Back off hiatus, Sole Facts has returned!
The comeback column sees us in transition as June turns to July with plenty of summer heat. This week it’s all about basketball as brands from Nike to adidas, Jordan to Reebok, and even New Balance all roll out hardwood hitters of the retro and performance variety.
6/29
Nike Air Force 1 “Acorn”
- 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 be released in low-top form for hoops and casual wear with the latter option serving as a staple for decades to come.
- Originally released in 2002, the “Acorn” Air Force 1 Low carried an earthy palette defined by Underbrush, Light Bone, and Acorn hues on a leather and canvas upper. That same year, the Air Force 1 released in HTM Low, “Denim Swoosh” Low, “Carolina Sheed” High, “Rose” High, “West Indies” and “Puerto Rico” Lows, “Safety Orange” Mid, and “Obsidian/Columbia” Low launches to name a few.
- Look for the “Acorn” AF1s to return for a retail of $130 USD. Pairs are slated to hit SNKRS as well as accounts like Social Status and Extra Butter and shops of that tier Stateside as well as European shops like Asphaltgold, Afew, Offspring among others.
Nike Dunk High “Game Royal”
- 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 were worn on court by bright NCAA talent and sold to the public just the same.
- Upon arriving at Kentucky in 1985, Eddie Sutton switched the school from Converse to Nike due to the fact that he was paid $125,000 a year by the Swoosh to serve as a member of its board of directors. Sutton instantly introduced the Nike Dunk as the team shoe for the Wildcats. The likes of Kenny “Sky” Walker wore the “Game Royal” Dunks on court as did the rest of the Rupp Arena roster. For the rest of Sutton’s run at Rupp, the Wildcats would remain in Nike wearing the likes of the Air Force II and Air Force III. In fact, after leaving Kentucky amidst controversy in 1989, Eddie Sutton took a job with Nike in which he watched practices for Swoosh-sponsored schools before returning to coaching with Oklahoma State. When Sutton left Kentucky, Rick Pitino came in and switched the school back to Converse.
- Timing out around the exit of Rick Pitino and arrival of Tubby Smith, Kentucky would switch back to Nike in 1998, still wearing the Swoosh today. The “Kentucky” Dunk High would retro in 1999 – randomly worn on court by Cedrick Ceballos with the Mavericks – and later release in SB form in 2005 as a suede high, in 2016 as a Sportswear high, and in 2020 as a Sportswear Low.
- The “Game Royal” aka “Kentucky” Dunk High will launch for $120 USD after being previously delayed. Look for these to hit everywhere from Foot Locker to Finish Line and boutiques like Sneaker Politics. These will also be available in full family sizing.
6/30
Nike LeBron 18 “Best 10-18”
- 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.
- Likely among the last LeBron 18 launches, this pair ups the “What the” ante by pulling classic colorways from LeBron signatures 10 through 18. Notable highlights include the roses from the “Kith” LeBron 15, translucent lion lace lock from the LeBron 13, and also purple BattleKnit with orange laces likened to the “Martin” LeBron 16s.
- Following the 1-9 makeup, this pair will retail for $200 and release online at Nike as well as select Nike Basketball retailers.
Reebok Question Low “Footwear White”
- The Reebok Question debuted in 1996 as the first signature shoe for #1 Pick Allen Iverson. Designed by Scott Hewett, the shoe was drafted during Iverson’s days at Georgetown and in many ways inspired by AI’s love for the Air Jordan 11.
- The Reebok Question Low did not debut at retail until 1999. For years, the mid and the high remained on the market and were hits all across the country. This “White Ice” take has been seen in similar styling via the White/Silver Lows in ‘02, a scaly toe with smokey sole low top take in ‘07, the “White Collection” Low in ‘13, and almost identical “Write Your Own Story” Mid in ‘20.
- These will retail at $120 a pair, releasing online at Reebok as well as Foot Inc retailers.
7/1
Air Jordan 6 “Gold Hoops”
- 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.
- Inspired by earrings, this ladies launch carries a White/Sail/Metallic Gold/Barely Rose palette produced with tumbled leather. A milky outsole and thematic hardware close out this colorway.
- Look for these to release in women’s sizes at select Jordan Brand accounts for $190.
LEGO x adidas Superstar
- The adidas Superstar was born as a basketball shoe in 1969. At one point in the 1970s, over 75% of the NBA was playing in the shoe. By the 1980s, the model was a staple of street culture thanks to its rich history and renowned rebranding by Run-DMC.
- Made to be a model, not to be worn, this LEGO collaboration is composed entirely out of bricks save the laces, in the original colorway of the Superstar.
- Set to retail at $90, this scale to a men’s US 7.5 model will be available at adidas.
New Balance KAWHI “New Money”
- The New Balance KAWHI is the first official signature sneaker for Kawhi Leonard as a member of the brand. This mid-top performance pair follows the OMN1S which served as New Balance’s re-introduction to modern basketball.
- This “New Money” colorway comes on the heels of the “Money Stack” OMN1S that also drew inspiration from the latest edition of the $100 bill. Kawhi wore this pair on court against the Utah Jazz in Game 3 of the Second Round, also breaking them out against the Jazz in the regular season.
- Priced at $160, the “New Money” KAWHI will be released at New Balance, Foot Locker, Finish Line, and JD Sports.
7/3
Air Jordan 4 “White Oreo”
- The Air Jordan 4 was released in 1989 and was worn on court by Michael Jordan to finish the 1988-89 NBA Season and to begin the 1989-90 NBA Season. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 4 was famed for its implementation of visible mesh, Air cushioning, and Flight script tongue.
- This new “White Oreo” colorway references the “Oreo” makeup introduced in 1999. Like its predecessor, an embroidered Jumpman appears on the tongue instead of the famous Flight script. The tonal upper, once black, is now white tumbled leather with cement accents appearing on the midsole and eyelets.
- After previous delays, these will release for $190 USD in men’s scaling followed by full-family sizing at most Jordan Brand retailers.