The Record-Breaking Nike Alphafly 3 "Prototype" Speeds Into This Week's Best Footwear Drops
Coming alongside a new Market x Reebok collaboration, the Jordan Tatum 1 “Tunnel Walk,” and the Nike LeBron NXXT Gen “First Game.”
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With the new year just beginning, there’s a slew of footwear brands that are looking to step into the next 365 days with the right foot forward. A melange of labels have unveiled new releases this week, with the likes of Nike, Jordan Brand, Reebok, atmos, and more all coming together for a new week of footwear drops. However, before we get into what’s coming up over the next seven days, let’s review what went down in the industry this past week.
On the feature front, Hypebeast’s Sole Mates series continues with a conversation with Kunichi Nomura about the TRIPSTER x Vans Authentic, while the team also explored how Crocs went from being mocked to a bonafide fashion staple.
As for the news, Hypebeast readers were treated to a first official look at the Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Mambacita,” and the Swoosh also revealed an all-new Air Jordan 1 “Satin Shadow.” Elsewhere, official images surfaced of the Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Year of the Dragon,” and Nike restocked the Air Max 97 “Gundam.”
Outside of Nike, PUMA and New Era revealed a new collaboration, while Clarks unveiled some new custom Wallabees for JAY-Z and his inner circle. Rounding things out, adidas took the Stan Smith to new heights with a new platform model, and 99GINGER and New Balance linked up for a new collaboration to keep people talking.
With all of footwear’s key news recapped, let’s run through 10 of this week’s best releases to be hitting stores worldwide. Afterward, don’t forget to hit up HBX to shop styles that can be purchased today.
Nike Air Max Plus “Blue Fade”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: January 2
Release Price: £190 GBP (approx. $240 USD)
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: The Nike Air Max Plus is renowned for its bold designs and color combinations. Throughout 2023, the Swoosh unveiled a melange of vibrant editions of the shoe — with the sneaker’s “Light Retro” being a stand-out highlight — and now the brand is stepping into the new year in the same vein. This latest Air Max Plus shoe takes on an understated white and blue color scheme, with the crisp white slowly transitioning into the blue shades across the laces and ankles. Customary branding is added to the tongue, lateral sides, and heel counter, with classic leather piped detailing being used to round things off.
Air Jordan 1 Element GTX “Legend Coffee” & “Bred”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: January 2
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: In 2021, Jordan Brand launched the Air Jordan 1 Element GORE-TEX, evolving the classic silhouette with future-facing details that turned the shoe into one that can be used to navigate the great outdoors. Now, the sneaker has been introduced in its latest color schemes, with two new versions arriving in “Bred” and “Legend Coffee” colorways. Both pairs are designed with a waterproof GORE-TEX lining in the upper, combining textile and nubuck overlays, while the slick 3M reflective touches and Nike Air emblem are woven into the tongue tags to add an extra sprinkle of unpredictability. Rounding off the pair, the sneakers are botched with a translucent rubber outsole to provide best-in-class traction on slippery surfaces.
adidas Samba OG Nylon
Adidas
Adidas
Adidas
Release Date: January 3
Release Price: $160 USD
Where to Buy: adidas
Why You Should Cop: The adidas Samba is a bonafide classic in the sneaker world and now adidas has just added a new twist to the shoe, swapping out its smooth leather upper for an all-new nylon material. Available in two colorways of “Focused Olive” and “Preloved Ink S24,” the shoes are hit with uncharacteristic wrinkles on the upper, while reflective detailing is used on the customary Three Stripe logo. Meanwhile, the eyestay and collar remain the same with leather compositions, ensuring the smaller details retain their sturdy and durable characteristics. Rounding off the design, adidas continue to use the rubber sole — a detail that’s become synonymous with all Samba fans over the years.
Nike Alphafly 3 “Prototype”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: January 4
Release Price: $285 USD
Where to Buy: Nike
Why You Should Cop: If you carry an interest in running and marathon news, you will know that Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya smashed the marathon world record in Chicago with a time of only two hours and 35 seconds. The athlete completed this achievement in the Nike Alphafly 3, with the sneaker now soon to be available after a slew of sketches and samples were seen surfacing on the web. This latest addition to the Alphafly line is the lightest and most tested Alphafly ever, featuring smoother heel-to-toe transition, a wider full-length carbon fiber Flyplate for a stable ride, and a Fast Shot outsole for optimal grip.
