2021 is in full effect but the world is yet to return back to normal. Nevertheless, the sneaker drops continue.
While the week after this one will likely serve as one of the hottest launch periods of the entire year, the days upon us are peppered with plenty of sought after sneakers. From a trio of Dunk drops sized for the ladies to new looks on retro Jordans, lots of launches are arriving that should actually be accessible.
What’s hitting this week and why does it matter? Get all the intel in the latest installment of Sole Facts.
2/2
atmos x adidas “Setsubun” Collection
- Tokyo-based boutique atmos teams up with adidas for “Setsubun” styled takes on the archival ZX 8000 and fusion ZX 2K Boost.
- Setsubun is a seasonal holiday in the Japanese culture that celebrates the first day of spring. Rituals include the tossing of soybeans as a symbolization of throwing out the bad spirits of the previous year as a means to open the door for good fortune to enter the new year.
- Over the years, atmos and adidas have aligned on a variety of collaborations spanning ZXs, Superstars, NMDs and more.
2/3
Nike LeBron 18 Low
- The Nike LeBron 18 Low is the latest below ankle iteration of the flagship signature franchise from Nike and LeBron James. Its mid top counterpart – the Nike LeBron 18 – was debuted in the NBA Bubble by LeBron James, worn during the Lakers’ 2020 Championship run and has remained in rotation during their 2020-21 title defense.
- This low top look differs largely from the mid proper in aesthetics and composition. Somewhat stripped, knit construction is removed from the upper as are Air Max units in the tongue in favor of what looks like ripstop nylon. Welded overlays reference the current DIY trend while the 18’s Air Max meets Zoom Air sole is carried over in translucent fashion with a more protruding heel outrigger.
- For reference, every Nike LeBron model has seen a low top counterpart release with the exception of the Foamposite clad Nike Zoom LeBron IV.
2/4
AMBUSH x Nike Dunk High “Active Fuchsia”
- The AMBUSH x Nike Dunk High is Yooh Ahn’s interpretation on the trending ‘80s hoop silhouette. This collaboration debuted at New York Fashion Week in February 2020, though Yoon notes the project began a year prior. This “Active Fuchsia” style is denoted by bold, elongated branding and TPU tooling on the heel, following the Black/White launch from December 2020.
- AMBUSH, founded by Yoon and her husband Verbal of Teriyaki Boyz fame, came to notoriety in the late 2000’s by way of their infamous POW! chains often worn by Big Sean, Kid Cudi, Kanye West, Don C and others. Always a favorite of the influential, Zendaya donned the Black/White AMBUSH Dunks on the December/January cover of ELLE magazine.
- AMBUSH has also collaborated with Nike on their Zoom Flight Glove-inspired Air 180 and with Converse on a range of fuzzy Chuck Taylors and rubber boots based on the original Pro Leather and CT.
Nike Dunk High “Football Grey” (US, Europe)
- The Nike Dunk High “Football Grey” leans all the way into the vintage vibes that represent one current of the recent Dunk craze. This lifestyle launch is based in basketball by its build and two-tone palette, but goes left with a color combo tied to no team.
- A women’s only release, the “Football Grey” pair is contrasted by sail – rather than white – for an aged aesthetic and added opulence. The quoted color by contrast is also a hue bender, landing somewhere between eggshell blue and flat silver. In many ways, this style is similar to the “Neutral Grey” VNTG Dunks that dropped in ‘08.
- For those keeping track at home, women’s exclusive Dunk Highs have been seen recently by way of the “Varsity Purple” pair and the aforementioned AMBUSH collaborations.
Nike Dunk Low “UCLA” (US, Europe, Asia)
- Originally, 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.
2/5
adidas Harden Vol 5
- Newly acquired Brooklyn Net, James Harden, sees his latest signature shoe in the form of the adidas Harden Vol 5. Said to be designed by Jalal Enayah, who is credited for the Jordan Why Not Zer0.2, the Harden Vol 5 carries a similar design language distinguished by sharp color contrast and off-kilter overlays.
- Like previous Harden signatures, Boost cushioning is present. On the Harden Vol 5, Lightstrike technology is also used in the midsole. All attributes are fused by Futurenatural innovation for a snug and seamless fit.
