Month: February 2021

New Balance is celebrating Chinese New Year with a new 2002R that breaks away from traditional colors synonymous with the festival. Dubbed “Year of the Ox,” this iteration features suede uppers colored by a few understated palettes.Starting at the top of the shoe is a silver-toned “New Balance” tag set over a dark olive tongue. Below this are black laces, matching the same tone as the suede uppers that dominates most of the uppers. A contrasting “N” logo is stitched onto the sidewalls, complemented by “2002R” branding stamped along the rear quarters. Furthermore, cream-colored nubuck around the heel tab and toebox complete the uppers, while a sleek black “NERGY” midsole prodives optimal comfort and support.New Balance’s 2002R “Year of the Ox” is currently available on New Balance’s website for $140 USD.In case you missed it, here’s a look at a lean “Atlas/Lemon Haze” iteration of the 2002R.

Nike has offered a bold new spin on the LeBron 18 with multi-colored animal prints. Most of the shoe is constructed with beige-toned knitted uppers, contrasted by bright graphics on the tongue and heel. Set atop a blue tongue is a set of gray rubber overlays detailed with LeBron’s signature lion motif, his signature and “AIR” branding. Round yellow laces complement the tongue’s blue tone, while the heel features a giraffe-like pattern of red, yellow, navy and black patches. There’s semi-translucent heel support layered over these graphics around the rear quarter, seamlessly blending with the shoe’s chunky white midsole — gold and black lion stripes around the heel finish off the shoe’s bold design.No official release dates have been confirmed, but this iteration of Nike’s LeBron 18 is expected to release next month on Nike’s website for $200 USD.If you like LeBron 18s, be sure to check out the silhouette’s bold “Fireberry” colorway.