Sole Facts – March 9th – March 15th

Sole Facts is back and so are the drops. From a new Nike SB collaboration with East Coast appeal to OG classics from Allen Iverson’s prime, Air Max glory days and the BTTYS series, there’s something for everyone this week.

On top of that, we celebrate an odd All-Star Weekend with new takes from familiar franchises. Just the same, we welcome slightly left-of-center styles on the Air Jordan 1, adidas Yeezy Boost 380 and Air Jordan 9. 

Get the details on the biggest drops set to hit shops and sites in the next seven days below.

3/9 

Carpet Company x Nike SB Dunk High

• Though rooted in basketball, the Nike Dunk crossed over to skateboarding in 2002 by way of the Nike SB Dunk. Denoted by a fat tongue for added cushion, the rebranding redefined the hardwood icon for a new generation of skaters and sneakerheads.
• Carpet Company is a Baltimore-based skate brand with their product stocked by the likes of Premier and Supreme. The brand is revered for its hand-screen printed decks, gear, and accessories, with this Dunk designed to be worn and destroyed as it carries a wear-away aesthetic.
• On March 9th, select skate shops will receive the Carpet x Nike SB Dunk High with the SNKRS drop taking place on March 12th.

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 2012 “Galaxy” launch and 2015’s silver “All-Star” style for NYC.

Nike Dunk High “All-Star”

• 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 High “All-Star” serving as a Nike Sportswear drop.
• An NBA All-Star Weekend themed colorway, this Dunk dons a Barely Green base contrasted by glossy black paneling denoted by a pattern that could be considered woodgrain. Heel branding calls out the original host city of Indianapolis, though the festivities have been moved to Atlanta due to COVID precautions.
• Previously, the Nike Dunk High has celebrated All-Star Weekend with launches in 2008, 2012, and 2015.

3/10

Nike Dunk High “Syracuse”

• The Nike Dunk High debuted during the 1985-86 season with a focus on outfitting the top collegiate basketball programs in the country.
• This “Syracuse” style is an original colorway designed for the Syracuse Orangemen and hailing from Nike’s storied Be True to Your School series. A favorite on the court, the shoe was worn in original form by the likes of Pearl Washington, Rony Seikaly, and Derrick Coleman.
• Over the years, the “Syracuse” Dunk Highs have returned in 1998/99 as a true-to-form LE, in 2005 as a suede SB, in 2008 as a VNTG, and in 2012 as a Sportswear style. They also returned as part of the BTTYS Dunk High collection from 2016. This 2021 take is launching in full family sizing.

Nike Dunk Low “Black/White”

• The Nike Dunk Low Black/White is the most decided Dunk in regard to the brand’s canvassing hopes for the model to be widely adopted as a lifestyle staple. Originally part of the much-discussed January 14th ‘Dunk Day’ of sorts, this was the lone launch that was released in men’s, women’s, and kid’s sizing.
• Despite bearing the most foundational hues and a classic Nike palette, this is not an original colorway though many inline, SB, and SP Dunks have played with the same colors only with different blocking or detailing.
• Very recently, an assortment of similarly styled Dunks has dropped with a Black/White base to include Slam Jam and Ambush collaborations as well as a Disrupt launch.

Nike Dunk Low “Orange Pearl”

• 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 was worn on court by bright NCAA talent and sold to the public just the same.
• A non-OG colorway, the “Orange Pearl” makeup is a Sportswear launch laced in the topic tone for a fresh spring take. Sporting archival ‘Be True to Your School’ color blocking, the base is set to sail for a mature and slightly aged aesthetic.
• This women’s exclusive colorway is slated to release on March 10th in the US, Europe and Asia.

3/11

Kim Jones x Nike Air Max 95

• 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.
• The model’s most recent collaborator, Kim Jones, is a fashion designer best known for his work at Dior and Louis Vuitton, now joining Fendi. In 2020, Kim Jones famously collaborated with Shawn Stussy on a range of highly regarded runway looks.
• Previously, Kim Jones has paired with Nike on the Air Zoom LWP 16 and Air Max 360 Hi models. He is also credited due to his work at Dior on the infamous Dior x Air Jordan 1 collection.

Nike LeBron 18 Low 

• The Nike LeBron 18 Low is the latest below ankle iteration of the flagship signature franchise from Nike and LeBron James. Its mid top counterpart – the Nike LeBron 18 – was debuted in the NBA Bubble by LeBron James, worn during the Lakers’ 2020 Championship run and has remained in rotation during their 2020-21 title defense.
• This low top look differs largely from the mid proper in aesthetics and composition. Somewhat stripped, knit construction is removed from the upper as are Air Max units in the tongue in favor of what looks like ripstop nylon. Welded overlays reference the current DIY trend while the 18’s Air Max meets Zoom Air sole is carried over in translucent fashion with a more protruding heel outrigger.
• For reference, every Nike LeBron model has seen a low top counterpart release with the exception of the Foamposite clad Nike Zoom LeBron IV.

