Author: Sneaker Blogger

With Valentine’s Day behind us, the slog to the end of the winter and beginning of spring is here in earnest. Thankfully, the world’s biggest footwear brands like Nike, adidas, New Balance and more are helping us traverse the gap with a cornucopia of compelling styles. We’ve rounded up the ten best for your viewing pleasure, but before we dive into ’em let’s take a look at what went down last week.2021 is shaping up to be another uncertain year, so instead of trying to forecast trends HYPEBEAST’s editors shared what they’d like to see happen in the world of footwear over the next several months. The latest Sole Mates guest was Deon Point, Creative Director at Concepts who discussed the Concepts x Nike SB Dunk High “When Pigs Fly.” We also asked if hands-free design was the future of footwear and gave a closer look at the Bandulu x Converse collection.As is to be expected in the modern-day sneaker game, a wide swath of official images popped up. These included two READYMADE x Nike Blazer colorways, the CLOT x Nike Air Max 1 “Kiss of Death,” the KITH x Nike Air Force 1 “Paris,” the UNDERCOVER x Nike Overbreak SP, the Nike Dunk Low “College Navy,” the Nike SB Dunk Low “Camcorder,” the Nike SB Dunk Low “Lemon Drop,” the Air Jordan 1 “University Blue” and the Air Jordan 12 Low “Easter.” On the leak and preview front, there was plenty to be seen as well. Jordan Brand continued its rollout of collegiate PEs with a Florida Gators Air Jordan 5. Moving from Florida to Japan, the sacai x Nike Vaporwaffle “Sail” plus the sacai x Nike Blazer Low in gray suede brought even more variety to the ever-expanding collaboration between Chitose Abe and the Swoosh. A Salehe Bembury x Crocs collaboration was teased too, marking a new chapter for 2020’s Footwear Designer of the Year.Also seen were a trio of monochromatic takes on the New Balance 2002R, a silhouette the aforementioned Bembury is familiar with. The latest chapter in the ever-expanding CdG x Nike legacy was supplied by the monochromatic COMME des GARÇONS BLACK x Nike Air Zoom Talaria, and Nike Running updated one of its most popular models with the Zoom VaporFly NEXT% 2. Rounding things off was a three-pack of adidas news bits. These included the release of the YEEZY 500 “Mist Slate” and “Shale Warm” plus two auctions: one for a patriotic Kobe 2 that LeBron James wore during his high school days at Saint Vincent-Saint Mary, the other for Lionel Messi’s record-breaking Barcelona boots.Up to speed? See 10 of the best kicks releasing this week directly below. Per usual, note that any pairs listed below may be pushed back due to the continued effects of the coronavirus and head over to HBX to check out even more new footwear styles.Fumito Ganryu x Salomon UltraRelease Date: February 16Release Price: TBCWhere to Buy: SalomonWhy You Should Cop: Fumito Ganryu and Salomon’s new Ultra shows that you don’t need a flashy color scheme or huge branded hits to accent a sneaker’s tech. From a color standpoint, it may be a simple white silhouette with silver branding — but it boasts everything from a water-repellant sheath to proprietary grip technology for excellent traction. It released at the Fumito Ganryu webstore late last week, but this week marks its global debut.Paris Saint-Germain x Air Jordan 1 High Zoom CMFTRelease Date: February 17Release Price: $140 USDWhere to Buy: Nike SNKRSWhy You Should Cop: Paris Saint-Germain’s Air Jordan 1 High Zoom CMFT may have rolled out at a few international stockists, but this marks its US release. The latest co-created product from the famed French football club and the Jumpman, it features a stripped-back look with purple and pink tye dye hits inspired by PSG’s new third kits plus special heel badges. In short, it’s decidedly a goal for any footy fan or PSG supporter.Nike Dunk Low “Coast,” “Hyper Cobalt” and “Medium Grey”Release Date: February 18Release Price: $100 USDWhere to Buy: Nike SNKRS and Foot LockerWhy You Should Cop: Further byproducts of staggered regional releases, the Nike Dunk Low “Coast,” “Hyper Cobalt” and “Medium Grey” are all arriving stateside after international drops. The “Coast” is a women’s pair with a UNC-like color