Under Armour Curry 11 Bruce Lee “Wind” & “Future Dragon”
Under Armour
Under Armour
Release Date: January 5
Release Price: $160 USD
Where to Buy: Under Armour
Why You Should Cop: The latest release from Curry Brand’s pack commemorating the late, great Bruce Lee, the Curry 11 “Wind” salutes one of the four elements — previous releases have acknowledged fire, earth and water — while the “Future Dragon” is an acknowledgement of Lee’s martial arts prowess and the 50th anniversary of Enter the Dragon. Both feature UA’s most advanced hoops tech including dual-density UA Flow, so even if you can’t shoot like Steph (you can’t) you can proudly rock the shoes that live up to his standards.
Jordan Tatum 1 “Tunnel Walk”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: January 4
Release Price: $120 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Jordan Brand and Jayson Tatum are continuing to expand their partnership in 2024, with the duo unveiling its latest collaborative model. Tatum — who has enjoyed a successful year at power forward for the Boston Celtics — is seeing his classic model reworked in a fresh colorway, one that takes inspiration from the eye-catching and fashionable looks seen during players’ iconic tunnel walks. For this new “Tunnel Walk” iteration, the shoe is covered in earthy tones, while a sail mesh upper is hit with a tie-dye-like camouflage pattern on the canvas overlays, eyestays, heels, and tongues. Contrasting “Volt” accents are then added to the insoles, heel tabs, and medial sides to round off the design.
Snow Peak x Tokyo Design Studio x New Balance Niobium Concept 3 Boot
Snow Peak
Snow Peak
Snow Peak
Release Date: January 5
Release Price: $300 USD
Where to Buy: New Balance
Why You Should Cop: Snow Peak and Tokyo Design Studio have linked up again to create an all-new collaborative New Balance capsule. The collaboration features a melange of outerwear items, however, the capsule’s winter-ready boot, dubbed the “TDS Niobium Concept 3,” stands as the main highlight. The outer shell is hit with an eVent upper (a waterproof and breathable material), while its white and grey gradient colorway draws inspiration from snowy fields. Meanwhile, the inner boot showcases an original graphic textile design, providing insulation with lightweight and water-resistant PRIMALOFT material.
Nike LeBron NXXT Gen First Game
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: January 5
Release Price: $170 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: In 2003, LeBron James played his first-ever NBA game against the Sacramento Kings. Now, just over 20 years later, LeBron celebrated the milestone by donning a pair of LeBron NXXT Gen sneakers in a design inspired by the Air Zoom Generation he wore in Sacramento. The sneakers boast a color scheme that mimics the pair LeBron wore two decades ago, with black textile detailing at the heel and white leather upfront. Vibrant red accents are applied to the aglets, as well as on the Swoosh logos and the “FIRST GAME” tag on the heel counter.
Market x Reebok Classic Leather Pump
Market
Market
Market
Release Date: January 5
Release Price: $130 USD
Where to Buy: Reebok
Why You Should Cop:Reebok and fashion-forward imprint Market have unveiled their inaugural collaboration featuring the iconic Club C 85 Pump and Classic Leather Pump. The link-up draws inspiration from Reebok’s adored Vector tracksuit, infusing the spirit of the co-ord into footwear. Both silhouettes feature ribbed textured uppers while striking stitched details create a visual narrative that aligns seamlessly with Reebok’s classic track top. The Club C embraces this the most out of the pair, with the upper featuring a zipper closure instead of laces.
Air Jordan 1 High Golf “Pollen”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: January 5
Release Price: $190 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Over recent years, Jordan Brand has proved that its love for sport goes much further than the basketball court by honoring Michael Jordan’s passion for golf. Often seen celebrating the greens, Jordan Brand’s latest golf offering is the Air Jordan 1 High Golf “Pollen.” The shoe takes on a vibrant “Pollen,” black and white color scheme, with its full-leather construction designed for optimal comfort. Additionally, the black base is complemented by striking yellow accents on the Swooshes, overlays, Jumpman logos, and the golf-specific rubber outsole is used to round off the design.
