Year: 2026

Name: Nike Zoom Vomero 5 “Russet”Colorway: Pony/Sail-DK RussetSKU: IO4555-200MSRP: $170 USDRelease Date: TBCWhere to Buy: NikeNike is doubling down on the “lifestyle-first” evolution of its archival runners with the upcoming Zoom Vomero 5 in “Dark Russet.” Officially designated as a Quickstrike (QS) release, this iteration abandons the model’s signature mesh-and-synthetic construction. By utilizing high-quality full-grain leather across the entire upper, Nike is repositioning the Y2K-era performance staple as a luxury contemporary option, catering to a market moving away from hyper-technical aesthetics.The “Dark Russet” colorway is a masterclass in tonal execution. The upper features layers of luscious leather in shades of “Pony” and deep brown, creating a textured, three-dimensional look without the need for high-contrast color blocking. In a rare move for the silhouette, the structural TPU cage on the midfoot has been replaced with stitched leather panels, significantly softening the shoe’s visual profile while maintaining its iconic aggressive lines.Despite the premium exterior, the tech under the hood remains intact. The shoe sits atop a cushioned EVA foam midsole finished in a vintage “Sail” hue, housing the signature Zoom Air units in both the forefoot and heel for all-day comfort. A subtle embroidered Swoosh at the toebox and minimalistic branding on the tongue round out the design, making this one of the most versatile and understated Vomero 5 releases to date.

Name: Nike Shox Z “Year of the Horse”Colorway: Black/White-Black/Metallic SilverSKU: IQ1157-010MSRP: $1,399 HKD (approx. $180 USD)Release Date: Available NowWhere to Buy: NikeNike gears up for the Lunar New Year with the Shox Z “Year of the Horse,” a women’s exclusive variant that fuses early‑2000s nostalgia with ornate detailing.The sneaker’s upper is built on a tweed-like woven material, complemented with a glossy black Swoosh that sits neatly along the side panel. Intricate patterns of studded pearls and rhinestones are meticulously placed across the quarters and heel, mimicking celestial maps or the ornate detailing of traditional horse tack.This silhouette retains the Shox line’s signature cushioning columns, delivering stability and bounce that recall the brand’s early‑2000s performance heritage. Underfoot, the sneaker is grounded by a durable rubber outsole with a modified traction pattern, ensuring that despite an embellished exterior, it maintains the functional resilience of the Shox line.

SummaryHot off of its 40th anniversary celebration, the Air Jordan 1 is now rumored to be returning to its OG “Royal” color scheme (mock-up pictured above)Little information has been made available, however, it’s likely to be back in its high-top formLook out for a first look at the sneaker to pop up later this year before it eventually releases during the holiday seasonJordan Brand celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Air Jordan 1 last year by offering many exciting collaborations and colorways. As we look ahead to its 2026 slate, the shoe is expected to have another big year.Adding to the list of launches to anticipate, sneaker insiders zSneakerHeadz and MrUnloved1s have reported that the Air Jordan 1 “Royal” is returning in 2026. While specifics regarding its presentation have not been disclosed, it’s likely to sport the High OG shape. We last saw the “Royal” color blocking present across the high-top in 2023, when the “Royal Reimagined” version offered a smooth suede upper. This decision was polarizing, as reflected by the secondhand market that sees the shoe available for well under retail to this very day. As for the last time it appeared in leather, you’d have to go back nearly a decade to 2017.At the time of writing, Jordan Brand has not yet confirmed that the Air Jordan 1 “Royal” will be returning to shelves this year. Stay tuned for updates, including a first look at the rumored release, as we currently expect it to drop during the holiday season, which for the Swoosh is between October and December, via Nike SNKRS and select retailers. View this post on Instagram A post shared by zSneakerHeadz (@zsneakerheadz)