This week’s roster of releases might be the most diverse we’ve seen this year.
For the latest installment of Sole Facts, we find an archival Air Jordan go golfing, Casablanca collabs with New Balance, an all-new adidas Yeezy, and Supreme dropping a quartet of SB Dunks.
What has history and what details determine why you may want to pick up or pass on each drop? Find out below in the latest Sole Facts.
3/3
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 was set to launch in women’s sizes on 2/13 on the SNKRS App for $140, but had since been pushed.
3/4
The Whitaker Group x Nike Waffle One
- The Nike Waffle One is a new Sportswear model for 2021 inspired by the original Waffle Racer and the success of recent releases from UNDERCOVER and sacai. This collaboration with The Whitaker Group is object dyed, offering imperfect contrast from pair to pair.
- Led by James Whitner, The Whitaker Group is a hospitality conglomerate that is home to boutiques such as Social Status and A Ma Maniere. James’ acumen for business, eye for fashion and heart for change has his stores serving as community leaders in the likes of Atlanta, Baltimore, Houston, Harlem, Charlotte, Detroit and more to come.
- The Whitaker Group x Nike Waffle One will be limited to 500 pairs with each individually numbered. Retailing for $120, pairs will be sold online at Social Status and A.P.B. with a donation option added to the online draw for the shoes as a way to support winter storm relief in Houston.
Nike Dunk Low “City Market”
- 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 “City Market” serving as a Nike Sportswear drop.
- This patchwork pair carries an almost “What the” aesthetic by paneling the upper with various fabrics and patterns that nod to packaging, recycled bags and other materials seen in the back and front end of city markets.
- A Sportswear launch, these will retail for $110 on SNKRS and at select NSW accounts.
adidas Yeezy 450 “Cloud White”
- The adidas Yeezy 450 is an all-new model from Kanye West and the YEEZY brand. First seen from West on Twitter as the 451 in sample form back in 2018, the revised version sports an exaggerated outsole that wraps around the upper.
- Steven Smith is said to have worked on the Yeezy 450 which in some ways mimics trail runners from Merrell by blurring the lines between upper and outsole.
- Like the Foam Runners before, the Yeezy 450 will debut as a YEEZY SUPPLY exclusive. Pairs are said to retail at $200.
Supreme x Nike Dunk Low
- Though rooted in basketball, the Nike Dunk crossed over to skateboarding in 2002 by way of the Nike SB Dunk Low. Denoted by a fat tongue for added cushion, the rebranding redefined the hardwood icon for a new generation of skaters and sneakerheads.
- Serving as the first-ever Nike SB Dunk collaboration in 2002, Supreme returns to the model for the fifth time. This pair pulls inspiration from the pairing’s 2003 high-top take, carrying over the same star styling and crocodile paneling but switching hues and cuts this time around.
- Pairs are believed to release on March 4th online at Supreme and at brick-and-mortar locations.
Air Jordan 4 Golf “Cement”
- 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 golf crossover in “Cement” is a first for the Air Jordan 4 though numerous retro releases have made the same transition. In 2020, golfer Pat Perez previewed this pair with a retail release finally coming to fruition.
- Look for these to launch on March 4th online at Nike, at Golf Galaxy and select Nike Golf accounts like Manor for $220.
3/5
Nike Dunk High “Dark Russet”
- 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 first, the Nike Dunk High “Russet” was said to be an Asia exclusive with atmos having received pairs. Now, pairs are slated to release in the US.
Casablanca x New Balance 237 & 327
- Inspired by heritage running and the style of the ‘70s, the New Balance 237 is an old-school lifestyle look that’s new for 2021. Famously, it follows the very similar 327 and 57/40, also known for their casual prowess.
- This Casablanca collaboration relies on a perforated white upper, contrast by bold ‘N’ branding set to a cream color with pink piping. Signature styling comes by way of a repeating pattern on the ankle and heel, designed by Casablanca’s own Charaf Tajer.
- Casablanca is a Paris-based brand founded on a fusion between luxury and leisure, inspired strongly by tennis and tailored with Neopolitan ethos.
Reebok Pump Omni Zone II “Dee Brown”
- The Reebok Pump Omni Zone II was a major moment in sneaker history, worn by Dee Brown in his legendary 1991 Dunk Contest win at NBA All-Star Weekend.
