Basketball Kicks Take the Playoff Stage in This Week's Footwear Drops

Week after week, sneaker brands, known and unknown, release new models, colorways, collaborations and retros to continue the stirring of sneaker culture’s melting pot. The competition has risen over the years with the introduction of new technology and the use of celebrity influencers, thus presenting an even larger variety of selections for sneakerheads and casual shoppers alike.

To ease your anxiety, and pockets, our weekly drop list showcases releases from your favorite brands, curating the most hyped sneakers and strongest silhouettes/colorway combinations that should not be missed. Take a look at the list below and let us know what launches you’re looking forward to.

Nike LeBron Soldier 12 “Zero Dark Thirty”

US11

Release Date: April 12
Release Price:  N/A, available at select Nike Basketball retailers

The new Nike LeBron Soldier 12 is ready for the NBA Playoffs. Acknowledging LeBron James‘s yearly hiatus from social media during the postseason, this drop dons the “Zero Dark Thirty” moniker with its Battle Knit upper and straps drenched in all-black.

Nike LeBron 15 “Four Hoursemen”

Nike

Release Date: April 12
Release Price:  $185, available via select Nike Basketball retailers

LeBron James‘ fifteenth sneaker is back in multicolor form. This drop uses black instead of the white found in the Fruity Pebbles-inspired drop. Dubbed “Four Horsemen,” this iteration commemorates the friendship between LeBron James, Rich Paul, Maverick Carter and Randy Mims. The group ultimately forms James’s marketing firm, LRMR.

Nike Air VaporMax 97 “Silver Bullet”

Nike

Release Date: April 12
Release Price:  $190 USD, available via select Nike Sportswear retailers and Nike SNKRS

Nike‘s hallmark ”Silver Bullet” color scheme is returning in hybrid form. Resting atop a VaporMax unit, the Air Max 97 upper remains intact with a slight makeover. Small branding returns in red on the tongue, lateral and medial side to finish the design.

Nike Kobe 1 Protro “Mamba Day”

Nike

Release Date: April 13
Release Price:  $175, at select Nike Basketball retailers and Nike SNKRS

Nike‘s annual “Mamba Day” celebration returns April 13, and for this day, Kobe Bryant‘s first Nike model, the Nike Kobe 1 Protro, sees a new black and gold colorway. This pair made its debut on-court by DeMar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors.

adidas Originals Twinstrike “Core Black”

adidas

Release Date: April 13
Release Price:  N/A, available at select adidas Originals retailers and adidas.com

Luxe Nappa Leather meets adidas Original‘s Twinstrike sneaker. The “Core Black” colorway adds white to the EVA midsole to contrast the nubuck and suede detailing throughout. Subtle reflective branding is added throughout to complete this edition.

Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Shadow”

Nike

Release Date: April 14
Release Price:  $160 USD, available via select Jordan Brand retailers and Nike SNKRS

Following its 2013 release, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Shadow” returns for Spring 2018. The iconic model makes its way back into the sneaker world with high-quality leather throughout, similar to the “Shattered Backboard” iteration.

New Balance 990v4 ”1982”

New Balance

Release Date: April 14
Release Price:  $100 USD, availableat select New Balance retailers

The New Balance 990v4 “1982” pays homage to its humble beginnings. Limited to 1,500 pairs, this special version etches “Est. 1982” on its heel in navy, with the same color found around the “N” logo and on the tongue. Reflective detailing hits the heel and side branding as well.

adidas Harden Vol. 2 “Lift Off”

adidas

Release Date: April 15
Release Price:  $140 USD, available at select adidas Hoops retailers and adidas.com

James Harden has lead the Rockets to the league’s best record this season, and in appropriate fashion, a special “Lift Off” colorway of the adidas Harden Vol. 2 launches this week. The color scheme is aligned with the squad’s team colors boasting an upper with black, grey, white and red. Its BOOST midsole provides comfort with a special lacing cage offering a customized fit.

Nike Kobe AD NXT 360

Nike

Release Date: April 13
Release Price:  $200 USD, available via select Nike Basketball retailers and Nike SNKRS

Kobe Bryant‘s line has continued successfully post-retirement. The Black Mamba’s AD line welcomes the new NXT 360 model, wrapped in Flyknit around the entire upper. Its drop-in midsole provides ultimate cushioning and response, in addition to giving the player a closer feel to the court. An iridescent Swoosh is added to each lateral side, with Bryant’s signature branding found on each heel. DeMar DeRozan also debuted this model on-court a few weeks ago.