by Ian Stonebrook
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2021 is off and rolling. As alluded, the start of the year was all about introducing new storylines from big brands while consumers recouped cash from holiday spending. Ending the first month and starting the second, drops are already coming at fever pitch.
This week, we see January ending and February beginning. Trends from 2020 continue as New Balance brings out another coveted collab and the Dunk drops keep piling up. Aside from that, performance basketball has a major moment with a slew of signatures and Nike Sportswear comes through with some surprising nostalgia.
See what’s dropping and why it matters in the latest Sole Facts.
1/26
Salehe Bembury x ANTA SB-01 and SB-02
- Salehe Bembury and ANTA are opening the new year with the release of their collaborative SB-01 and SB-02 models. The SB-01 is high top and convertible in nature with the inner-bootie being a removable/wearable shoe itself and the SB-02 is a low top with a similar circular design language.
- The circular design language and criss-cross soles are actually inspired by bird’s nests that Bembury would see on his daily hikes. Both the SB-01 and SB-02 are set to release in a range of colorways that span earthy, neutral and pastel hues.
- Launching online at Bembury’s Spunge webstore, the SB-01 retails at $120 with the SB-02 coming in at $90.
1/27
FACETASM x Jordan Why Not Zer0.4
- The Jordan Why Not Zer0.4 is the latest signature shoe for Russell Westbrook and his first as a member of the Washington Wizards.
- Like previous Westbrook signatures, the shoe is defined in performance by an aggressive sole stacked with Zoom Air cushioning and top-notch traction. Up top, patchwork ethos and cut-sew overlays reflect Russ’s wild fashion sense.
- This FACETASM collab pairs The Brodie with the Japanese fashion brand on both footwear and apparel items. FACETASM founder Hiromichi Ochiai met Westbrook during one of his Asia tours in recent years, channeling the point guard’s ‘Why Not’ mantra in design direction.
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.
Nike Air Max 90 “Hot Coral”
- 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.
- The Nike Air Max 90 “Hot Coral” is actually an original take from 1990. As Complex points out, close comps like the “Sunburst” style from 2008 have been released in the past.
- Like the original launch from 1990, this pair is returning in women’s sizing.
1/28
J Cole x PUMA Dreamer 2 “January 28th”
- J Cole receives his second signature basketball shoe in the form of the J Cole x PUMA Dreamer 2. Higher in cut than the original, the performance model pulls from brand DNA in composition and Dreamville label nods in naming.
- The first colorway of the second signature from J Cole and PUMA is “January 28” as a reference to the second track on his acclaimed 2014 Forest Hills Drive album. As a promotion, J Cole recreated the album cover art by sitting atop his childhood home of the same address in the aptly nicknamed shoes.
- Pairs are slated to launch appropriately on January 28th – J Cole’s birthday – online at PUMA and also at Foot Locker for $135.
Nike Dunk High “Russet” (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 “Russet” colorway falls into the lifestyle category as a Nike Sportswear release.
- The “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 the auburn hue.
- At the moment, the Nike Dunk High “Russet” is said to be an Asia exclusive with atmos having received pairs. Rumor has it these will eventually reach the US this spring but that notion is unconfirmed at this time.
Nike Dunk Low “Medium Curry”
- 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 “Medium Curry” serving as a Nike Sportswear drop.
- This “Medium Curry” colorway departs from OG Be True To Your School styles by electing earthy suede styling as opposed to varsity hues expressed in leather.
- In the past, the Nike Dunk Low released in “Curry” and “Reverse Curry” iterations in 1999 via co.jp availability. Years later, “Medium Curry” Dunk Highs dropped in 2003 with Premium tagging and an all-leather build. To many, “Curry” is commonly associated with Nike Air Max 1, Air Max 90, Air Max 95, and Trainer SC releases.
adidas Ultraboost 2021
- The adidas Ultra Boost 2021 is the latest iteration of the famed Three Stripe running line. Original ingredients of Primeknit composition and Boost cushioning return, amped up by 50% Parley Ocean Plastic throughout the upper and 6% more Boost on the sole.
- This performance pair also sees innovation in the form of the Linear Energy Push torsion system. Because of this, the Ultra Boost 2021 is said to have less forefoot flex and greater response.
- The 1/28 releases pictured above both pay homage to past Boost colorways by way of the famed “Solar Yellow” adidas Ultra Boost 1.0 and the original adidas Energy Boost.
1/29
Patta x New Balance 991
- The New Balance 991 first released in 2001 with intentions in performance running. Over the course of the 2010s, the 991 reached a heritage focused audience by way of Made in the USA and Made in England exclusives as well as a wide range of lauded collaborations.
- This Patta pairing makes the most of the lush materials and world-class comfort New Balance is known for. ABZORB cushioning is present in the midsole, met by buttery cork overlays and an almost olive light petrol mesh base. Dual branding seals the deal, denoted most famously by the 3M “N” and accented by embroidery calling out the Amsterdam outfitter.
- Patta is a Dutch streetwear brand and boutique founded in 2004. Over the course of their run, Patta has collaborated with the likes of New Balance, Nike, ASICS, Reebok, adidas, Jordan Brand and others.