UNDERCOVER x Nike Overbreak SP

• The UNDERCOVER x Nike Overbreak SP sees a convergence of Nike’s archival Daybreak upper with that of Nike’s new ISPA OverReact sole. UNDERCOVER stamps this lifestyle hybrid with collaborative branding and timely flower embroidery.
• UNDERCOVER is a Japanese label founded by Jun Takahashi. Namely known for UNDERCOVER, Takahashi is also famous for his work with Nike under the Gyakusou running line, early work with NIGO and Hiroshi Fujiwara and presence in the storied Dover Street Market spaces.
• Both “Black” and “Overcast” colorways will arrive on SNKRS on March 11th.

3/12

Nike Cosmic Unity “Space Hippie”

• 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 with 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 in a “Green Glow” colorway, soon followed by an “Amalgam” installment. This “Space Hippie” style references the lifestyle line from Nike that is also made with sustainability in mind.

Sean Wotherspoon x adidas ZX 8000 “SUPEREARTH”

• The adidas ZX 8000 originally arrived in 1988, serving as the brand’s first running shoe to feature Torsion system technology. Since its launch, the ZX 8000 has been revered in retro life through collaborations, tech updates, and its beloved original “Aqua” colorway.
• This colorway’s collaborator, Sean Wotherspoon, rose to fame in the last decade as the co-founder of vintage empire Round 2. His prominence in the sneaker world came first from dipping Supreme x Air Jordan 5s in red paint all the way to winning Nike’s On-Air contest with his corduroy Air Max 1/97 collaboration.
• This patchwork pair is reported to release via the adidas Confirmed App.

Reebok Answer IV “White/Red”

• Designed by Scott Hewitt, the Reebok Answer IV graced the feet of Allen Iverson during his epic 2000-01 NBA MVP campaign. Distinguished by zip-up closure and DMX cushioning, the model was worn by AI in his lone NBA Finals appearance and epic ‘step over’ moment.
• This White/Red rendition is an OG colorway of the Answer IV, worn regularly by Iverson during the 2000-01 NBA Season. Unlike retail pairs released at the turn of the century, this retro release features a velcro closure to pin down the zipper just as the NBA mandated for Iverson’s on-court PE pairs.
• Since arriving in 2000, the Reebok Answer IV has received retro treatment on numerous occasions, seen previously in 2012 across the US and 2018 in Asia. Additionally, the Answer IV has released in low top, slip-on, team bank, and even cleated form. Famously, Kobe Bryant wore PE pairs of the Reebok Answer IV during his footwear free agency.

3/13

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 9 “Change the World”

• The Air Jordan 9 debuted during the 1993-94 NBA Season during Michael Jordan’s first retirement. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the original AJ9 would not be worn by MJ as a member of the Chicago Bulls but it would be worn by his famous statue and in cleated form on the baseball diamond.
• A non-OG colorway and women’s exclusive, this “Change the World” rendition sports the shoe’s nickname on the heel tabs as a nod to the model’s international shoutouts on the outsole.
• Made from vegetable-tanned materials and plant-based dyes, this multi-colored retro release is the first women’s exclusive on the Air Jordan 9.

Air Jordan 1 High “Light Army”

• 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 “Patina” pair pays homage to the original “Shadow” colorway, offering a distressed take on the foundational favorite.
• While based on the original “Shadow” High, deconstructed tongue branding separates this style noticeably while a metallic, rusty patina effect graces that of the Swoosh and forefoot paneling.

Nike Air Structure Triax 91 “Neo Teal”

• As alluded to via the shoe’s title, the Nike Air Structure Triax 91 debuted at retail in 1991. Following the acclaimed Air Max III – aka the Air Max 90 – the Triax employed an aggressive upper that sported similar mesh and suede styling as that of its Air Max family peers.
• This original “Neo Teal” colorway has not been seen at retail since its lone retro release in 2008. In 2009, the shoe saw an unconventional Sportswear update by way of the Nike Air Structure Hoop – an extended above the ankle update to that of the OG runner.
• Released in the middle of Air Max Month, this third-generation release celebrates the shoe’s 30 year anniversary.

3/15

adidas Yeezy Boost 380 “Covellite”

• The adidas Yeezy Boost 380 saga continues with the “Covellite” on March 15th. Based in shades of blue and contrasted by a semi-translucent gum sole, this is an entirely new theme from the Yeezy franchise.
• When first spotted on Kanye, the adidas Yeezy Boost 380 was thought by many to be the V3 iteration of the famous adidas Yeezy Boost 350 due to its Primeknit patterned upper and thick Boost sole. The 380’s stance and ankle collar provided the greatest differentiator on this model that’s all its own.
• The “Covellite” 380 is set to launch in the US, Asia, and Europe for $250.

Images via adidas, Nike, Reebok