- Currently, adidas Basketball offers signature shoes for the likes of James Harden, Damian Lillard, Derrick Rose, and Donovan Mitchell. Trae Young is slated to get his first signature shoe from adidas in Fall 2021.
2/6
Nike Air Force 1 Low “Valentine’s Day”
- 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 release in low top form for hoops and casual wear with the latter option serving as a staple for decades to come.
- This “Valentine’s Day” drop is the latest in a long line of Swoosh sneakers celebrating the harmonious holiday. Numerous Air Force 1 launches have seen heartfelt tributes to February 14th, as have a number of Air Maxes and Dunks.
- Though simple in styling, timely contrast appears in the form of sail soles and matching branding. Heart-shaped heel stamping sticks the on-the-nose inspiration while harkening the history of how and where famous themed Air Forces 1s were often denoted.
Nike Dunk High “Dark Russet” (EU & Asia)
- 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 “Dark Russet” colorway falls into the lifestyle category as a Nike Sportswear release.
- The “Dark Russet” Dunk High sees the latest installment of a relatively new color story for the Swoosh. In recent years, the Nike SB Dunk Low, Nike Air Max 90, Nike Air Max 97 and other classics have taken on this auburn hue.
- Originally, the Nike Dunk High “Dark Russet” was said to be an Asia exclusive with atmos having received early pairs. A week after its initial arrival, pairs are said to be arriving in Europe and other Asia retailers. Rumor has it these will eventually reach the US this spring but that notion is unconfirmed at this time.
Air Jordan 12 Low “Super Bowl”
- The Air Jordan 12 debuted in the Fall of 1996. Worn by Michael Jordan while defending his fourth title and winning his fifth ring, the Tinker Hatfield design was a durable departure from the flashy Air Jordan 11 and sought design inspiration from high heels and Japan’s Rising Sun flag.
- Originally, the Air Jordan 12 did not release as a low top. Rather, the shoe saw a below ankle update in retro life beginning at retail in 2004. Jordan Brand athletes like Mike Bibby and Derek Anderson were famous for wearing the Air Jordan 12 Low on the court.
- This “Super Bowl” style celebrates the sports spectacular’s 2020 home of Tampa Bay. Barring a mix of host city team tones and “Flu Game” blocking, the Air Jordan 12 actually crossed over as a football cleat years ago with a retail release in 2003. Also tied to Tampa Bay and the gridiron, Jordan Brand athlete Warren Sapp was well known for playing in AJ12 cleats as a member of the Bucs.
Air Jordan 5 “Anthracite”
- In 1990 at All-Star Weekend in Miami, Michael Jordan debuted the Air Jordan 5. Wearing it through the back half of the 1989-90 NBA season and to open the 1990-91 NBA season, the Tinker Hatfield design was famous for its fighter jet inspiration, translucent outsole and overstated tongue.
- The “Anthracite” Air Jordan 5 is an all-new look for the archival model, made unique by its unorthodox use of mixed materials. Rather than wear a singular swatch on the upper, the Air Jordan 5’s signature finishes are inverted with 3M accents appearing on the eyelet and sidewall tooling while contrasting textiles are juxtaposed on the upper.
- Varying shades of grey have appeared on the Air Jordan 5 many times, famously seen on the “Wolf Grey,” “Green Bean” and “Bel-Air” installments among others.
2/8
CLOT x Air Jordan 14 Low
- Released during Michael Jordan’s second retirement from the NBA, the Air Jordan 14 Low debuted in June of 1999. Like previous pairs, Tinker Hatfield designed this AJ signature finding inspiration from MJ’s favored Ferrari.
- The CLOT x Air Jordan 14 Low carries over the same “Terracotta” colorway introduced in 2018 on CLOT’s Air Jordan 13 Low collaboration. This sandy style updates the ribbed rendition of the AJ 14 Low, adding embroidery and embossing to each panel while removing the original stitchwork.
- This CLOT collab will release first on 2/8 through JUICE platforms, followed by a wider release at select worldwide accounts.
CLOT x Air Jordan 35
- 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.
- Chinese Jade appears on the Eclipse Plate of this CLOT collab, serving as the latest third-party foray for the on-court Air Jordan 35. Recently, the likes of Fragment and TITAN have launched their own takes on the AJ 35.
- Much like their 14 Low launch, this CLOT collab will release first on 2/8 through JUICE platforms, followed by a wider release at select worldwide accounts.