Nike Kyrie 7 “Rayguns”
- The Nike Kyrie 7 is the latest signature shoe for Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving. Designed by Ben Nethongkome, the Kyrie 7 features Zoom Turbo cushioning and is listed as lighter than the Kyrie 6. This “Rayguns” rendition is the latest part of a pack of footwear and apparel that spans Nike Basketball, Nike Sportswear and Converse.
- The Roswell Rayguns are a fictional basketball franchise birthed by Nike ads from the early 2000s. ABA in influence and hailing from New Mexico, their uniform ethos played upon UFO inspiration and ’70s style. In an array of TV advertisements, NBA athletes such as Vince Carter, Jerry Stackhouse, Paul Pierce, Jason Williams, Baron Davis and Jermaine O’Neal appeared as did musical icons such as Bootsy Collins, George Clinton and Snoop Dogg.
- Previously, the Rayguns theme has played guest on the SB Dunk Low and various Kyrie PEs and releases. Similarly, Nike’s “Area 72” collection for the 2013 NBA All-Star Game was loosely based on Raygun folklore, bridging the gap between the vintage comic logo and the previous 2012 “Galaxy” collection.
Nike LeBron 18 “Dunkman”
- The Nike LeBron 18 is the latest signature shoe for LeBron James. Designed by Jason Petrie, James debuted the 18 in the NBA Bubble on the way to his fourth NBA championship.
- Like previous LeBron signature models, Air and Knit are used in a major way with both Max Air and Zoom Air scoring the underfoot, a new knit all-over the upper inspired by previous pairs and Max Air units across the tongue.
- This “Dunkman” drop revives the classic colorway denoted by Electric Green accents. In the past, the “Dunkman” theme has appeared famously on the LeBron II, LeBron V, LeBron VII and an array of others.
Jaden Smith x New Balance Vision Racer
- New Balance and Jaden Smith combined in 2020 for the debut of the Vision Racer collaboration. A signature silo for Smith, the Vision Racer is sustainable and vegan-friendly. It is also said to be based on his love of New Balance’s 1700 and X-Racer models.
- Both Black/Pink and White/Pink releases share common threads of blanked out bases, brought to life by neon text around the upper and icy blue sole styling.
- Since its inception, the Jaden Smith x New Balance Vision Racer has received headlines. Famously, the brand and artist/activist delayed the release of the “Wavy White” rendition to focus their energy on voter registration.
Air Jordan 1 High Zoom Air CMFT “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 program. It’s reported that the deal will extend until at least 2022.
1/30
Maison Margiela x Reebok Classic Leather Tabi “Bianchetto”
- Acclaimed fashion house Maison Margiela and sportswear supplier Reebok come together on the “Bianchetto” Classic Leather Tabi. As expressed, the collaboration takes Reebok’s aptly titled Classic Leather silo and updates it with the split toe styling showcased on Maison Margiela’s 1989 Tabi model.
- The chip-away white painted aesthetic – denoted by the “Bianchetto” nickname – parallels that of Maison Margiela’s 2013 collaboration on the Converse First String Chuck Taylor. For reference, Maison Margiela also worked with Reebok in 2020 on the Tabi Instapump Fury.
- This collaboration is set to retail for $350 USD, releasing online at both Reebok and Maison Margiela’s web stores on 1/30.
1/31
adidas Yeezy Boost 700 V2 “Cream”
- Arriving at the end of 2018, the adidas Yeezy 700 V2 offered an updated aesthetic to the dad shoe style showcased on the Yeezy 700 V1. Carrying over the 700 V1 sole and updating the upper with flatter branding and a bulkier build, the V2 leaned even further into the normcore stance seen throughout the 700 series.
- This “Cream” colorway is strikingly similar to that of the “Static” style dropped in December 2018. White and silver share co-star duties on the mesh and reflective upper, with cream overlays adding depth and contrast.
- Like the “Sun” 700 V1, the “Cream” 700 V2 are said to introduce a price drop from $300 to $240.
Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Chinese New Year”
- Peter Moore’s transcendent Air Jordan 1 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.
- This “Chinese New Year” take on the Air Jordan 1 Low is inspired in blocking by the original “Banned” AJ1 High. Playing to thematics, Year of the Ox motifs come to life by way of Jacquard fabric and gold foil detailing. A removable bracelet and collectible card cap off this celebratory release.
- Last year, an Air Jordan 1 Low also released to celebrate Chinese New Year, drawing design cues from the Year of the Rat and made up with graphic detailing and mismatched paneling.
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 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.
2/1
adidas T-MAC 2 Restomod
- Tracy McGrady’s second signature, 2003’s adidas T-Mac 2, is on the comeback trail by way of the adidas T-Mac 2 Restomod. Seen in original White/Blue styling, this 2021 release sports the same branding and blocking as the OG pair worn by McGrady as a member of the Orlando Magic.
- The term Restomod is new for footwear but 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 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.
Images via adidas, ANTA, New Balance Nike, Reebok