scheme, the “Hyper Cobalt” supplies a Duke-like mixture of black and blue and the “Medium Grey” serves up a UNLV-esque blend of gray and red tones to complete the collegiate-inspired three-pack. Stüssy x Nike Air Huarache “Desert Oak”Release Date: February 18Release Price: $120 USDWhere to Buy: Nike SNKRSWhy You Should Cop: No, you’re not having déjà vu. Yes, the Stüssy x Nike Air Huarache “Desert Oak” released on the Stüssy webstore last week. However, this week marks its arrival on Nike SNKRS, and a second crack at a collaboration this nice is definitely newsworthy. Stüssy’s first Nike collaboration, the Air Huarache “Desert Oak” first released all the way back in 2000, so it was long overdue for a retro. 2021 marks 30 years since the Air Huarache itself was first brought to market in 1991, so this is a more than decent way to kick off the anniversary celebration. Soulland x Li-Ning Shadow and Wind RangerRelease Date: February 19Release Price: $325 USD (Shadow) and $240 USD (Wind Ranger)Where to Buy: SoullandWhy You Should Cop: After being teased for almost a year, Soulland and Li-Ning’s footwear collection is finally ready to make its retail debut. Featuring the Shadow and Wind Ranger, the collection offers ultra high-tech materials like carbon fiber plates and Li-Ning’s BOOM foam combined with Soulland’s streetwise flair. It’s a unique amalgamation of modern-day running and runways from the mind of a skate brand, making it arguably the week’s most interesting release.Air Jordan 1 “Silver Toe”Release Date: February 19Release Price: $170 USDWhere to Buy: Nike SNKRS and Foot LockerWhy You Should Cop: A women’s style centered around shimmering metallic silver accents, the Air Jordan 1 “Silver Toe” may be somewhat reminiscent of Kawhi Leonard’s Air Jordan 1 “Think 16,” but it’s all its own style thanks to a rich contrast of black and white leathers. An extended size run will be available, enabling those of the larger-footed persuasion to get their “Silver Toe” on as well.Snow Peak x New Balance Tokyo Design Studio R_C4Release Date: February 19Release Price: TBCWhere to Buy: Snow PeakWhy You Should Cop: The latest and greatest from Snow Peak and the New Balance Tokyo Design Studio, the R_C4 Mid offers a stark all black build and plenty of high-end tech. Half sneaker and half hiking boot, it boasts a full Cordura upper, technical strap system, beefy ENCAP midsole and toothed Vibram outsole, making for a potent combination of looks and technology that’s equally at home in the city as it is the trail. PORTER x Vault by Vans Old Skool LX, OG Sk8-Hi Reissue VLT LX and OG Classic Slip-On VLT LXRelease Date: February 20Release Price: TBCWhere to Buy: HBXWhy You Should Cop: Legendary Japanese bag maker and esteemed California footwear brand are coming together on the new PORTER x Vault by Vans collection. Consisting of two Old Skools, one SK8-Hi and one Slip-on all done up in flight jacket style colorways and adorned with rich checkerboard prints, the entire collection is a compelling nod to quality craftsmanship and classic design.Air Jordan 3 “Cool Grey”Release Date: February 20Release Price: $170 USDWhere to Buy: Nike SNKRS, Foot Locker and atmosWhy You Should Cop: A beloved piece of Jordan Brand’s LS (lifestyle) efforts from the ’00s, the Air Jordan 3 “Cool Grey” is coming back for the first time since its original release in 2007. Boasting an elegant grey upper with signature elephant print plus vivid red and orange accents, the “Cool Grey” is a compelling callback to another era that’s sure to delight tenured and fledgling Jordan Brand fans alike.adidas YEEZY 700 V3 “Kyanite”Release Date: February 20Release Price: $200 USDWhere to Buy: adidas and YEEZY SupplyWhy You Should Cop: Kanye West’s adidas YEEZY 700 V3 diverges from the vast majority of the YEEZY line in two major ways: it’s sleek and BOOST-less. Both of those key pieces are on full display with its new “Kyanite” colorway, which boasts sporty blue accents atop a crisp cream and black base. Its release was first reported by the famed leakers at YEEZY Mafia and has yet to be officially confirmed by the Three Stripes, but if it does indeed release it’ll stand among the week’s top drops.