Kyrie & LeBron Duel in This Week's Sneaker Launches
While adidas reworks some of its classics.
Once upon a time, long before the hype pervaded popular culture, the major sneaker brands would typically deliver one, maybe two coveted releases a month, with a heavy emphasis on storytelling. Nowadays, it’s commonplace to see these different labels ditch the ‘who, what, where, when and how,’ and instead drop multiple pairs of heat in just one weekend. A welcomed dilemma for most.
With that said, we continue our weekly roundup of the most sought after silhouettes for the week, hoping to make your ‘cop or drop’ decision as easy as possible. Check out the list below and chime in on the styles you’ll be picking up.
Nike Kyrie 4 “Blk/Wht”
Nike
Release Date: December 20
Release Price: $120 USD, available via select Nike Basketball retailers and Nike SNKRS
New team, new sneaker. As Kyrie Irving continues his new chapter with the Boston Celtics, Nike has assisted in forwarding his progress with the newly-unveiled Nike Kyrie 4. Designed by Benjamin Nethongkome, Uncle Drew’s fourth Nike signature adds suede to its mid-cut upper, while its newly designed outsole wraps up and around the midsole, delivering superior traction for the already-unstoppable guard.
adidas Originals Crazy 1 ADV “Silver Chainmail”
adidas
Release Date: December 20
Release Price: $130 USD, available via select adidas retailers and online
adidas continues to retool some of its classics as another remix of the Crazy 1 gets ready to hit retail shelves. Made popular by Kobe Bryant during his earlier years with the Los Angeles Lakers, the basketball-ready model goes off-court with a Primeknit-heavy upper. The “Silver Chainmail” dubbed sneaker receives its inspiration from chainmail armor, while its inner lining welcomes black neoprene.
Nike Air More Uptempo “Chi” & “ATL”
Nike
Nike
Release Date: December 20
Release Price: $170 USD, via select Nike Sportswear retailers and Nike SNKRS
Nike’s Air More Uptempo makes yet another comeback this year with special dedications to popular US cities. Chicago and Atlanta receive the special honors as each city’s respective initials take the placed of the model’s exaggerated “AIR” branding. The Chicago iterations take on the popular “Bred” color scheme boasting a red base with black detailing, while the Atlanta edition is coated in white with green and gold accents.
Air Jordan 13 “Altitude”
Nike
Release Date: December 21
Release Price: $190 USD, available via select Jordan Brand retailers and Nike SNKRS
One of the most popular non-OG color iterations from Michael Jordan‘s signature line is back. Dubbed “Altitude,” this Air Jordan 13 holds inspiration from MJ’s “Black Cat” nickname with a black leather upper and small amounts of stingray material wrapping around its silhouette. Altitude Green is incorporated onto its outsole, while the lateral side’s signature hologram detail returns in its original green coloring.
adidas Originals NMD_CS2 “Core Black” & (Navy/Black)
adidas
adidas
Release Date: December 21
Release Price: $180 USD, available via select adidas Originals retailers and online
“Core Black” and “Navy/Black” editions of adidas Originals’s NMD_CS2 are here. The second iteration of the City Sock shares a similar design to its predecessor, but without the excess midsole EVA plugs on the lateral sides. Its new ankle entry design wraps around your foot, while a new stripe pattern is added to the Primeknit upper.
adidas Originals EQT Cushion ADV
adidas
Release Date: December 21
Release Price: N/A, available in-store only at select adidas Originals retailers
adidas continues to pull from its massive archive with the release of the EQT Cushion ADV. This iteration provides an update to the EQT Cushion 91 with newly added reflective detailing, sculpted nubuck quarter panels and synthetic overlays. A final touch lies within the webbing tape on the lateral sides, as pink and grey serve as subtle complementary colors.
Nike Air Max Premium Camo “USA”
Nike
Release Date: December 21
Release Price: $180, available via select Nike Sportswear retailers and Nike SNKRS
Nike’s Air Max 97 Premium now gains its latest inspiration from the United States Armed Forces, as the Swoosh treats its paneled upper with a Tiger Camo pattern. In addition, you’ll find a removable flag patch on each tongue, providing custom looks for the wearer. This iteration is just one of a few that will host different flags and camo patterns over the next few months.
Nike Air Zoom Generation (Black/Varsity Crimson-White)
Nike
Release Date: December 23
Release Price: $175, available via select Nike Basketball retailers and Nike SNKRS
The Nike Air Zoom Generation‘s ”First Game” and White/Varsity Crimson iterations will soon be followed by its “Away” edition. LeBron James‘ first signature model sees black, varsity crimson and white throughout its Hummer-inspired design. Chrome detailing makes its way onto the heel to continue the design, in addition to James’s original “L23” branding on the tongue.
