Complicated takes on archival classics run this week of Sole Facts.
From fragment design and Travis Scott doubling down on the Air Jordan 1 Low to sacai adding two tongues to the Nike Blazer Low, there’s plenty of pined pairs dropping in the next seven days. Those collaborations are not alone as Virgil Abloh goes wild on the Dunk Low and Nike SB shows love to international futbol.
So many shoes, so little time? Find out what’s worth your time and money by learning more about each model launching this week below.
8/9
Off-White x Nike Dunk Low “Dear Summer” Collection
- The Nike Dunk was 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.
- OFF-WHITE is a high-fashion meets streetwear brand founded by Virgil Abloh. Originally known as Pyrex Vision, the genre-blurring line has risen in acclaim in recent years thanks to high-profile collaborations with the likes of Nike, Levi’s, and Jordan Brand.
- The OFF-WHITE x Nike Dunk Low “Dear Summer” collection will be rolling out through Nike SNKRS Exclusive Access with winners apparently being sent colors at random.
8/10
Nike Dunk High “First Use”
- 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.
- Celebrating the introduction of the Swoosh logo, the First Use Collection stamps each shoe with the date the famous branding mark came to be. Mismatched branding denotes the upper of each shoe in outline and tonal fashion.
- Fans of the Nike Dunk High “First Use” can pick up a pair at Nike, Finish Line, JD Sports, and more for $120.
JJJJound x Vans Vault Sk8-Mid “Black”
- The predecessor to the famed Sk8-Hi, the Vans Sk8-Mid debuted in 1978 as the first above the ankle model for the California footwear company. Justin Saunders, better known as JJJJound, is a Montreal-based creative known for his online moodboards, love of minimalism, and very footwear collaborations with the likes of New Balance, Reebok and Vans.
- Look for these to launch for $150 online at the JJJJound webstore.
sacai x Nike Blazer Low “British Tan”
- The Nike Blazer first released for basketball in 1973 as the third hoops shoe ever made by the Beaverton brand. After hardwood wear in the ‘70s and ‘80s by the likes of George Gervin and Maurice Cheeks, the shoe was reborn in skate and lifestyle during the ‘00s eventually seeing collabs from Supreme, Stussy, Soullland, and more.
- This Sacai collaboration on the Blazer Low continues the double-stacked ethos introduced on Waffle and Blazer High takes. The dual branding and multiple tongues have since become the design language standard of the two parties.
- 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.
8/11
JJJJound x Vans Vault Sk8-Mid “Brown”
- The Vans Sk8-Mid debuted in 1978 as the California footwear company’s first mid-cut skate shoe. The next year, the Sk8-Hi rolled out, mostly replacing the Sk8-Mid in the market.
- JJJJound is a Montreal-based creative company ran by Justin Saunders. The brand came to fame through online moodboards, eventually paving the way for collaborations with the likes of New Balance, Reebok and Vans.
- Look for these to launch for $150 online at the JJJJound webstore.
Nike Dunk Low “Sail Multi-Camo”
- Touching down during the 1985-86 NCAA basketball season, the Nike Dunk has since seen its wings spread to lifestyle and skateboarding in the subsequent decades. This “Sail Multi-Camo” colorway falls into the lifestyle category as a Nike Sportswear release.
- Much like Air Max 95s of the same sentiment or popular VLONE items from recent years, this “Sail Multi-Camo” colorway pairs a variety of camouflage colors and prints on one item in mismatched fashion.
- Like other recent Dunk drops, these will release online at Nike and in full-family sizing.
8/12
Air Jordan 1 High Women’s “Seafoam”
- 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.
- This “Seafoam” style is a lifestyle leaning launch that pairs seafoam suede with that of smooth white leather. Orange accented laces offer contrast with the topic tone appearing again on the outsole.
- Look for these to launch in ladies sizing for $170 at select Jordan Brand accounts.
Jordan Zion 1 “Smoke Grey”
- 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.
Nike Zoom GT Cut “Lime Ice”
- The Nike Zoom GT Cut is a performance basketball sneaker new for the spring and summer of 2021. This low top launch features React foam backed by Zoom Strobel and Air Zoom cushioning.
- De’aaron Fox and Sabrina Ionescu are among the athletes tied to this model which is marketed on the idea of creating space from defenders.
- Look for the Nike Zoom GT Cut “Lime Ice” to launch online at Nike for $170.
Todd Snyder x New Balance 327 “Farmer’s Market”
- The New Balance 327 is a modern lifestyle silhouette that amplifies retro ethos. The casual model relies on big sidewall branding, low top cut, and chunky midsoles.
- Todd Snyder is a New York City-based menswear designer. A fan of the local farmer’s markets in the city, Todd is walking his talk by not just dropping this themed collaboration but also donating $10,000 to GrowNYC.
- Following a launch through Todd Snyder’s site, the pack will be launching next online through New Balance.
JJJJound x Vans Vault Sk8-Mid “Green”
- Debuted in 1978, the Vans Sk8-Mid introduced an above the ankle model for the California footwear company. The next year, the Sk8-Hi rolled out, mostly replacing the Sk8-Mid in the market.
- Justin Saunders, better known as JJJJound, is a Montreal-based creative known for his online moodboards, love of minimalism, and very footwear collaborations with the likes of New Balance, Reebok, and Vans.
- Look for these to launch for $150 online at the JJJJound webstore.
8/13
fragment design x Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low
- Peter Moore’s transcendent Air Jordan 1 was 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.
- Inspired by the famous Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low from 2019 and fragment design x Air Jordan 1 High released in 2014, this tandem take carries the same construction as La Flame’s counter-culture hit with color blocking likened to the Hiroshi Fujiwara favorite.
- Pairs will be releasing on SNKRS as well as at very select boutiques around the world.
8/14
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.
Bad Bunny x adidas Forum Low Buckle “Core Black”
- The adidas Forum High debuted in 1984 as a luxury basketball shoe set to tip the scales by retailing at a then-outrageous $100. In the ‘80s, the Forum High was a status symbol in the streets thanks to its prestigious price point and a go-to favorite on the court for Patrick Ewing as a rookie on the New York Knicks. Much like the Nike Dunk of the same era, the Forum found fame in the 2000s off the court by way of below ankle skate styling and countless casual collaborations.
- This collaboration with Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny implements buckle ankle strapping, a double-stacked tongue, and an exaggerated ankle collar. The color palette is triple-black this go-round, following coffee colorways and Easter takes.
- Retailing for $160, pairs are slated to launch through the adidas Confirmed App.
Nike SB Dunk Low “Catalonia”
- Though rooted in basketball, the Nike Dunk crossed over to skateboarding in 2002 by way of the Nike SB Dunk. Denoted by a fat tongue for added cushion, the rebranding redefined the hardwood icon for a new generation of skaters and sneakerheads.
- This Barcelona-inspired colorway carries the tones associated with the famous futbol club. Gum soles and suede score mismatched uppers of the navy, burgundy and yellow variety.
- These SB Dunks are slated to release in Europe at select Nike SB accounts.