This week’s Sole Facts is all-new, but it may look mighty familiar.
As brands continue to segment releases regionally and play musical chairs with launch dates, a slew of Dunks and Jordans magically reappear after popping up previously. All duplicate drops aside, we see new styles from everyone from Kanye to Beyonce, along with retro renditions from Kobe and Stussy.
Learn about all the launches in the Sole Facts below.
2/17
Air Jordan 1 High Zoom Comfort “PSG”
- 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.
- In 2019, the Jordan 1 High Zoom debuted by way of a reflective “Fearless” take. In 2020, an evolved iteration known as the Jordan 1 High Zoom CMFT followed suit. This Zoom CMFT style features Zoom Air cushioning, cut-out Swoosh branding, and deconstructed styling around the ankle collar.
- This “PSG” pair pays tribute to the Paris Saint-Germain futbol club. In 2018, Jordan Brand partnered with the Parisian soccer club. It’s reported that the deal will extend until at least 2022.
2/18
Nike Air VaporMax EVO “Collector’s Chest”
- New for 2021, the Nike Air VaporMax EVO is an all-new hybrid model inspired by Air Max models of yesteryear. Nike’s extravagant VaporMax platform provides the cushioning for this tech heavy model, with nods to the Nike Air Tuned Max, Air Max 90, and Air Max 96 II appearing on the upper.
- Stacking the nostalgia, this “Collector’s Chest” motif merges many colorways seen on coveted Air Max releases. Patterns like “Safari,” “Duck Camo,” “Apollo 11” and more all appear across this collage of classics.
- This loud launch is expected to kick off the campaign for many makeups of the Nike Air VaporMax EVO over the course of 2021.
Stussy x Nike Air Huarache
- Debuted in 1991, the 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.
- In 2001, the Nike Air Huarache celebrated its tenth anniversary by way of a collaboration with streetwear staple Stussy. Both “Desert Oak” and “Dark Olive” drops from ‘01 were highlighted for the first time in retro form in a recent Stussy lookbook, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the silo and the 20th anniversary of the collab.
Nike Air Total Max Uptempo “Black/Red”
- The Nike Air Total Max Uptempo first came out in 1997. Tim Duncan, Reggie Miller and Vince Carter are tied to this model which featured full-length Total Air. Originally retailing at $159.99 in ‘97, they were a whopping $20 more than the Air Jordan XII also on the market at that time.
- In 2009, the OG “Volt” colorway returned for the first time as a retro alongside the also OG White/Midnight Navy makeup. The OG Silver/Black pair came back in 2010 with new makeups, tonal takes and House of Hoops homages to Reggie Miller also releasing around that era.
- This Black/Red rendition, previously seen in 2010, is back once again for 2021.
Nike Dunk Low “Coast” (US, Europe, Asia)
- The Nike Dunk stormed college basketball during the 1985-86 season. While a slew of new Nike schools wore this classic on court, the University of California Los Angeles was a PUMA program at the time. The Walt Hazzard coached team was led by the likes of Reggie Miller, Pooh Richardson, and the late Jack Haley.
- This “UCLA” colorway is officially dubbed Sail/Coast, which denotes the slightly left of white upper and coastal blue overlays. As alluded, these are not an original colorway but evoke the same school sentiment as ‘80s launches. They are also a women’s exclusive.
- This colorway — though planned and produced months prior – times out very nicely with UCLA becoming a Jordan Brand school in 2020 and the Bruin palette proving popular on the latest UNDFTD x Nike Air Max 97 collaboration.
Nike Dunk Low “Hyper Cobalt” (US, Europe)
- 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 “Hyper Cobalt” serving as a Nike Sportswear drop.
- Like other Dunk drops of 2021, this “Hyper Cobalt” colorway is not an original in definition but channels the Be True to Your School styles in spirit. Somewhat meshing “Kentucky” and “Iowa” OGs, this “Hyper Cobalt” colorway sports a black base with bold blue overlays, matching laces, and the crisp contrast of a white midsole.
- Part of Nike Sportswear’s much talked about Spring 2021 Dunk campaign, the “Hyper Cobalt” Dunk Low will release in both men’s and kid’s sizes.
Nike Dunk Low “UNLV” (US, Europe, Asia)
- 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 was worn on court by bright NCAA talent and sold to the public just the same.
- An original makeup from the Be True to Your School campaign in 1985-86, the “UNLV” rendition ties directly to the University of Las Vegas Nevada Runnin’ Rebels men’s basketball program. Over the course of that campaign, the entire team could be seen in the Red/Grey Dunk with players favoring the high in the competition.
- In recent years, the low top “UNLV” Dunk has been rerendered in Flyknit in 2017 and by way of Virgil Abloh in 2019 via an Off-White collaboration.
Bandalu 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.
- This collaboration with Bandalu relies on a “Cappuccino” canvas base, amplified with the brand’s signature embroidery and paint drip aesthetic.
- Bandalu, an upcycle vintage brand out of Boston, has brought their collaborative touch to the Chuck Taylor before in 2015 and has also worked with Nike on a range of Kyrie collabs.
