It’s a somber start to this installment of Sole Facts.
As the world mourns the passing of Virgil Abloh, we all take a pause to look back at his impact on art and culture while looking ahead to how he’ll continue to inspire.
Still at a loss for words, see what’s releasing this week as 2021 comes to a close.
11/29
Air Jordan 3 “Camo”
- 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.
- A new colorway for 2021, this “Camo” motif removes the signature elephant print and instead relies on a patchwork aesthetic. In term, the original panelling features split styling and a myriad of materials.
- Look for these to launch at Jordan Brand accounts across the US and Europe for $200 in men’s sizing.
Reebok Question “Pink 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.
- In the same sentiment as Eric Emmanuel and Cam’ron collaborations, this “Pink Toe” pair ushers in a softer style on the original color blocking of the Reebok Question. Pink branding, eyelets, suede and translucent tooling cap off this clean colorway.
- Originally intended to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this Question will be released in December for $150 in men’s sizing, also scaled down to children’s sizing.
11/30
adidas Human Race Sichona “Shock Yellow”
- Pharrell Williams is a producer, rapper and singer famous for his work as a member of The Neptunes and NERD. Having worked with adidas since 2014, the multi-talented artist has revised classics like the Superstar while introducing new models such as the NMD Hu and Crazy BYW.
- New for 2021, the Human Race Sichona draws from the Dakota term tied to connecting with the earth. Thus, the shoe features an anatomical approach that’s barefoot in intention from its sock-styled Primeknit upper to its curved TPU sole.
- This new silo for 2021 will be released on the Adidas Confirmed App.
A Bathing Ape x Vans Authentic 44 DX & Sk8-Hi 38 DX
- 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.
- Originally known as the #44 Deck Shoe, the Vans Authentic lives at the origin of the California brand’s start and break into skateboarding.
- A Bathing Ape came to fame in the mid ‘90s and early ‘00s, founded in Japan by NIGO but gaining American fanfare due to wear from The Notorious BIG, Pharrell, The Clipse, Jay Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne and more.
- Following previous launches, this BAPE x Vans range will be released online at Vans on November 30th.
12/1
adidas Forum Low “Home Alone”
- The adidas Forum High debuted in 1984 as a luxury basketball shoe set to tip the scales by retailing at a then-outrageous $100. In the ‘80s, the Forum High was a status symbol in the streets thanks to its prestigious price point and a go-to favorite on the court for Patrick Ewing as a rookie on the New York Knicks. Much like the Nike Dunk of the same era, the Forum found fame in the 2000s off the court by way of below ankle skate styling and countless casual collaborations.
- Famously, lead character Kevin McAllister wears Adidas sneakers in the original Home Alone film, inspiring this collaboration. Graphic insoles feature the Wet Bandits in all their gruesome glory, with burnt details and dual branding carrying the upper.
- This collabo will be released online at adidas for $110.
adidas T-Mac 3
- First released in 2004, the Adidas TMAC 3 continued the then-booming signature line for Tracy McGrady. Sporting sleek design language, embossed branding and a feather sole, this pair became famous for its patent leather styles and All-Star Game appearance.
- This Black/Blue style is inspired by the original road rendition worn by McGrady as a member of the Orlando Magic. The famous feather sole is updated with Bounce cushioning for what could likely be branded as a Restomod.
- If previous pairs are any indication, look for these to launch at accounts ranging from JD Sports to Foot Locker for $130 a pair.
New Balance 550
- The New Balance 550 famously returned from the archives by way of the Aime Leon Dore collaboration. These general release launches are 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. 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.
Bandier x New Balance 327
- The New Balance 327 is a modern lifestyle silhouette that amplifies retro ethos. The casual model relies on big sidewall branding, low top cut and chunky midsoles.
- Bandier is a fashion-oriented fitness brand designed with women in mind. Founded in 2014 and started with a store in Southampton, NY, Bandier has broken through by merging high style with high performance.
- Retailing for $120 in women’s sizing, pairs will be released online at New Balance and Bandier.
12/2
Swarovski x Nike Air Force 1 LXX
- In 1982, the Nike Air Force 1 arrived as the brand’s basketball vehicle for what became their signature tech – Air. Designed by Bruce Kilgore, the high cut hoops shoe outfitted top talent in the NBA, NCAA and the streets. In 1983, the shoe was released in low top form for hoops and casual wear with the latter option serving as a staple for decades to come.
- Following numerous collaborations on the Nike Air Max 97, Swarovski extends their run through the best of Nike Sportswear with two takes on the iconic Air Force 1 Low.
- Both pairs run a steep $450 and will launch through SNKRS.
12/3
PEACEMINUSONE x Nike Kwondo 1
- G-Dragon continues his collaborative run with the Swoosh through the PEACEMINUSONE x Nike Kwondo 1. Sporting a distinguished aesthetic reminiscent of golf spikes or dress shoes, the lifestyle silo is capped off by a thick sole likened to designer footwear.
- PEACEMINUSONE is K-Pop star G-Dragon’s clothing line that first started as an art exhibition back in 2015. G-Dragon’s exploration in making art more accessible carried over to clothing with the line launching officially in 2016 following collaborations with Giuseppe Zannoti and 8 Seconds.
- This collaboration will be released for $200 on SNKRS.
adidas Yeezy Quantum “Amber Tint”
- Following years of preview wear and buzz by Kanye West, the Adidas Yeezy QNTM/BSKTBL released in Chicago at All-Star Weekend 2020. Pairs were famously distributed on the streets of the city in Sherp ATVs.
- Though almost identical in styling, the QNTM pair is produced for casual wear while the BSKTBL variation features performance tooling and fit that favors getting buckets on the hardwood.
- Look for the “Amber Tint” to start at $250 and scale all the way down to preschool sizing at Yeezy stockists around the world.
A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 1
- 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.
- James Whitner and his legion of boutiques continue to deliver high heat with this elevated take on the trending Air Jordan 1. A rich cream upper is contrasted by burgundy branding made even more luxe by reptile finish and waxed laces.
- Starting at $200, this collaboration will be released exclusively on SNKRS at A Ma Maniere in full-family sizing.
12/4
Air Jordan 1 “GORE-TEX”
- First seen on the feet of Michael Jordan in 1984 and released at retail in 1985, the Air Jordan 1 High designed by Peter Moore was the first signature shoe for the Chicago Bulls legend. In the time since its arrival, the Air Jordan 1 has paved the way for modern marketing in regard to performance footwear.
- Following plenty of winterized retros and Air Jordan boots, the Air Jordan 1 “GORE-TEX” goes to new lengths to keep feet fly and dry. The quoted fabric and 3M branding create wearability and visibility for colder climate.
- Launching in men’s sizes for $200, expect these to hit US and Europe-based Jordan Brand accounts.
adidas Yeezy 500 “Ash Grey”
- 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.
- This “Ash Grey” colorway is new for the Adidas Yeezy 500. An all-grey aesthetic finds depth through various materials on the multi-paneled upper.
- Look for these to launch at Yeezy accounts across America and Asia for $200.
12/5