The year is young, but we’re already hitting a high point in the second week of the second month.
In fact, this week we’re treated to an absurd amount of heat: an OG Air Jordan 1 that’s never been retro’d, a cult classic Air Force 1 from 20 years ago, and a storied signature from Ken Griffey Jr. all return in the next seven days — and that’s not even mentioning a remastered ‘90s Air Jordan, two CLOT collabs and a dope pair of Dunks.
Yes, this week has plenty of heat and plenty of history. Get all the details in the latest Sole Facts.
2/8
Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% “Kipchoge”
- Kenya flag inspiration dresses this pair that celebrates renowned racer Eliud Kipchoge. Nods to the runner’s sub two-hour marathon stamp the heel as do his initials.
- Retailing at a steep $275, pairs will hit Nike Store on 2/8 following fall 2020 exclusive launches tied to Kipchoge’s race day and birthday.
adidas Yeezy 500 High
- Famous for finding itself as the first adidas Yeezy without Boost, the adidas Yeezy 500 features adiPrene+ cushioning and lifts the Feet You Wear sole seen on Kobe Bryant’s 1999 signature shoe, the adidas KB8 III. Since its underneath the ankle arrival, the Yeezy 500 has expanded to a range of boot-like Yeezy 500 High releases.
- Both a grey leaning “Mist” makeup and a tan titled “Wakaran” colorway of the 500 High are slated to hit stores on 2/8. Each pair packs a mix of suede and nylon on the upper, sharply contrasted by a mudguard in the most literal sense and illuminated by 3M piping.
- Both pairs are priced at $220 and will release at select retailers in the US and Europe.
2/10
Air Jordan 1 High 85 “Neutral Grey”
- 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.
- Never before retroed, the “Neutral Grey” colorway of the Air Jordan 1 High is an original that dates back to 1985. While Michael Jordan never wore this take on the Air Jordan 1 in an NBA game, he did lace the pair on the sideline.
- Applying the 1985 construction introduced the “New Beginnings” AJ1 last year and priced at $200, it is reported that only 23,000 pairs will be made available to the public though they are not numbered.
2/11
Nike Air Foamposite One “All-Star”
- Designed by Eric Avar, the Nike Air Foamposite One debuted in 1997. Branded as a signature shoe for Penny Hardaway, the truly disruptive model reimagined the future of footwear and released between Hardaway’s namesake Air Penny 2 and Air Penny 3 models.
- This “All-Star” colorway carries a glossy black upper with tonal trim. A Barely Green outsole adds stark contrast, with white branding matching white lining. Lastly, thematic heel tagging replaces that of the standard 1 Cent logo, instead paying homage to 2021 All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis which has been rescheduled and relocated.
- While Penny Hardaway debuted the OG Foamposite One months after All-Star Weekend in 1997, the synthetic sneakers have been tied to the mid-season classic in its retro life as seen by the 2012 “Galaxy” launch and 2015’s silver “All-Star” style for NYC.
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 warrior inspiration 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 first released on 2/8 through JUICE platforms, but is now launching 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 inspiration appears on the Eclipse Plate 2.0 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.
- This CLOT collab first released on 2/8 through JUICE platforms, but is now launching at select worldwide accounts.
Nike Air Force 1 B “3M Snake”
- 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 “3M Snake” style is an archival bringback hailing from 2001. A co.jp release at that time, this colorway was a neck breaker thanks to its reflective silver 3M panels and wild snakeskin Swoosh.
- In recent years, coveted co.jp Nikes have returned to include the “Wheat/Mocha” Air Force 1 Lows, “Plum” Dunk Lows, and “Metallic Silver” Jordan 1 Highs. By definition, co.jp stands for “Concept Japan” and represents the small-batch SKUs of the early 2000s curated out East by Marcus Tayui and eventual atmos founder Himmyo Hidefumi.
Nike Dunk Low “Hyper Cobalt”
- 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.
2/12
Stussy x Nike Air Huarache
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Nike Air Foamposite Pro “Volt”
- The Nike Air Foamposite Pro debuted in 1997 alongside the famous Nike Air Foamposite One. Synthetic in styling, the liquid molded Pros differed from Penny’s Foamposite One by bearing a Swoosh on the sidewall and no 1 Cent branding.
- When released in 1997, the Foamposite Pro was best known for its “Pearl” colorway. At the time, the Foamposite Pro retailed at $170 a pair while the Foamposite One was listed at $180.
- In 2014, the Foamposite Pro was released in “Volt” for the first time. This 2021 retro release is the first time this bright tonal take has returned. Doused in the neon hue, black on the carbon fiber, tongue trim and heel embroidery offer the only contrast.
adidas T-MAC 2 EVO “All-Star”
- Tracy McGrady’s second signature, 2003’s adidas T-Mac 2, is on the comeback trail by way of the adidas T-Mac 2 EVO. Seen in original Red/Silver and Blue/Silver styling, this 2021 release sports the same branding and blocking as the OG pairs worn by McGrady as a member of the Orlando Magic and East All-Stars.
- Early on branding for this T-Mac revamp has gone by both EVO and the term Restomod. While Restomod is new for footwear, it derives from the car collecting world as a means of restoring classic cars with new performance parts — essentially the same principles used to define Nike’s Kobe Protro line. Appearing to be updated for modern performance needs, the EVO or Restomod T-Mac 2 sees Bounce branding on the feather midsole rather than adiPrene notation on that of the OG.
