The fourth quarter of 2021 is here.
Yes, we’ve hinted at it, but the last three months of the year are where the big brands really bring out their heavy-hitter heat with the masses in mind. With that said, the later in the quarter, the hotter and wider the heat. Such proves true in this relatively warm October opening.
This week’s roster of releases looks more like the ‘04 Detroit Pistons and less like the ‘22 Lakers, relying on being solid at all spots rather than overpowering up top. A slew of Dunk drops, retro Jordans, and another sacai style all play their part, with a spirited Reebok Question rounding it all out.
See what we’re talking about in the Sole Facts below.
10/4
adidas Yeezy 500 High “Mist Stone”
- 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 inception, the Yeezy 500 has expanded to a range of boot-like Yeezy 500 High releases.
- This “Mist Stone” take expands upon the earthy nature of this boot-built sneaker, deviating in blocking by using the tongue and laces as the place for contrast. Mixed materials compose the puffy and padded upper.
- These are reported to retail for $220 with availability likely coming through the adidas Confirmed App and at select Yeezy stockists.
10/5
UNDFTD x Nike Dunk vs AF1 Pack
- 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.
- 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.
- Releasing online via SNKRS and select NSW accounts in the US and EU, both collaborative takes sport historic heel branding and make the most of mixed materials as a callback to the late 90s and early 00s.
10/6
Jordan Zion 1 “Let’s Dance”
- The Jordan Zion 1 is the first signature shoe for former Duke standout and #1 NBA Draft Pick Zion Williamson. Debuted this spring by the All-Star forward, the shoe features bold Z branding on the sidewall as a nod to his name and haircut.
- Designed for his point forward play, the mid-cut sneaker features Air strobel cushioning with Zoom Air in the forefoot. A padded tongue and collar feature additional branding specific to Zion and Jordan. Noticeably, this “Let’s Dance” do-up derives from “Bayou Boys” PEs worn by Williamson in the past.
- Learn more about the impact of Zion Williamson on the future of Jordan Brand in our Generation Zion feature.
10/7
Air Jordan 5 “Blue Bird”
- First released in 1990, the Air Jordan 5 was designed by Tinker Hatfield and worn by Michael Jordan on court as a member of the Chicago Bulls prior to winning his first NBA Championship. A molded ankle collar, ventilated mesh window, and Air cushioning carried the technical tooling while 3M tongue styling, flame midsole graphic, and a translucent sole provided pizzaz.
- Adorning an eggshell shade, this mostly tonal Air Jordan 5 follows in the footsteps of suede styles from the past that went all red or all royal. Metallic tongues and midsole hits recall the original classic, refashioned for casual wear in presentation.
- A women’s exclusive in regard to sizing, this style will launch for $190 at US Jordan Brand accounts.
10/8
NBA x Nike Dunk Low “Diamond Anniversary”
- 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.
- While historically tied to the collegiate game, the basketball-born Dunk celebrates the 75th Anniversary of the NBA with a slew of team takes all allotted to the pros. Each installment will bear tones and/or logo detailing of their franchise, emphasized by commemorative tongue tagging and diamond debrays.
- Running $110 a pair, early reports suggest the Bulls and Nets renditions will lead the pack followed by a Spurs style. It’s also believed that they will launch first in Asia.
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.
- Coinciding with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this Question will release for $150 in men’s sizing.
Nike Dunk High “Midnight Navy”
- 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 “Midnight Navy” serving as a Nike Sportswear drop.
- This “Midnight Navy” makeup is an original colorway, worn by the Villanova Wildcats and Arizona Wildcats in the 1980s. 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.
- Back again, look for the “Midnight Navy” Dunk High to release for $110 at SNKRS and at big-box retailers across North America.
10/9
sacai x Clot x Nike LDWaffle “Kiss Of Death 2”
- The Nike LDWaffle is a sacai introduced silo that stacks the archical Nike LDV and Nike Waffle Racer for a protruding take on retro running fit for the runway.
- Sacai and Nike have a long history of collaborating together with projects ranging from coveted footwear releases to fashionable yet functional outerwear pieces and even performance tennis gear for Naomi Osaka. Additionally, third-party CLOT has collaborated with Nike an array of times over the years, with their Air Max 1 and Air Jordan 14 Low launches recently taking place.
- This grey makeup that’s being labeled “Kiss of Death 2” by some outlets will carry a $180 price tag with availability coming in the US, Europe, and Asia.
Nike Air Force 1 Mid “Flax”
- First released in 1982, Bruce Kilgore’s Nike Air Force 1 served as a high cut hoops shoe that would outfit top talent in the NBA, NCAA, and the streets. In 1994, the shoe would be released in mid-top form for casual wear, proving polarizing to purists but catching fire in the decade that followed.
- An annual autumn event as this post, the “Flax” favor returns in 2021. Last seen as a mid in 2016, this 2021 take features a tonal upper, matching gum soles, and slight contrast on the tongue branding.
- While reports vary on pricing, these will launch in men’s sizes at Nike Store.
10/10
New Balance Made in the US 990v3
- Debuted in 2012, the New Balance 990v3 was introduced in celebration of the original 990’s 30th Anniversary. The evolved upper made the most of typical pigskin and mesh panelling, appearing more rounded than introductory installments.
- This grey-on-grey variation is as on the nose for New Balance running as it gets, mixing materials and tones for a classic look. Fittingly, a red Version 3 tag on the ankle signifies the celebrated installment of the 990 series that’s currently on a victory lap.
- Look for these to launch online at New Balance.