- Pumping up his shoes on the big stage, Brown’s performance ignited even more excitement around Pump technology. Since the contest, this colorway has come back many times on the similar Pump Omni Lite but sees its original form on the true-to-history Pump Omni Zone II.
- Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Reebok Pump Omni Zone II “Dunk Contest” will release at Reebok and Foot Locker for $140.
Nice Kicks x adidas Ultra4D
- An homage to 2015’s pivotal adidas Ultra Boost, the adidas Ultra4D updates the iconic running model by replacing the landmark Boost cushioning with that of 4D printed technology for an updated aesthetic and support.
- This tie-dye take from Nice Kicks is an homage to their 2016 NMD collaboration, going black and white rather than red and black.
- This collaboration is slated to retail for $250 at the Nice Kicks Shop.
3/6
Air Jordan 1 High “University Blue”
- 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.
- This “University Blue” take is not an original colorway. However, any time such shade dons an Air Jordan it is assumed to be an homage to Michael Jordan’s collegiate career in Chapel Hill.
- Scored with suede and tumbled leather, this Air Jordan 1 High will retail for $170.
Nike Air Max 90 “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.
Reebok Question “Why Not Us”
- The Reebok Question debuted during the 1996-97 NBA season as the signature shoe for then Rookie of the Year and #1 Draft Pick Allen Iverson. A success from the start – both the player and the shoe – the Question became a fixture at retail for years to come, almost always available in some fashion since its ‘96 start.
- This “Why Not Us” motif is a direct nod to the pair Iverson wore in the 2001 NBA All-Star Game in Washington, DC. The White/Black colorway carried Iverson and the East to a 21-point comeback in which AI was named ASG MVP.
- Look for these to launch at Reebok and Foot Locker for $140.
Story MFG x Reebok Beatnik
- The Reebok Beatnik is a sandal with Bohemian ethos that fits nicely into the reemerging mule sector. An archival design, the Beatnik had a following in Japan for years with the model catching on in America during COVID thanks to its cozy styling.
- Story MFG is a husband and wife clothing company known for its considerate approach to the planet when making goods. The London label is well known for documenting everything from their dying process to their hand knitting as a way to teach and exemplify low-impact production.
- This vegan Beatnik collaboration has already become available across the pond in February, said to restock on Reebok US on March 6th for $130.
Air Jordan 1 Low “Berlin Grey”
- The Air Jordan 1 Low debuted at retail in the 1980s with reports ranging from 1985 to 1986 as to when it first hit shelves. Designed by Peter Moore but never worn in-game by Michael Jordan, the low top launch was almost identical to that of the high though retro renditions have differed in shape and styling.
- A new motif, this “Berlin Grey” pair pays tribute to the tarmac that covers the German capital, hosting hits of elephant print on the Swoosh and support paneling.
- This pair will retail for $110 with a launch taking place on the EU version of SNKRS.
3/7
Nike Cosmic Unity “Amalgam”
- The Nike Cosmic Unity is a big step for the Beaverton brand in regard to sustainable sneakers meant for the hardwood. Worn by Anthony Davis, this low-top look is composed of 20% recycled materials.
- When it comes to cushioning, even the Zoom Air units have recycled roots. This pair is the latest moment for Nike’s Move to Zero initiative that signals the brand’s goal to reach zero waste and zero carbon.
- The Cosmic Unity debuted recently in a “Green Glow” colorway, followed now by this “Amalgam” makeup and next to a “Space Hippie” style.
3/8
Nike Zoom Kobe 6 Protro “All-Star”
- The Nike Zoom Kobe VI debuted in 2010 on the feet of Kobe Bryant. Designed by Eric Avar of Air Penny, Zoom Glove and Foamposite One fame, the signature shoe looked to continue to carry the low top design language the pair had produced while evoking the Black Mamba personality through a scaled shell.
- Returning for the first time in Protro form in 2020 and now 2021, this revived retro has added a Zoom Turbo unit in the forefoot, softened the heel foam, and improved traction for greater play. NBA stars like Ja Morant among others will be playing in Protro Kobe VIs over the course of this season.
- This “All Star” red rendition was worn by Kobe Bryant in the 2011 NBA All-Star Game in his home of Los Angeles. Not only did Kobe lead the entire league in All-Star fan voting, he took home his fourth ASG MVP trophy by dropping 37 points and grabbing 14 rebounds all in the Staples Center.
Images via adidas, New Balance, Nike, Reebok
