Low top LeBrons, canvas classics, there’s something for everyone in this week’s Sole Facts.
We see Dunk drops continue for mid-May, Reebok reviving a Rajon Rondo PE and Yeezy adding to the 500 franchise.
Peep the week in heat below.
5/11
Nike LeBron 8 Low V2 “Miami Nights”
- Introduced in 2010, the Nike LeBron 8 received the retro treatment in 2020, with more colorways rolling out in 2021. From an aesthetic and technical standpoint, the Jason Petrie design beefed up the Air Max cushioning and Flywire support seen on the Nike LeBron 7.
- The original LeBron 8 was the first model King James wore when taking his talents to South Beach. This “Lakers” scheme is the V1 version of the LeBron 8, with the V2 version proving lighter and leaner by way of more mesh.
- This “Miami Nights” makeup is an original take from 2011. Carrying a low-top cut and V2 construction, the pair pops with bold graphics all over the upper as a nod to South Beach’s after-hours scene.
Air Jordan 35 “Smoke Grey”
- The Air Jordan 35 is the latest model in Michael Jordan’s long-running line of signature shoes. Credited to designer Tate Kuerbis, who also worked on Air Jordans 31-34, the model continues to build off the Eclipse Plate technology introduced on the Air Jordan 34.
- This “Smoke” style continues the premium path of the Air Jordan 35, electing grey suede across the upper with a quilted composition covering the ankle. Infrared accents and black trim close out this colorway with a translucent sole also adding to the appeal.
- Over the course of the 2020-21 NBA Season, the likes of Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic, and more have worn the Air Jordan 35 on a regular basis.
Nike Air Max Pre-Day “Summit White”
- Debuted in “Volt” for Air Max Day 2021, the Nike Air Max Pre-Day is an entirely new model with nods to pre-Nike Air models like the Daybreak merged with ultra-modern tech likened to Matthew M. Williams collabs.
- Simplified for sustainability, the model’s eco-friendly upper is enhanced by a heel that entirely exposes the Airbag for a pronounced and protruding progression on the selling point of the original Air Max 1 runner.
- Created for lifestyle wear and said to be extra bouncy thanks to the new Airbag construction, this model follows modern Air Max innovations intended for everyday casual use such as the Air Max 270 and VaporMax Plus.
5/12
Air Jordan 1 KO “Chicago”
- 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.
- The KO version of the Air Jordan 1 is an original canvas style on the model also hailing from the mid 1980s. As debunked by Goodbirger and Sneaker Dave, the KO actually stands for Knockoff – though they were an official Nike release – while for years collectors thought it meant Knockout or other fan theories.
- This “Chicago” style first launched in 1985, receiving the retro treatment for the first time in 2010 with an aged aesthetic. Since then, the “Chicago” KO has released in 2014 and now 2021.
adidas ZX 1000 x The Simpsons “Flaming Moe’s”
- The adidas ZX 1000 is a performance runner hailing from the 1980s that now lives in the casual and collaborative space as a member of the adidas Originals range. Torsion bar technology and a mixed material upper define this heritage silo.
- This “Flaming Moe’s” makeup is the latest launch from The Three Stripes’ collaborative collection with The Simpsons. The pair features 2D sketch styling similar to customs from Joshua Vides though not tied to him.
- Moe Syzslak is a character on The Simpsons who owns and operates a tavern of his namesake. The Flaming Moe is a nod to a fiery cocktail served by Syzslak in Season 10 of the celebrated show.
5/13
Nike Dunk Low “Team Green”
- New takes on the old favorite Nike Dunk Low continue in 2021 by way of the “Team Green” rendition. Following a high-top arrival in “Spartan Green” in 2020, this pair plays off the now Nike endorsed Michigan State Spartans in sentiment and correlation.
- Though this pair packs heavy Be True to Your School vibes, the Michigan State Spartans wore Converse when the Dunk arrived in 1986. In the mid-1990s, the school would wear Reeboks all the way into the new millennium, eventually becoming a Nike program after cutting down the nets in 2000.
- Set to launch in the US, Europe and Asia, the “Team Green” Dunk Lows will drop in both men’s and GS sizing.
Slam Jam 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.
- Founded by Luca Benini all the way back in 1989, Slam Jam has stood the test of time as an international hot spot for the best ideas in streetwear. Based in Italy, Slam Jam has collected and collaborated with the best brands in the business.
- This pair is produced in the famous Flimby factory and continues Slam Jam’s journey of redefining ‘work uniforms’ through function and materials. While pairs first released at Slam Jam, allocations will hit worldwide stockists on May 13th.
Air Jordan 3 GS “Electric Green”
- Released at retail in 1988, the Air Jordan 3 stands as perhaps the most important model in the ever-iconic Air Jordan lineage. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the shoe is said to have kept MJ at Nike after rumors that he was going to leave the brand.
- Similar in styling to the “Joker” Air Jordan 3 from 2013, this kids colorway sports familiar shades of electric green and purple across the upper, going left of the “Joker” theme thanks to grey elephant print and an icy blue outsole.
- Starting at $140 for GS pairs, these will also scale down to Little Kids, Toddler, and Infant sizes sold at lower rates.