2/19
Nike Air Huarache “Scream Green”
- Designed by Tinker Hatfield with assistance from Mark Parker and Hiroshi Fujiwara, the Nike Air Huarache was a breakthrough in performance running for the sportswear brand.
- First released in 1991, Nike Air Huarache was meant to be minimalist. The name and styling derived from South American sandals, with waterski boot also offering inspiration on this pivotal pair.
- This “Scream Green” colorway was an original from 1991. Recently, it has returned in 2014, also outfitting various Huarache hybrids in hue and sentiment.
Casablanca 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.
- This Casablanca collaboration relies on a perforated white upper, contrast by bold ‘N’ branding set to a cream color with pink piping. Signature styling comes by way of a repeating pattern on the ankle and heel, designed by Casablanca’s own Charaf Tajer.
- Casablanca is a Paris-based brand founded on a fusion between luxury and leisure, inspired strongly by tennis and tailored with Neopolitan ethos.
WMNS Air Jordan 1 High “Silver Toe”
- 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.
- The Air Jordan 1 High “Silver Toe” is not an original colorway, but does channel its nickname and blocking from the OG “Black Toe” 1s. Releasing in extended women’s sizing, metallic silver scores the heel, collar, and toe box with white and black residing elsewhere.
- In recent years, both women’s exclusive Air Jordan 1s and new styles inspired by the “Black Toe” take have blossomed. From a palette standpoint, fans will also note these carry the same shades as the “Kawhi” Air Jordan 1 from 2018’s Champions Think 16 Pack.
Soulland x Li-Ning Shadow & Wind Ranger
- First seen months ago at Copenhagen Fashion Week, Soulland and Li-Ning are finally set to launch their collaborative takes on the Shadow and Wind Ranger models. Both bare Li-Ning’s BOOM foam technology, offering performance tech on each fashionable foray.
- Soulland, a Danish skate brand, is no stranger to collaboration, working with Nike SB on a celebrated Dunk drop as well as a bold Blazer.
- Set to release at Soulland’s online shop and at select retailers, the Shadow will retail for $315 while the Wind Ranger will run $240.
2/20
Nike SB Dunk Low “Camcorder”
- 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.
- This “Camcorder” colorway is a new look for 2021, inspired by Sony’s VX1000 Camcorder from 1995. Connecting cultures, the now archival camera was a go-to for skateboarders filming their own trick videos thanks to its fish lens and durability.
- As of now, this colorway is slated to release in Europe and Asia on 2/20. Keep it locked for eventual US availability.
Nike Zoom Kobe 6 Protro “All-Star”
- The Nike Zoom Kobe VI debuted in 2010 on the feet of Kobe Bryant. Designed by Eric Avar of Air Penny, Zoom Glove, and Foamposite One fame, the signature shoe looked to continue to carry the low top design language the pair had produced while evoking the Black Mamba personality through a scaled shell.
- Returning for the first time in Protro form in 2020 and now 2021, this revived retro has added a Zoom Turbo unit in the forefoot, softened the heel foam, and improved traction for greater play. NBA stars like Ja Morant among others will be playing in Protro Kobe VIs over the course of this season.
- This “All-Star” red rendition was worn by Kobe Bryant in the 2011 NBA All-Star Game in his home of Los Angeles. Not only did Kobe lead the entire league in All-Star fan voting, but he also took home his fourth ASG MVP trophy by dropping 37 points and grabbing 14 rebounds all in the Staples Center.
Ivy Park x adidas Ultra Boost
- The adidas Ultra Boost was first unveiled in January 2015 at a global press event in New York City. By pairing Primeknit on the upper with full-length Boost cushioning, the German-based brand had created what they considered the ‘greatest running shoe ever.’
- In April 2019, adidas announced a partnership with Beyoncé. Beginning in 2020, official Ivy Park x adidas collaborations began to launch ranging from fashionable Forums to avant-garde outerwear.
- This Ivy Park x adidas Ultra Boost collaboration follows Maroon, Core Black, and Hi-Res Yellow variations, toned down by way of a Footwear White color code with gum bottoms.
Air Jordan 3 “Cool Grey”
- Released at retail in 1988, the Air Jordan 3 stands as perhaps the most important model in the ever-iconic Air Jordan lineage. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the shoe is said to have kept MJ at Nike after rumors that he was going to leave the brand.
- After retro releases of OG colorways in 1994, the Air Jordan 3 expanded to new colorways starting in 2001. In the years that followed, the elephant print pair had expanded to numerous new releases by way of the LS, or lifestyle, line. The “Cool Grey” colorway debuted in 2007, revising the popular palette with Sport Red branding and Orange Peel accents.
- Back for the first time, the Air Jordan 3 “Cool Grey” returns in 2021, following in the footsteps of the Air Jordan 4 “Cool Grey” which came back for the first time in 2019.
adidas Yeezy 700 V3 “Kyanite”
- 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.
- This “Kyanite” colorway appears to continue a theme of royal hued Yeezys. In recent months, the adidas Yeezy BSKTBL and QNTMN have carried similar “Frozen Blue” motifs.
- Mark Miner is said to have worked on the design of the Yeezy 700 V3 with previous creative credits including Nike Free favorites.