After a slow first week of July, the summer heat is here for the latest Sole Facts.
With the long-awaited launch of Space Jam: A New Legacy taking place, there are plenty of pairs tied to the cinematic sequel. In addition, we see new yet familiar takes on classic kicks like the Nike Air Max 97 and Air Jordan 1.
See what’s dropping this week in the Sole Facts below.
7/13
Nike ISPA Flow
Image via Hypebeast
- Crafted with all-day wear and extreme sports athletes in mind, the Nike ISPA Flow debuted in 2020 as a weight-shaving sneaker. The stripped-down sneaker is made from a mono mesh upper, allowing air to keep the foot cool in breezy fashion.
- First launched in 2018, ISPA stands for Improvise. Scavenge. Protect. Adapt. The line has created all-new models such as the Zoom Road Warrior as well as popular updates to the Air Max 720.
- Both “Pure Platinum” & “Desert Sand” colorways bring the ISPA Flow into 2021, retailing for $180 and set to release online at Nike.
7/14
Nike Air Max 90 “Legacy”
Image via Nike
- 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.
- This patchwork pair is composed of scraps that would’ve otherwise gone to waste, adding a sustainable story to that of the revered retro runner.
- Launching in ladies sizing, the “Legacy” Air Max 90 will retail for $140 at Nike in both the US and Europe.
USPS x Nike Air Force 1 Low
Image via Nike
- 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.
- The subject of controversy, the USPS x Nike Air Force 1 Low was almost blocked by the Postal Service due to lack of licensing. Thankfully for fans, the two parties reached an agreement and the thematic Forces will launch to the public.
- The USPS x Nike Air Force 1 Low is releasing for $130 on SNKRS and at Nike Store.
7/15
Patta x Vans Vault “Mean Eyed Cat” Collection
Image via Patta and Vans
- The Vans Old Skool, originally released as the Style 36 in 1977, is a staple skate shoe from the California brand. While it’s taken to many makeovers, the shoe is commonly seen in canvas with a blunt sidewall stripe and waffle sole.
- First released in 1978 as the Vans Style 38, the Vans Sk8-Hi was introduced as a high-top alternative to that of the Style 36. Canvas construction and waffle sole are the standard, often taking to lux materials when released in LX or Vault fashion.
- Together again, the Patta x Vans Vault “Mean Eyed Cat” Collection returns the theme previously seen in 2015 and 2017. This seven shoe set will arrive at select Vault accounts across the world.
Nike Air Max 97 “Purple Bullet”
Image via Nike
- The Nike Air Max 97 was designed by Christian Tesser, inspired by the radiating ripple effect of water. Tesser, now at YEEZY, is also credited with the Nike Zoom Spiridon, Reebok Aztrek, Nike Air Max Light III and other models residing in running and soccer.
- This “Purple Bullet” pair is a flip on the iconic and original “Silver Bullet” style, flipping the standard red branding in favor of a concord color. The foundational favorite has been revised many times, including Swavorski crystal construction and modern updates such as Hyperfuse and VaporMax tooling.
- Retailing for $170, this Air Max 97 will be released online at Nike as well as retailers like Finish Line, Foot Locker and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
7/16
Nike KD 14 “Multicolor”
Image via Nike
- The Nike KD 14 serves as the latest signature shoe for Brooklyn Nets All-Star forward Kevin Durant. Returning a swooping midfoot strap, notably seen on the KD II, KD IV and KD 7, the line continues to carry a chukka cut as seen on KDs 11 through 13.
- A full-length Zoom Air strobel follows the use of Zoom Air as seen on the KD 12 and KD 13, being presented in a fashion similar to recent Paul George signatures. Pronounced tongue branding recalls that of the KD III, KD V, KD 7 and KD 8, also amplified on many KD Trey 5 models.
- This “Multicolor” makeup is set to sail with aqua and rose accents, arriving at select Nike Basketball retailers for $150.
Space Jam: A New Legacy x Nike Air Force 1 Low “Hare” & “Computer Chip”
Image via Nike
- Debuted in 1982, the Nike Air Force 1 broke the mold as the brand’s basketball introduction to Air. Designed by Bruce Kilgore, the high cut hoops shoe would outfit top talent in the NBA, NCAA and the streets. By 1983, the shoe would be released in low top form for hoops and casual wear with the latter option serving as a staple for decades to come.
- Celebrating Space Jam: A New Legacy, new “Hare” and “Computer Chip” colorways contrast the movie’s throwback Looney Tune roots with the modern tech matrix that houses the sequel.
- Both “Hare” and “Computer Chip” colorways will be released in full family sizing, starting at $120 and scaled down to $60 for infants and toddlers.
Space Jam: A New Legacy x Nike LeBron 18 Low “Bugs Bunny & Marvin the Martian,” “Lola Bunny,” “Sylvester & Tweety” & “Wile E. Coyote x Roadrunner”
Image via Nike
- The Nike LeBron 18 Low is the latest below ankle iteration of the flagship signature franchise from Nike and LeBron James. Unlike the midtop makeup, new Knits take a holiday on the upper while the 18’s Air Max meets Zoom Air sole is carried over in translucent fashion with a more protruding heel outrigger.
- Worn often on court by LeBron James over the course of the 2020-21 NBA Season, the model makes its cinematic crossover with a slew of colorways inspired by Space Jam: A New Legacy.
- All four colorways will be released on SNKRS and at select Nike Basketball accounts. The “Lola Bunny” take starts in GS sizes while the other pairs will be produced in adult and full family sizing.
Space Jam: A New Legacy x Converse Chuck Taylor & Converse Chuck 70
Image via Nike / Converse
- 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.
- Celebrating Space Jam: A New Legacy, the foundational Chuck Taylor will release in vintage 70 form with chenille patchwork as well as inline form with graphic nods to the new movie.
- Launching in adult sizes, the Chuck 70 will retail for $120 while the Chuck Taylor will go for $90.
adidas Dame 7 “Opponent Advisory”
Image via adidas
- The adidas Dame 7 is the signature shoe for Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard. Backed by Lightstrike foam for cushioning and featuring a mostly mesh upper, the shoe was worn for the better part of the 2020-21 NBA season by Lillard.
- Playing to Dame’s rap career, this “Opponent Advisory” makeup bridges the gap between the labeling put on explicit albums and his raw persona on court.
- This Dame 7 will release for $110 online at adidas.
7/17
Air Jordan 1 High “Electro Orange”
Image via Nike
- 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.
- Somewhat a spiritual successor to the “Shattered Backboard” series, the “Electro Orange” Air Jordan 1 carries the same shades and silo as the popular pairs that tell the tale of MJ breaking a hoop in an international exhibition.
- This AJ1 High will retail for $190 and release at select Jordan Brand retailers.