Nike Air Force 1 Low Flyknit 2.0 “Multicolor”
- 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.
- While the Air Force 1 has remained relevant in each decade since its original launch, the model experimented with Flyknit construction for the first time in the 2010s. The threaded technology famously dressed the Nike Flyknit Racer, Nike Flyknit Trainer, and Nike Kobe 9 in its infancy.
- This “Multicolor” makeup revives the popular bright and diverse threading that was favored on many a 2010s silo. A women’s release, this pair also features an eco-conscious midsole making the most of recycled components.
Nike Dunk Low “Michigan”
- 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.
- This “Michigan” makeup is an original colorway, worn by the whole Wolverines roster in 1986 in team photo fashion. At the time, the high top take of the Dunk was favored by most players on the court though the low top variation has crossed over with extreme popularity in years since.
- The Nike Dunk Low “Michigan” was released previously in LE form in 1999, a reverse VNTG variation in 2011 and in Off-White styling in 2019.
5/14
Air Jordan 5 Low “Class of 2020/2021”
- Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 5 debuted in 1990 and was worn by Michael Jordan in ¾ cut fashion. Years later in 2006, the Air Jordan 5 retro would release in low top form for the first time as a lifestyle launch for the ladies.
- The 2021 Air Jordan 5 Low “Class of 2020/2021” is the latest retro release tied to Jordan Brand’s WINGS Program. This Black/Metallic Gold makeup pays homage to recent graduates on the heel tagging with tassels on the laces honoring their caps set to soar.
- Since coming to life in the 2000s, the Air Jordan 5 Low has been favored in PE fashion by the likes of Mike Bibby and Derek Anderson, released in collaboration with soccer star Neymar Jr. and even crossed over to golf.
Reebok Question Low “Green Toe”
- 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.
- This retro release is an homage to the PE pair that Rajon Rondo wore as a member of the Boston Celtics during the 2006-2007 NBA Season. Rondo’s court colorway featured a leather tone and coincided with his last season signed to Reebok.
- This player-exclusive inspired Reebok Question follows other homages to unofficial endorsers of the Iverson favorite tied to Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
Ben Raemers Foundation x Converse One Star Mid
- Much like the Dunk and the Superstar, the Converse One Star has roots in performance basketball dating back decades, since crossing over into casual and skateboarding wear.
- Ben Raemers was a beloved professional skateboarder who lost his life to suicide. The Converse One Star Mid was said to be his favorite shoe, with this navy blue ode featuring his silhouette in black near the heel.
- This pair partners with LivingWorks who has made a $25,000 donation to The Ben Raemers’ Foundation. The intention of this collaboration and Ben’s legacy is to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health in the skateboarding community.
5/15
Air Jordan 1 High “Shadow 2.0”
- 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 “Shadow 2.0” colorway is a remixed homage to the original “Shadow” colorway of the Air Jordan 1. Previously, the “Shadow” 1s have been released in 1985, 2009, 2013, and 2018. The shoe has also been altered by way of low and mid variations, Flyknit takes and altered homages like the recent Patina pair or Aleali May’s swap meet-inspired style.
- For those keeping track at home, the “Shadow 2.0” sports similar styling to that of the “Varsity Red ‘85” release from 2020 that flipped the famous “Banned” original.
Nike Air Total Uptempo Max “Midnight Navy”
- The Nike Air Total Max Uptempo first came out in 1997. Originally retailing at $159.99 in ‘97, they were a whopping $20 more than the Air Jordan XII also on the market at that time.
- In 2009, the Total Max Uptempo returned for the first time as a retro in OG colorways. The “Midnight Navy” makeup in its original form was favored by Vince Carter during his days in North Carolina, Ray Allen in the film He Got Game, and Reggie Miller as a member of the Indiana Pacers.
- This “Midnight Navy” rendition, previously seen in 2009, is back once again for 2021.
New Balance 550 “Multicolor”
- The New Balance 550 recently returned from the archives by way of the Aime Leon Dore collaboration. This general release launch is similar in styling to the ALD pairing, only stripped of collabo branding and pre-aged aesthetic.
- Inspired by the 1989 original release, this pair possesses similar tooling to other late ‘80s models made by Avia, adidas, Nike, and Converse. The ethos of this era all inspired Louis Vuitton’s 408 Trainer.
- At the time of the 550’s original launch, the likes of James Worthy, Roy Tarpley, and Antoine Carr were wearing New Balance in the NBA. However, being big men they were playing in high tops rather than this model.
5/17
adidas Yeezy 500 High “Sumac” & “Tactile”
- Famous for finding itself as the first adidas Yeezy without Boost, the adidas Yeezy 500 features adiPrene+ cushioning and lifts the Feet You Wear sole seen on Kobe Bryant’s 1999 signature shoe, the adidas KB8 III. Since its underneath the ankle arrival, the Yeezy 500 has expanded to a range of boot-like Yeezy 500 High releases.
- This launch continues two recent trends regarding Yeezy: first, the mismatching of earth tones with shades of blue and orange, and second, dropping two 500 Mids side-by-side.
- Both pairs are slated to launch in the US, Europe, and Asia for $220 a pair.