theme, this shoe shows the spirit by shade on an otherwise all leather two-tone take.
- After arriving in Asia, the “Hemp” AJ1 Mids will be released this month in the US for $120.
Air Jordan 4 “Shimmer”
- The Air Jordan 4 was released in 1989 and 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.
- This “Shimmer” style riffs off the neutral palette and translucent tabs seen on the infamous Off-White collaboration. The AJ4’s conventional Flight script branding is swapped out in favor of a shiny Jumpman.
- Set to be released in ladies sizing, this “Shimmer” style will launch at Jordan Brand accounts all over for $190.
Air Jordan 4 Golf “Military Blue”
- The Air Jordan 4 served as Michael Jordan’s last signature shoe of the ‘80s before having a retro renaissance in the decades to follow. Visible mesh, Air cushioning and Flight script tongue tagging often distinguish this Tinker Hatfield design.
- This golf crossover in “Military Blue” continues the trail paved by the also OG-influenced “Cement” spikes that were released in March.
- Look for these to launch online at Nike for $220.
9/4
Air Jordan 6 “Bordeaux”
- 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 new “Bordeaux” take pulls its palette from the Air Jordan 7 of the same nickname. A two-tone black and grey upper is accented by a wine-toned tongue and bright yellow lace lock, capped off by smokey translucent tooling on the outsole and tongue tab.
- These will be released in full family sizing at Jordan Brand retailers.
Social Status x Nike Dunk Mid “Chocolate Milk”
- 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 Mid serving as a Nike Sportswear drop, originally debuted in the mid-2000s as a strapped SB.
- This Social Status collaboration is one half of the “Free Lunch” Pack, paying tribute to both the back-to-school season and the beauty in the struggle. This “Chocolate Milk” makeup sports rich brown hues on the perimeters, set off by a bright blue outsole and milky pink Swoosh of the oversized jewel variety.
- Pairs are reported to be released at Social Status and on SNKRS.
9/5