- Previously, adidas has revived the Tracy McGrady signature line by way of 2018’s T-Mac Millenium and 2011’s Return of the Mac.
2/13
Air Jordan 6 “Carmine”
- Michael Jordan debuted the Air Jordan 6 at 1991 All-Star Weekend in Charlotte. Worn by Jordan from that exhibition event all the way until the same festivities in 1992, the Tinker Hatfield design carried MJ famously to his first-ever NBA Championship.
- The “Carmine” colorway was worn by Jordan on court for the front half of the 1991-92 NBA Season as Jordan defended his first title. Unlike other OG Air Jordan 6s, the “Carmine” colorway sported two-tone styling on the upper and black contrast on the midsole.
- First released in 1991, the “Carmine” Air Jordan 6 has returned in 2008 as one-half of a Countdown Pack and once more on its lonesome in 2014. This 2021 retro release is the first “Carmine” 6 since 1991 to sport Nike Air branding.
Nike Air Max 90 “Valentine’s Day”
- Released appropriately in 1990, the Nike Air Max 90 also known as the Air Max III was yet another breakthrough from the touted Tinker Hatfield. The performance running shoe featured sturdier ethos introduced on the pivotal Air Max 1 to include TPU support, a sloped stance, and a larger Air unit.
- Dressed and blessed in pink, white and red, the calling card for this holiday sneaker is snap branding on the tongue that represents a love letter between the wearer and the shoes.
- This pair is set to launch in women’s sizes on 2/13 on the SNKRS App for $140.
2/15
New Balance 990v5 “My Story Matters”
- Debuting in 2019, the New Balance 990v5 is the latest iteration of the high-priced performance 990 running line originally launched in 1982. Almost identical to the very popular 990v4, this fifth-generation model doubles down on its dad shoe steeze by adding a TPU power strap on the upper for added support.
- Headlining the “My Story Matters” brand campaign for Black History Month, this pair pulls from gospel choir robes in inspiration and was designed entirely by Black members of the New Balance team.
- Launching online at New Balance and Foot Locker, look for these to retail at $180.
New Balance 574 “My Story Matters”
- 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.
- For Black History Month, the “My Story Matters” campaign references Sunday service attire in tones. From design details to project photography, Black members of New Balance’s team were entirely involved in the creation.
- This pair will retail for $90 online at New Balance and Foot Locker.
Nike Air Griffey Max 1 “Freshwater”
- The Nike Air Griffey Max 1 first released in 1996 as the debut signature shoe for baseball All-Star Ken Griffey Jr. Designed by Tracy Teague, the shoe was worn by Griffey in both trainer and cleated form.
- The famous “Freshwater” colorway was an OG launch for the Griffey Max 1. On TV, the shoe played an integral part in the comedic “Griffey in ‘96” ad campaign which placed Junior as a presidential candidate. The ads saw cameos from George Clinton, Reggie Jackson, and James Carville.
- Since debuting in 1996, the White/Black-Freshwater colorway has returned in 2009 and 2016.
Nike Air Max 95 NDSTRKT
- Nike designer Sergio Lozano made the leap from ACG and tennis to that of running with the task of the Air Max 95. Lozano’s lens on the annual Air Max was a departure from previous pairs as Nike Running wanted to bring in new blood and take a risk.
- New for 2021, the Nike Air Max NDSTRKT is yet another evolved take on the mid-’90s classic. Both deconstructed and reconstructed for an ‘indestructible’ update, the NDSTRKT name references a bold line of basketball introduced by Nike in the same era led by Dennis Rodman. Like Rodman, the shoes were meant to be wild and tough.
- This left turn on the Air Max 95 sheds its infamous gradient upper and instead exposes the eye stays in elongated fashion to further tell the story of the shoe’s ‘rib cage’ inspiration. For added edge and protection, a TPU shell wraps around the upper and toe box to take on the elements.
Nike Air Max2 CB 94
- 1994’s Nike Air Max2 CB 94 was a transcendent signature shoe for NBA All-Star Charles Barkley. Designed by Tracy Teague, this truly iconic model made the most of Barkley’s wild personality by drawing creative inspiration from a straightjacket.
- This OG “Cobalt” or “Old Royal” colorway was worn by Barkley in the 1995 NBA All-Star Game. Hosted in Barkley’s then home of Phoenix, Sir Charles started the midseason classic in which the West won. Barkley did his part, dropping 15 points and grabbing nine boards.
- A rarity of the regularly released CB 94 OG colorways, this pair last returned in 2015 — the only other time it has returned to retail.
Nike GO FlyEase
- Serving as the first hands-free sneaker from the Swoosh, the Nike GO FlyEase introduces an origami upper designed to be stepped into and kicked off without lifting a finger. A Kickstand Heel and Diving Board Footbed provide effortless entry and exit for all on the move.
- The footprints of FlyEase technology date back to 2012 when young athlete Matthew Walzer asked Nike to make shoes that didn’t need tying due to his condition of Cerebral Palsy. Working with Tobie Hatfield, brother of Tinker and long-time Nike designer, the two created FlyEase technology for Waltzer to weartest. By 2015, it was introduced to the market and has updated Air Jordans, LeBrons and more ever since.
- Retailing for $120, the Nike GO FlyEase will first launch on 2/15 for Nike members, later releasing in wider fashion and presumably more colorways.