The last full week of September is upon us and American football is back to midseason form. Meanwhile, sneaker brands continue to prove that there’s no offseason as the likes of New Balance, ASICS, Zellerfeld, Vans, PUMA, Jordan Brand, and adidas have prepared key releases for the next seven days.Before we recap the complete list of launches, let’s look back at which news headlines stood out from the past week, starting with our latest footwear feature starring Zach Saraceno. We discuss his exclusive adidas Tyshawn II colorway, his skate journey, the impact of footwear on skating, and more.As for the typical news flow, Nike announced collaborations with Supreme on the Air Force 1 Low and Air Afrique on the new Air Max RK61. Jacquemus also previewed its take on 1972’s Moon Shoe while a first look at a Kirkland Signature x Nike SB Dunk Low took the industry by storm. Additional headlines for the AF1 Low included complete looks at a Vibram-equipped pair, as well as a “Realtree” iteration.Two signature basketball shoes were announced this week: the Jordan Tatum 4 and the adidas Anthony Edwards 2. The Jumpman team also saw another preview of its fragment design x Union LA x Air Jordan 1 High OG “Black/White” surface. Crocs had a standout week for itself with Steven Smith previewing a new silhouette, the EXP line revealing the Gallery Shoe, and a new horror pack of Classic Clogs hitting the net. Rounding things out, Birkenstock 1774 announced Ensemble 1774, its new designer-focused line.Now that you’re caught up on what’s been going down in the footwear space, let’s switch gears to the drops to come, starting with another New Balance 1906L colorway. Afterwards, head over to HBX to check out which footwear styles are available to purchase today.New Balance 1906L “Ice Wine”Release Date: September 23Release Price: $160 USDWhere to Buy: New BalanceWhy You Should Cop: It’s been well over a year since New Balance shook up the scene with the introduction of its infamous sneaker loafer, the 1906L. Since then, it’s continued to be a bestseller for the brand, donning a wide variety of colorways. This week it expands its arsenal with an iridescent “Ice Wine” finish that applies an additional layer of flair to the slip-on silhouette.ASICS NOVALIS GEL-STYRAX “Ink Teal” & “Rust Orange”Release Date: September 25Release Price: $250 USDWhere to Buy: ASICSWhy You Should Cop: Kiko Kostadinov and ASICS have ascended the ranks of the sneaker industry as one of its most potent duos, leading to the formation of the collaborative NOVALIS line. The cutting-edge division is back with two more takes on its GEL-STYRAX sneaker, a versatile sabot-style sneaker. Arriving in “Ink Teal” and “Rust Orange” globally after Kostadinov’s launch, both pairs highlight the daring model with bold colors.New Balance MADE in USA 992 “Dusk Shower”Release Date: September 25Release Price: $200 USDWhere to Buy: New BalanceWhy You Should Cop: Teddy Santis and New Balance are one of the most consistent modern duos. Premium construction and refreshing palettes are staples of the duo’s MADE in USA efforts, with this “Dusk Shower” edition of the 992 expanding on this later this week. Stone blue hues dress a mixed material build that consists of mesh, suede, and leather. Per usual, the crafted upper is backed by an ABZORB unit within the streamlined sole.Havaianas x Zellerfeld Top ToeRelease Date: September 25Release Price: $89 USDWhere to Buy: ZellerfeldWhy You Should Cop: Zellerfeld is all about innovation, and the German 3D-printing specialists have returned this week with yet another breakthrough. Teaming up with Havaianas, the two have developed the world’s first 3D-printed flip-flop: the Top Toe. Six monochromatic renditions of “Orange,” “Red,” “Blue,” “Black,” “Yellow,” and “Oat” are dropping, with the “Yellow” iteration arriving as the first of its kind from Zellerfeld.Atiba Jefferson x Vans CollectionRelease Date: September 25Release Price: $80 USD to $95 USDWhere to Buy: VansWhy You Should Cop: Atiba Jefferson and Vans have teamed up for a three-shoe collection of skate-ready sneakers. The photographer has offered up his takes on the Old Skool 36+, Half Cab, and Curren Caples, with the pairs appearing in looks that stick to “Solar Orange,” “Oatmeal Beige,” and “Emerald Green,” respectively. Custom logo artwork by graffiti artist Haze, a friend of Jefferson’s, is included across the range as well.PUMA Hali 1 “Opal”Release Date: September 26Release Price: $130 USDWhere to Buy: PUMAWhy You Should Cop: A new trio is being introduced to the world of signature basketball shoes this week. Salehe Bembury and PUMA Hoops have created Tyrese Haliburton’s first sneaker, the PUMA Hali 1. First spotted on Haliburton during the NBA Finals earlier this year, the shoe is designed to support his dynamic style of play. An eye-catching upper combines with a sole unit that features NITROFOAM midsole cushioning, a TPU midfoot shank, and PUMAGRIP tread. Its lead “Opal” look sees royal blue cover the shoe as a new chapter for PUMA begins.Action Bronson x New Balance MADE in USA 992 “Tiger Eye”Release Date: September 26Release Price: $250 USDWhere to Buy: New BalanceWhy You Should Cop: Action Bronson and New Balance’s hot streak continued earlier this month with the 992 donning a special “Tiger Eye” rendition. This brown, orange, blue, and black iteration of the sneaker is back for a second launch this week. Suede and mesh collide with this lively look sporting subtle nods to the duo at the lateral heel and sockliner.Air Jordan 5 “Tokyo”Release Date: September 27Release Price: $215 USDWhere to Buy: SNKRSWhy You Should Cop: Nike has made it clear that no sneaker grail is untouchable anymore. Sought-after collector sneakers like the UNDEFEATED x Air Jordan 4 and Wu-Tang Clan x Nike Dunk High have hit shelves in the past year, and the Air Jordan 5 “Tokyo” is the next to make a surprise return. Its black and yellow composition has been faithfully recreated, with just one detail being adjusted. The outsole’s toe has been swapped from black to yellow, allowing the original pair to be differentiated. For those who missed out on the Japan-exclusive launch in 2011 and haven’t been willing to pay thousands on the secondary market for a pair, now’s your time to cop.18 East x ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 10.1Release Date: September 27Release Price: TBCWhere to Buy: 18 EastWhy You Should Cop: While ASICS is running it back with one of its most established collaborators this week, it’s also exploring a new partnership. The New York City-based team at 18 East has its own take on the GEL-NIMBUS 10.1 on the way. By applying a slow approach to a fast shoe, hemp and cotton mesh are joined by raw-edged cotton canvas and jacquard cotton. Its palette matches this blend, offering a combination of various brown hues with linework in indigo.Bad Bunny x adidas Adizero SL72Release Date: September 27Release Price: $160 USDWhere to Buy: adidasWhy You Should Cop: Rounding out the week is a celebration of five years of the Bad Bunny x adidas partnership. The duo have looked back on their time together, assembling a new Adizero SL72 colorway that recounts a “nostalgic trio” of Forum Buckle looks that dropped between 2021 and 2022. This resulting composition sees another deconstructed design blend a wide variety of hues, from bright pink to chocolate brown, with a hint of blue included as well.
