The Nike Kobe 3 Protro Celebrates "Christmas" in This Week's Best Footwear Drops
The quieter-than-usual week features a wide variety of holiday-themed basketball kicks, an atmos x BlackEyePatch x Clarks Wallabee, and more.
At last, 2025 is coming to a close, with the holiday season ramping up to conclude the year. While many footwear brands are taking the week off, Jordan Brand, Clarks, Nike, and New Balance have all prepared drops to look forward to. Before we work our way through the top 10 releases that are on our radar, let’s look back at which headlines stood out in the sneaker space across the last seven days.
On the feature front, we announced ASICS as the 2025 Footwear Brand of the Year as part of our Hypebeast100 rollout. Connected to this, we visited ASICS’ Institute of Sport Science (ISS) in Kobe, Japan. A third footwear feature came courtesy of Village PM, who we connected with to discuss the emerging brand’s unique approach to skate sneakers.
As for the standard slate of news, LEGO and Nike teased their own take on the Air Max 95 “Neon,” which will be limited to kids’ sizes. We also previewed a Pendleton x NIGO x Nike Air Force 3 Low “College” pack that is due to drop in 2026. Speaking of next year, Swarovski has its own Air Jordan 1 High OG on the way that will cost over $1,000 USD. We also expect J Balvin to drop a rumored Air Jordan 4 “Lemonade” colorway next fall. Rounding things out for the Swoosh, an EKIN-exclusive Air Jordan 1 Low “Never Not Working” was unveiled.
Elsewhere in the industry, adidas previewed its Megaride F50 in a stealthy triple black colorway. New Balance is set to drop more sneaker loafers soon, with “Rose Sugar” and “Concord” colorways of the 1906L revealed recently. ASICS rounded out the week with news of collaborations with HAL STUDIOS and MDS (MIYAKE DESIGN STUDIO).
Now that you’re all caught up on what’s been going down in the footwear industry, let’s look ahead at which drops you should have an eye on this week. Once you finish reviewing our list, don’t forget to head over to HBX to shop styles that are available now.
A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 4 “Dark Mocha”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: December 23
Release Price: $230 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: In case you missed out on last week’s headline launch, Nike is offering a second chance at nabbing a pair of A Ma Maniére’s Air Jordan 4 “Dark Mocha.” The duo is rounding out another big collaborative year together with a new take on the Air Jordan 4. A premium nubuck upper embraces the calm palette while the netting and wings have been altered to support the composition. Per usual, the two have put together a quilted lining and co-branding to round out the look.
atmos x BlackEyePatch x Clarks Wallabee
Atmos
Atmos
Atmos
Release Date: December 23
Release Price: ¥33,000 JPY (approx. $210 USD)
Where to Buy: atmos
Why You Should Cop: atmos is back with another multi-partner collaboration this week, tapping BlackEyePatch and Clarks for a new “Black Hair” take on the Wallabee. The trio has taken on the legendary silhouette, applying a black hair to its distinctly-shaped upper. A golden BlackEyePatch branding element is present beneath the lateral portion of the collar. Black patent leather adds to the look at the collar, heel, and forefoot stitching to complete the pair.
Nike GT Cut 1 “EYBL”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: December 23
Release Price: $180 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: When Nike Basketball introduced the GT Cut 1, it quickly became a hit. Hoopers have revered its performance for years, longing for the days of it being available on shelves again. The Swoosh clearly heard these calls and brought back the model earlier this year. Now, an “EYBL”-themed colorway is set to drop as it continues to enjoy an early comeback. This pair sees a “Volt” green enlivened by red branding, creating a “Grinch”-esque finish.
New Balance RC56 “Ice Wine”
New Balance
New Balance
New Balance
Release Date: December 23
Release Price: $165 USD
Where to Buy: New Balance
Why You Should Cop: New Balance pump faked us last week when it moved the release of the RC56 “Ice Wine” to this week. For those who were looking forward to picking up a pair for themselves, it’s finally time for it to drop this week. Perforated leather and nylon mesh work harmoniously, with gray, silver, and black present throughout the Aimé Leon Dore-designed sneaker.
Nike Kobe 3 Protro “Christmas”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: December 24
Release Price: $210 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: ‘Tis the season for holiday-themed launches, with Nike Basketball celebrating Christmas with several launches this week, including the Kobe 3 Protro in a new “Christmas” colorway. Teased earlier this year, the pair features an icy blue to white gradient throughout its revamped build. “Metallic Silver” chimes in at the tongue and heel branding, complementing the icy translucent outsole.
Air Jordan 40 “4016”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: December 26
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: When Jordan Brand announced the rollout of the Air Jordan 40, it made it clear that this shoe would receive a special treatment. What we didn’t realize is that it would reimagine many of the Air Jordan line’s most iconic sneakers as an Air Jordan 40 hybrid. This week, the “4016” colorway sees the Air Jordan 16 serve as the point of inspiration. Everything from the patent leather toe to a removable gaiter is included with this white and navy composition.
Nike LeBron 23 “Stocking Stuffer”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: December 26
Release Price: $210 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Another shoe from Nike Basketball that is celebrating Christmastime is the LeBron 23 “Stocking Stuffer.” King James’ newest signature shoe is embracing the Christmas spirit by featuring a festive flannel pajama-inspired upper in “Bright Crimson” while its standard crown shape features an iridescent finish. The tongue favors a “Dusty Amethyst” purple and the shoe’s special heel emblem sees James’ initials take the shape of a stocking.
Jordan Tatum 4 “Christmas”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: December 26
Release Price: $130 USD
Where to Buy: Nike
Why You Should Cop: Jordan Brand’s also joining the holiday fun, with Jayson Tatum’s fourth signature shoe, the Jordan Tatum 4, taking on a “Christmas” colorway. This bold take on the sneaker pairs a “Sonic Yellow” with black detailing, including Jumpman branding at the lateral midfoot. Meanwhile, Tatum’s “JT” logo can be spotted in “University Red” at the tongue and sockliner.
Nike Ja 3 “Snowed-In”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: December 26
Release Price: $140 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: The final part of the lineup of festive basketball sneakers dropping this week is the Nike Ja 3 “Snowed-In.” Ja Morant’s latest sneaker with the Swoosh brings neon hues out of classic Christmas colors, creating a neon green to bright orange gradient that joins the slash-covered upper. Black Swooshes and a white base complete the design.
Nike Air Max 95 & Dn8 “Black Leather” Pack
Nike
Nike
Release Date: December 27
Release Price: $210 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Nike is rounding out its stacked lineup this week by putting together a special two-shoe “Black Leather” pack. Both the Air Max 95 and Air Max Dn8 are embracing all-black finishes that let their uniquely layered builds stand out. The former favors the “Big Bubble” shape of the OG version of the model while the latter keeps things subtle.
