The fourth quarter of 2021 is upon us and so are some of the biggest drops of the year.
As the world awaits “Cool Grey” 11s, OFF-WHITE 2s, LeBron 19s and a slew of Yeezys, the first full week of fall finds an array of Air Maxes, Dunks and retro releases that will be easy to wear and entail some chase.
From “University Red” Dunks to breakthrough launches from Billie Eilish and Trae Young, see what’s hitting this week in the latest Sole Facts.
9/27
9/28
Nike Air Max BW “Los Angeles”
- A new novelty, this “Los Angeles” version of the BW is new for 2021. Said to be inspired by street fashion from the Cali city in the 1990s, a black upper and orange branding appear loudly, with a purple Air unit and thematic tagging hitting the heel.
- Suggested retail is set for $140 with availability coming through SNKRS.
9/29
Air Jordan 1 KO “Storm 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.
- 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 “Storm Blue” makeup is of new origin with resemblance to fragment favorites and reversed royal renditions. Suggested retail is $140.
Nike Air Max 90 “LHM”
- 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.
- Celebrating Latino Heritage Month, this technicolor retro runner brands the TPU counter with ‘familia’ while refashioned tongue tabs and fictional futbol club tagging adds personality to this pair.
- Retail is set for $130 with Nike Store and select NSW accounts scheduled to stock pairs.
9/30
Nike Dunk Low “University Red”
- 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 “University Red” serving as a Nike Sportswear drop.
- Essentially a flip on the original Be True to Your School St. John’s style, this “University Red” rendition leads with white panelling atop the team tone base. In many ways, this blocking is reminiscent of the “City Attack” Pack.
- This pair is slated to launch in the US and Europe for $100 in men’s sizing with GS availability also appearing at select accounts.
Nike Dunk High “Aluminum”
- 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 “Aluminum” installment is not of Be True to Your School origin but follows the same sentiment in color blocking. Like many makeups from 2021, these are a lifestyle launch that are just left of center of OG iterations and releasing in women’s sizing.
- SNKRS is set to sell these for $110.
Billie Eilish x Air Jordan 1 KO
- 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.
- Bringing in Billie Eilish for design duties, this collaborative colorway dips the canvas classic in a tonal neon aesthetic, similar to the Jordan 312s, Jordan 11 IE Low NRGs and team takes she’s worn in the same hue.
- Boasting branding on the tongue and woven detailing on the sidewalls, this 100% vegan AJ1 KO will be released on September 30th on SNKRS following a September 27th launch on Billie Eilish’s store.
Billie Eilish x Air Jordan 15
- The Air Jordan 15 is an original Air Jordan flagship silhouette designed by Tinker Hatfield. Inspired by Michael Jordan’s stuck out tongue in very literal fashion, the 15 famously pulls from Prada favorites on the heel hit.
- Muting the model’s angular design by way of a neutral, tan palette, this Billie Eilish collaboration also flips the script by removing the woven sidewall in favor of swooping stitchwork. It is also 100% vegan and noted as a favorite silo of Eilish.
- Like her AJ1 KO, this AJ XV will be released on September 30th on SNKRS following a September 27th launch on Billie Eilish’s store.
10/1
adidas Trae Young 1 “Ice Trae”
- The adidas Trae Young 1 is the inaugural signature shoe for Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young. A low top, the pair is built off Boost cushioning with a unique yet minimal approach to tongue and lacing defining this style.
- An “Ice Trae” take plays off the slushy stadium beverage of the ICEE variety, telling a story through cool blue hues and bright red branding. Appropriately, any iced out sole closes out the colorway.
- This signature shoe will release for $140 at adidas, JD Sports, Finish Line, Eastbay, and other adi Basketball accounts.
New Balance 990v3
- The New Balance 990v3 was introduced in celebration of the original 990’s 30th Anniversary in 2012. The evolved upper made the most of typical pigskin and mesh panelling, appearing more rounded than introductory installments.
- After acclaimed collaboration with Levi’s and Joe Fresh Goods, the 990v3 is slated to hit in general release renditions that are up to par on comfort and quality but quieter in colorway and seemingly easier to get.
- Pairs are reported to be released in the US for $185.
Converse Pro Leather Ox “SGA”
- The Converse Pro Leather was introduced in 1976, getting endorsement in the pro and amateur game for almost a decade by the likes of Julius Irving and an amateur Michael Jordan at the University of North Carolina. Since its arrival, the shoe has become a fan favorite through a lifestyle lens in sporty and fashion-forward takes.
- This low-top Ox installment celebrates Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous Alexander. Well known for his smooth game and off court fashion, the pair inverts the theme worn by MJ at UNC in a fashion that also speaks to SGA and OKC.
- An easy entry point to a bright future between Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Converse, this low-top launch will retail for $75.
Air Jordan 13 GS
- The Air Jordan 13 hails from the start of Jordan Brand and Michael Jordan’s last season in Chicago. The Tinker Hatfield creation first debuted in 1997 and was inspired by MJ’s black cat persona as represented by the panther paw inspiration on the sole.
- Exclusive to the small-footed folks, this GS pair places houndstooth textile on the typically mesh or leather upper. The hologram takes a holiday for metallic branding, matched by thematic flair adorning the tongue.
- Starting at $140 in GS sizing and going all the way down to infant and toddler takes for $60, pairs will be released at US Jordan Brand accounts.
Air Jordan 5 “Shattered Backboard”
- 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 provided the technical tooling while 3M tongue styling, flame midsole graphic and a translucent sole provided pizzaz.
- Likened to the “Shattered Backboard” series introduced on the Air Jordan 1, this thematic Air Jordan 5 carries the same sentiment through orange accents and bits of black contrast. Its intrigue is expressed through mixed materials on the upper, seldom seen in such fashion on the AJ5.
- At $190, this pair is slated to launch worldwide at Jordan Brand accounts in men’s sizing.
10/3
The Simpsons x adidas McCarten “Ned Flanders”
- Named after adidas aficionado Bobby McCarten and designed by Gary Aspden, the adidas McCarten debuted in 2017 as a nod to 1970s leisure shoes. The Spezial style featured a brown leather build and black sole, much different from the EQTs and ZXs the brand is oft-known for.
- Adding another installment to The Simpsons collaborative story, this pair pays homage to the ultimate neighboroonie, Ned Flanders. A green upper and pink lining play off Ned’s sweater and collared shirt combo with brown trim and a black sole making these business casual.
- Look for these to launch at adidas for $120 a pair.