Colin Kaepernick and Kanye West Collaborations Head Up This Week's Best Footwear Drops
Alongside new Air Max 90s from UNDEFEATED, tribute SB Dunks and fresh styles from LeBron, KD and AI.
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The culmination of the holiday season and the end of the year signals a time of recuperation and relaxation for many — after all, the last few weeks were nothing short of chaotic. However, the world of footwear is one that knows no rest. Although the release calendar has been trimmed down a touch over these next 7 days, there’s still collaborations, new basketball silhouettes and re-works of old favorites alike set to hit shelves. Before we dive into this week’s drops, let’s touch base on everything that went down last week first.
Above all else, big business was the name of the game. Nike reported its Q2 revenue, which showed a 10% increase to a staggering $10.3 billion dollars. The Swoosh’s sales grew 12%, but were outpaced by Converse, who gained 15%, thanks in large part to the re-energized Chuck 70. Nike CFO Andy Campion even name-dropped the silhouette directly in a call with investors, stating “We’ve got some real momentum within the Chuck franchise, in particular driven by a style called the Chuck 70, which is growing really strong double to triple digits in all geographies.” Jordan Brand kept up the high pace established by its counterparts too, posting its first-ever billion dollar quarter. Despite all these wins, the threat of increased tariffs harangued Nike’s stock, causing it to drop by 2%.
On the product side of the spectrum, the biggest news of the week was unquestionably the revealing of Travis Scott’s Air Max 270. The Cactus Jack general’s latest collaborative sneakers are nothing short of wild, and have been rumored to debut around Air Max Day — March 26 — in 2020. On the hoop shoe front, styles both old and new made their respective marks. Russell Westbrook’s Jordan Why Not Zer0.3 was officially revealed, as was the return of Kobe Bryant’s legendary Kobe Protro 5 “Chaos“, an announcement that sent the Black Mamba’s still-loyal legions of fans into a veritable tizzy of excitement. This news was quickly followed up by the announcement of an NBA 2K-exclusive colorway of the famed sneaker.
It was more than just athletes and rappers dominating headlines: Streaming don and Fortnite savant Ninja announced a partnership with adidas, centered around the Nite Jogger “Time In.” Last but not least, Brazilian soccer superstar Neymar Jr teased his next round of Nike Shox collaborations. Branded properties also made a mark, with K-Swiss showing off a Matrix collaboration.
Finally, high fashion brands had a busy week as well. It is winter after all, so boots were proffered by White Mountaineering x Danner and Gucci. For those who’d rather leave their toes exposed, Vetements presented a cheeky shower sandal. And Lanvin premiered a brand-new style called the Bumper, an intentionally aged design that nods to ’70s running shoes and provides slight shades of sacai’s ultra-popular Nike LDWaffle.
Now that you’re up to speed, check out all the best releases from this upcoming week directly below. And treat yourself to a pair or two — you deserve it after buying all those gifts. To those who celebrate, happy holidays!
Vans Sk8-Hi “Refract Pack”
Vans
Vans
Release Date: December 22
Release Price: $65 USD
Where to Buy: Vans
Why You Should Cop: These Sk8-His mark the return of Vans’ psychedelic “Refract Pack” graphics. Using a ’60’s-style colored graphic that multiplies and twists the Jazz Stripe, both styles provide a bold look at a price point that’s significantly lower than any of the other options on this list.
adidas YEEZY 700 V3 “Azael”
Adidas
Adidas
Adidas
Release Date: December 23
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: adidas
Why You Should Cop: The third and latest model in Kanye West’s long-running YEEZY 700 line, the 700 V3 provides a new look with its slimmed-down upper and a new feel with standard foam cushioning in place of BOOST. It’s also $100 USD less expensive than its predecessors.
Colin Kaepernick x Nike Air Force 1 “True To 7”
Stadium Goods
Stadium Goods
Stadium Goods
Release Date: December 23
Release Price: $110 USD (Men’s) $75 USD (Kids) $65 (Toddlers)
Where to Buy: Nike
Why You Should Cop: Quarterback and social justice activist Colin Kaepernick’s first footwear collaboration, this Air Force 1 features meaningful details and will be available in full family sizes. Unfortunately, the date he first took a knee on an NFL sideline — a detail seen on early pairs — has been removed from the outsole, but the design still remains poignant and meaningful.
Reebok Question Mid “Heart Over Hype”
Reebok
Reebok
Release Date: December 23
Release Price: $150 USD
Where to Buy: Reebok
Why You Should Cop: A nod to the heart, determination and grit shared by Philadelphia and Allen Iverson, the “Heart Over Hype” digs into the relationship between superstar and city. Packaged in a bold combo of red and black leather, this homage to the unbreakable bond between the two demands your attention.
