The Nike Kobe 8 Protro Slithers Into This Week's Best Footwear Drops
Joining the latest project between Feng Chen Wang and Converse, a new season of Teddy Santis’ New Balance MADE in USA line and much more.
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February has officially begun and two things are occupying the minds of the masses — Valentine’s Day and Super Bowl LVIII. But that’s not all that you should be focusing on, as this week is packed with another all-star lineup of sneaker releases from Nike, Jordan Brand, New Balance and Converse. Before we get you up to speed with all ten of this week’s best releases, let’s review the key footwear headlines of the past seven days.
While we remain over a month out from Nike’s annual Air Max Day (March 26), the Swoosh revealed this year’s new Air Max silhouette — the Air Max Dn. Elsewhere, Vanessa Bryant has been on a posting spree — revealing many Nike Kobe PEs. So far, this includes a “Leopard” version of the Kobe 8 Protro, a “Dodgers” iteration of the Kobe 6 Protro and the Kobe 4 Protro in hot pink and a wine-inspired “Vino.” First looks at the Jacquemus x Nike Air Max 1 ‘86 and Stüssy x Nike LD-1000 served as additional notables for the brand as well. As for team Jumpman, a historic sale of “The Dynasty Collection” — six Air Jordans that were worn during the NBA Finals by Michael Jordan — brought in $8 million USD.
Pivoting to the Three Stripes, it was announced that adidas would not write off the brand’s remaining YEEZY inventory, rather, these products will be sold in 2024. Connecting to this, the German sportswear brand had official images of its adidas YEEZY 500 High Tactical Boot “Sand” pop up. Rounding out the week for adidas, its previously-teased Mad IIInfinity silhouette is now set to debut later this month.
New Balance introduced its latest sustainability-centered program with the launch of its “Reconsidered” resale platform, while JJJJound officially unveiled its collaborative New Balance 2002R GORE-TEX pack. In other news in the partnership space, an official breakdown of both C.P. Company x ASICS GEL-QUANTUM 360 VIII colorways surfaced alongside news of Toy Story‘s Buzz Lightyear and Sheriff Woody coming to life on Crocs’ Classic Clog.
With all of the past week’s major news recapped, let’s dive into this week’s biggest releases. After going through the pairs listed here, don’t forget to check out HBX to shop styles that are available now.
Feng Chen Wang x Converse 2-in-1 Chuck 70
Converse
Converse
Converse
Release Date: February 6
Release Price: $130 USD
Where to Buy: Converse
Why You Should Cop: London-based menswear designer Feng Chen Wang has demonstrated time and again that she can transform any silhouette — from a double-breasted blazer to a pair of Chucks — into a striking statement piece. In 2020, she teamed up with Converse, introducing the 2-in-1 Chuck 70 Hi. Now, the two have revisited the uniquely-structured design with a low-top presentation. Found in “Myrtle” and “Brown Rice” colorways, the aged looks embrace imperfection with a layered take on the sneaker.
New Balance 9060 “Cyan Burst”
Dtlr
Dtlr
Dtlr
Release Date: February 6 and 9
Release Price: $160 USD
Where to Buy: DTLR
Why You Should Cop: The New Balance 9060 has quickly evolved from the laid-back, neutral palettes New Balance is known for, to now embracing bold color arrangements. Adding to the list of wild flavors, the American sportswear brand has reconnected with Maryland-based retailer DTLR for a “Cyan Burst” rendition. Drawing inspiration from the bright colors of springtime, this pair features vibrant blue, yellow, green and orange detailing alongside complementary hits of white and gray.
Nike KD 4 “Year of the Dragon 2.0”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: February 7
Release Price: $150 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: 12 years have elapsed and the Year of the Dragon has returned. Celebrating this, Nike assembled a sequel to the beloved KD 4 “Year of the Dragon” with this “Sesame”-covered “Year of the Dragon 2.0” pair. While the primarily-brown look features hits of orange and red, its most notable detail is the dragon that stretches through the “KD” and Nike branding around the heel — nodding to its predecessor.
Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Aqua” and “Court Purple”
Nike
Nike
Release Date: February 8
Release Price: $190 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: With the Nike Kobe line officially back, 2024 is shaping up to be a major year for the Nike Basketball franchise. Vanessa Bryant has been busy in the last week revealing exclusive PEs, meanwhile the Swoosh has been preparing these “Aqua” and “Court Purple” colorways of the Kobe 8 Protro for release. Drawing inspiration from the late Kobe Bryant’s two jersey numbers of 8 and 24 — which Nike notes as the only instance where an NBA franchise has retired two jerseys for one player — the two numbers are repeated across the upper’s base while the aforementioned shades of teal and purple accent the otherwise-white presentation.
New Balance MADE in USA “Grey With Black” Pack
New Balance
New Balance
New Balance
New Balance
Release Date: February 8
Release Price: $200 USD to $220 USD
Where to Buy: New Balance
Why You Should Cop: With a new year comes a new season, and Teddy Santis is ready to embrace SS24 with another range of New Balance MADE in USA footwear releases. Utilizing the 990v4, 990v6, 996 and 998, Santis has equipped each staple silhouette with a versatile “Grey With Black” finish. Each sneaker balances the two hues, with all four looks leveraging their layered uppers to host a contrast-heavy arrangement.
Nike Air Force 1 Low “Las Vegas”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: February 8
Release Price: $135 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: As revealed in Nike’s first-ever SNKRS Showcase, the Air Force 1 Low is going on a world tour, with cities such as Seoul and Shanghai as destinations for the 42-year-old sneaker. For its first stop, the AF1 is looking to Las Vegas, just in time for Super Bowl LVIII, which is set to take place this weekend there. Pink, purple and white cover the patent leather-equipped sneaker as thematic “Read ‘Em And Weep” text is included across the interior, joining a special dice graphic at the inside of the tongue as nods to the city.
Nike SB Dunk Low “City of Love” Pack
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: February 9
Release Price: $125 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Another big reveal during the aforementioned Nike SNKRS Showcase event was the brand’s plan for two Valentine’s Day-themed SB Dunk Lows. Entitled the “City of Love” pack, it draws inspiration from Paris as both the “Burgundy Crush” and “Coconut Milk” tonal uppers are accompanied by special illustrations at the sockliner.
Nike Lunar Roam “Platinum Tint”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: February 9
Release Price: $150 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: The Nike Lunar Roam made a splash on the sneaker scene late last year with its debut “Alabaster” iteration. Now, it’s time for the newly-designed silhouette to continue its rollout with this “Platinum Tint” version. Pairing the slick silver upper with “Desert Moss” detailing, its past-meets-present approach is ready to take on the streets.
Air Jordan 13 “Blue Grey”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: February 10
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: The Air Jordan 13 may not draw the same amount of eyes as its predecessors, but Jordan Brand continues to find fresh ways to iterate upon the model. With this “Blue Grey” pair, the Jumpman team gives a nod to the original “True Red” look as it features the same color blocking. Tumbled leather and synthetic suede go back and forth across the sneaker as “Yellow Ochre” slides in at the outsole and Jumpman branding to accent it.
Nike Air Max Flyknit Venture, Flyknit Bloom and Flyknit Haven
Nike
Nike
Nike
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: February 10
Release Price: $120 USD to $180 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Fans of Nike’s lightweight Flyknit uppers are in for a treat this week as not one, but three new Flyknit-based silhouettes are being introduced. First, the Air Max Flyknit Venture is backed by a sizable sole unit that offers weather-resistance and ample traction. As for the Flyknit Bloom, it favors a dual-density foam that complements the comfort-oriented nature of its Flyknit upper. The Flyknit Haven rounds out the new lineup with a slip-on styling that is supported by a collapsible heel. Between “Velvet Brown” and “Bronzine” colorways that have been created for all three, there’s something for everyone.
