'Stranger Things' & Nike Head Back to the "Upside Down" in This Week's Best Footwear Drops

Over the past seven days in the footwear world, headlines have been mostly dominated by sport-related releases and first looks.

To celebrate the upcoming FIBA Tournament being held in China at the end of the month, Nike introduced two collections inspired by the games and 2000’s basketball culture: the “China Hoop Dream” and “Jordan FIBA 2019”. Additionally, the sportswear giant unveiled the AlphaDunk basketball sneaker and newly modified Kobe AD NXT.

On the other-hand, pro-skater Na-Kel Smith and adidas Skateboarding continue with their collaborative offerings, having dropped a Nizza Hi and Low pack dressed in hairy suede over the weekend.

In terms of first looks, Jerry Seinfeld revealed a pair of Nike Shox TL made from New York Mets Jerseys, while images of the Off-White™ x Nike Dunk Low “Pine Green,” YEEZY BOOST 700 V2 “Inertia,” and Cactus Plant Flea Market x Nike Blazer By You “Sponge” surfaced. We were also given closer looks at One Piece x PUMA’s collaborative CELL Endura.

Elsewhere, StockX is now offering fraud and identify theft protection following hack, while UNDEFEATED’s CEO previewed the full Full UNDFTD x Nike Zoom Kobe 4 Protro pack on social media.

Finally, we also took a look at the best sneaker collaborations with an animation franchise.

Now with a new week ahead of us, we present the latest installment of our weekly footwear drops list, showcasing what’s to come from your favorite footwear brands. Take a look at the list below and let us know what releases you’re looking forward to.

adidas YEEZY BOOST 700 OG “Wave Runner”

Eddie Lee/Hypebeast

Release Date: Available now
Release Price: $300 USD for adult sizing; $180 USD for GS; $150 USD for infant and toddler
Where to Buy: adidas.com/YEEZY
Why You Should Cop: Since its initial 2017 release, the adidas Originals YEEZY BOOST 700 “Wave Runner” has been a fan favorite for sneakerheads around the world. This time around the coveted model will be releasing in kids and infant sizing, making sure the whole family is ready to flex.

Nike SB x Air Jordan 1 Low “UNC”

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Release Date: August 12 at 4 p.m.
Release Price: $110 USD
Where to Buy: Nike’s SNKRS app
Why You Should Cop: Eric Koston‘s second Nike SB x Air Jordan 1 Low collab is dressed in the same “North Carolina Blue” color palette of Michael Jordan’s alma mater. This release should resonate with both sneaker and basketball fans around the world.

Stranger Things x Nike “Upside Down” Pack

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Release Date: August 13
Release Price: $110 USD for each the Mid Blazer, Cortez and Tailwind 79
Where to Buy: Select Nike retailers such as Sneakersnstuff. Check out a full list here
Why You Should Cop: Following a somewhat surprise drop on SSENSE last month, Nike‘s third Stranger Things capsule is now gearing up for a wider release this week. The Tailwind 79 was also previously dropped during BAIT’s exclusive San Diego Comic-Con hunt. Create your own unique look by tearing away the upper’s first layer to reveal the denim fabric hidden inside. Guaranteed no two sneakers will look the same.

Nike Joyride Collection

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Release Date: August 15
Release Price: $180 USD for the Joyride NSW Setter and Joyride Run Flyknit; $200 for the Joyride NSW Optik
Where to Buy: Select Nike retailers and nike.com
Why You Should Cop: Nike’s Joyride collection has been getting a lot of shade for its use of plastic beads in the sole. However, the groundbreaking cushioning system is the latest technology from the Swoosh giant aimed at giving you a better running performance.

Nike D/MS/X VaporMax

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Release Date: August 15
Release Price: $190 USD
Where to Buy: Select Nike retailers and nike.com
Why You Should Cop: The latest model in Nike’s VaporMax lineup gets a fresh white makeover just before the summer ends. Those looking for a fresh, yet utilitarian and futuristic take should look to the D/MS/X VaporMax.

Nike SB x Air Jordan 1 “LA to Chicago”

Eddie Lee/Hypebeast

Release Date: August 16
Release Price: €149 EUR (approximately $167 USD)
Where to Buy: Select retailers including Sneakersnstuff
Why You Should Cop: If you missed out three months prior, now’s your second chance to cop the coveted Nike SB x Air Jordan 1 “LA to Chicago.” Also dressed in a Lakers-inspired colorway, fans of the west coast team will need to add these to their sneaker rotation.

adidas Originals Snakeskin-Embossed Pack

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Release Date: August 16
Release Price: $50 USD for the Adilette; $100 USD for the Stan Smith; and $110 USD for the Continental 80; $120 USD for the Falcon
Where to Buy: Select adidas retailers and adidas.com
Why You Should Cop: Elevate your summer rotation with adidas’ exotic snakeskin colorway. The pack includes the ’70s icon Stan Smith, the ’80s classic Continental 80, the women’s Falcon and the poolside-ready Adilette, giving you plenty of options depending on your summertime event.

Joshua Vides x Converse

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Release Date: August 16
Release Price: TBC
Where to Buy: Select Converse retailers and converse.com
Why You Should Cop: Joshua Vides‘ Converse Chuck 70 High and Low collaboration originally dropped earlier this summer. Now fans will be able to get their hands on a pair this week. The upper features removable velcro, allowing the wearer to customize their pair with bespoke canvas patches. These special edition Converse kicks will be sure to resonate with fans of both Vides and Converse.

Nike “Swoosh Chain” Pack

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Release Date: August 17
Release Price: $160 USD for the Air Max 97; $160 USD for the Air Max Plus; $110 USD for the Air Force 1
Where to Buy: Nike.com and select Nike retailers
Why You Should Cop: As part of Nike’s “Evolution of the Swoosh” collection, which will spotlight different variations of Swooshes from the sportswear giant’s archives, the “Swoosh Chain” pack includes an upgraded Air Force 1, Air Max Plus and Air Max 97 all dressed in a ’70s-inspired uniform. Nike fans will want to collect the entire lineup for a piece of history.

Vivienne Westwood x ASICS GEL Pack

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Release Date: August 17
Release Price: $200 for the Hyper GEL-Lyte; $150 USD for the GEL-DS Trainer; $130 USD for the GEL-Saga
Where to Buy: ASICS’ Japanese web store, physical outposts and domestic Westwood shops
Why You Should Cop: The second collaboration between Vivienne Westwood and ASICS utilizes a bevy of the latter’s archive-inspired silhouettes dressed in imagery of François Boucher paintings. The upcoming collection should resonate with both sneaker fans, fashion lovers and art enthusiasts alike.

adidas Temper Run “SNS Exclusive”

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Release Date: August 17
Release Price: $140 USD
Where to Buy: Sneakersnstuff retailers and online
Why You Should Cop: Two words: limited edition. Plus the earthy tones make them a perfect fit for almost any occasion and outfit. Talk about versatility.