Nike LeBron 17 “More Than An Athlete”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: December 25
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: Nike SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: The second collaboration between LeBron James’s UNINTERRUPTED and Nike, the LeBron 17 “More Than An Athlete” is extremely customizable. Lace shrouds are swappable, and hoopers can even use the included markers to write their own messages on the quickly cleanable midsoles, much like King James does with his on-court footwear.
Nike KD 12 “Aunt Pearl”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: December 25
Release Price: $150 USD
Where to Buy: Nike SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: “Aunt Pearl” colorways have been a mainstay of Kevin Durant’s signature Nike footwear ever since the KD 4, and the KD 12 “What The Aunt Pearl” brings together special details from almost all the line’s previous releases. From midfoot straps to the print on the heel and more, sharp-eyed fans of the Slim Reaper will be able to trace Aunt Pearl’s footwear lineage, all while supporting a worthy cause.
Nike Kobe 5 Protro “2K”
Nike
Release Date: December 26
Release Price: TBC
Where to Buy: Nike SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: This rare altered take on Kobe Bryant’s iconic Kobe 5 Protro “Chaos” is only unlockable by playing NBA 2K20 and beating Kobe Bryant’s Christmas Day scoring record of 42 points. You’ll be able to begin your pursuit at 10 AM EST, so you’ll want to go ahead and get gaming — you’ll also want to be sure and link your Nike/2K accounts.
Concepts x Nike Kyrie 6 “Khepri” & “Golden Mummy”
Concepts
Concepts
Release Date: December 27
Release Price: $140 USD (Men’s) $110 USD (Kids) $80 USD (Preschool)
Where to Buy: Concepts
Why You Should Cop: The ever-eclectic Kyrie Irving’s fascination with the occult and ancient Egyptian culture is well-known, so Concepts is digging into it for a third time with two new Kyrie 6s. The “Khepri” nods to an Egyptian solar deity represented by the scarab beetle, while the kids-only “Golden Mummy” acknowledges the riches found within ancient tombs. In true Concepts fashion, each is packed full of unique details — making for releases that are as interesting as Kyrie himself.
size? Nike Air Max 270 React “Dragonfly”
Size?
Release Date: December 27
Release Price: £140 GBP (approximately $182 USD)
Where to Buy: size?
Why You Should Cop: size? is continuing its run of eye-catching exclusives with this Air Max 270 React “Dragonfly.” An artful interpretation of the insect’s shimmering body and wings, the “Dragonfly” features iridescent accents, translucent detailing and high-end comfort in equal measures.
UNDEFEATED x Nike Air Max 90 Collection
Nike
Nike
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: December 27 (UNDEFEATED)/December 30 (Nike SNKRS, select colors)
Release Price: $150 USD
Where to Buy: UNDEFEATED
Why You Should Cop: Long anticipated and motorcycle jacket-inspired, UNDEFEATED’s eight-pack of Air Max 90s first debuted in limited quantities this summer, but it’s set for a full-on release this week. You can pick between white or black bases and blue, red, yellow or green accents, so there’s a style to suit all tastes.
adidas Consortium ZX 10.000 JC
Sivasdescalzo
Sivasdescalzo
Sivasdescalzo
Release Date: December 28
Release Price: €150 EUR (approximately $166 USD)
Where to Buy: Sivasdescalzo
Why You Should Cop: adidas Consortium brought Jacques Chassaing — the man who created the ZX line in 1984 — out of retirement for this colorful ZX.1000C. With its bold hues and high-quality construction, it’s a loving homage to a still popular performance-turned-lifestyle silhouette.
Nike SB Dunk “Raygun Tie-Dye”
Sneakersnstuff
Sneakersnstuff
Sneakersnstuff
Release Date: December 27
Release Price: $150 USD
Where to Buy: Sneakersnstuff
Why You Should Cop: An updated take on a classic SB Dunk from 2005, the “Raygun Tie-Dye” is an artfully altered take on a cult favorite colorway. It’s also a touching tribute to late Nike SB leader Sandy Bodecker, who was known to frequently wear a tie-day “Rayguns” hoodie.
Air Jordan 6 “Washed Denim”
Hanzuying
Release Date: December 28
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: Nike
Why You Should Cop: Sometimes being washed is a good thing, and that’s certainly the case with the denim on these Air Jordan 6s. Featuring two-tone denim detailing and a jean-style patch on the tongue, you’ve never seen an AJ6 quite like these before.
Nike Air Max 720 OBJ “Canyon Gold/Hyper Grape”
Nike
Release Date: December 28
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: Nike SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: His Browns might be suffering through a disappointing season, but at least Odell Beckham Jr has been finding the endzone on the footwear front with his Air Max 720 OBJ. This “Canyon Gold/Hyper Grape” colorway is a nod to the receiver’s alma mater of LSU, who’ll be playing in the Peach Bown the day they drop.
