Jordan Brand Revisits the Air Jordan 11 "Gamma" in This Week's Best Footwear Drops
The beloved colorway is joined by ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ collabs, Jalen Brunson’s Nike Kobe 6 Protro, Willy Chavarria x adidas SS26, and more.
The holiday season continues as we venture our way through December. Footwear brands are making the most of the shopping frenzy, with Nike, adidas, Crocs, Converse, New Balance, and Jordan Brand all preparing notable drops for us to look forward to this week. Per usual, let’s look back at which headlines caught our eye in the past seven days before we dive into what to expect this week.
Nike kicked off the news slate with the unveiling of its new Structure Plus running shoe. From there, we previewed a “What The” version of Devin Booker’s Nike Book 1. As for the Jumpman team, we spotted a new Levi’s x Air Jordan 3 “Sail” that is poised to drop early next year. A Ma Maniére also offered a preview of its Air Jordan 4 “Dark Mocha” that is launching later this month. That’s not all for the AJ4, we took a first look at an upcoming J Balvin collaboration and received word of the “Bred” colorway returning in 2026.
Elsewhere in the sneaker space, Pharrell’s adidas VIRGINIA Adistar Jellyfish “Triple Black” made its way to New York City for an exclusive pop-up. Jerry Lorenzo also made noise with a teaser of his Fear of God Athletics III Basketball sneaker. New Balance had a major week with the Sashiko Gals crafting two hand-stitched 1300JP sneakers and CNCPTS presenting a 997 “Montage” campaign. Satoshi Nakamoto rounded out the week with an early look at its OTW by Vans Era 95 “Lucky Charm” collaboration.
Now that you’re all caught up on what’s been going on throughout the industry, let’s switch gears to what’s to come. After you make your way through all 10 drops set for this week, don’t forget to head over to HBX to shop styles that are available today.
Nardwuar x Nike SB Dunk Low
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: December 9
Release Price: $140 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Doot Doola Doot Doo… Doot Doo! Nardwuar, legendary Canadian music journalist, has his own Nike SB Dunk Low. The plaid-covered pair debuted over the weekend via select skate shops and is now dropping via SNKRS. The pattern of the beloved investigator’s tartan hat is present across the upper, combining with a pom pom lace accessory for a one-of-a-kind look that is fitting for Nardwuar.
SpongeBob SquarePants x adidas Stan Smith Freizeit & Superstar
Adidas
Adidas
Adidas
Adidas
Adidas
Adidas
Release Date: December 10
Release Price: $130 USD to $140 USD
Where to Buy: adidas
Why You Should Cop: Speaking of fun sneakers dropping this week, SpongeBob SquarePants is being celebrated by adidas ahead of the franchise’s new movie release next week. A Patrick Star-themed Superstar combines pink and off-white while the duo’s Stan Smith Freizeit takes things to the next level by recreating SpongeBob’s black leather shoes, with a white pixelated oval at the forefoot even nodding to the shoe’s shine.
Jalen Brunson x Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Statue of Liberty”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: December 11
Release Price: $190 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks are hoping to make a real run at an NBA championship this season. In continuation of the star’s partnership with Nike Basketball, he’s assembled a NYC-themed “Statue of Liberty” colorway of the Kobe 6 Protro. A bright blue represents the statue’s oxidized copper while the shimmering color adorns the branding elements and heel cage to complete the striking look.
SpongeBob SquarePants x Crocs Classic Clog Collection
Crocs
Crocs
Crocs
Crocs
Crocs
Crocs
Release Date: December 11
Release Price: $80 USD
Where to Buy: Crocs
Why You Should Cop: In case the adidas drop wasn’t enough fun, SpongeBob SquarePants is also being celebrated by Crocs. Naturally, SpongeBob and Patrick have their own takes on the Classic Clog dropping, with both featuring thematic Jibbitz, footbed graphics, and their iconic shades of yellow and pink. However, that’s not all. Squidward’s grouchy face has been molded atop the toe of the Classic Clog, covering it in a slate green.
Converse SHAI 001 “Winter Red”
Converse
Converse
Converse
Release Date: December 11
Release Price: $130 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder are on a historic run season. The SGA-led squad has won 23 games while losing just one. Hot off of winning their first championship as a squad, this crew is poised to make another deep run. For SGA, he continues to effortlessly tear through teams with support from his first signature shoe, the Converse SHAI 001. The new sneaker is back in a new “Winter Red” colorway that celebrates Christmastime with its first two-color look of red with green accents.
Palace x Nike Air Max Dn8
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: December 12
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: Palace
Why You Should Cop: The industry was shocked in 2024 to learn that Palace was moving on from the Three Stripes to the Swoosh this year. Already, the partners have made their mark on the scene with their debut “P90” capsule and now three Air Max Dn8s that served as a rumor last year. Looking closer at the latter, the new runner has been equipped with an all-over lightning graphic at the upper and subtle co-branding scattered throughout. It also delivers color schemes of “Safety Orange,” “Dusty Grey,” and “Black.”
Willy Chavarria x adidas Originals SS26
Adidas
Adidas
Adidas
Adidas
Adidas
Adidas
Release Date: December 12
Release Price: $160 USD to $300 USD
Where to Buy: adidas
Why You Should Cop: Willy Chavarria and adidas Originals are back with another exciting lineup of designs. This time looking ahead to Spring/Summer 2026, the two are finally offering some of the designs that they teased throughout 2025. Included within the footwear range is an all-black Forum Boot, a chunky all-black Forum low-top, a black and red mid-top Forum, and three unique takes on the duo’s Jabbar Low remix.
Vaquera x Nike Air Max Dn8
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: December 12
Release Price: $220 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Vaquera and Nike are proving to be a potent duo. The two teamed up earlier this season via the Swoosh’s Converse subsidiary, putting a knee-high twist on the Chuck Taylor. Now, its lipstick-covered Air Max Dn8 is ready to release. This eye-catching rendition of the runner sees it start with a “Sail” finish that is then covered in red lipstick kisses. Rounding out the loving pair is co-branding that can be spotted at both the tongue and sockliner.
JJJJound x New Balance MADE in USA 990v4 “Mushroom”
Jjjjound
Release Date: December 12 (Pre-order)
Release Price: TBC
Where to Buy: JJJJound
Why You Should Cop: JJJJound and its New Balance collaborations have made noise for nearly a decade now, with the duo’s “Mushroom”-colored releases appearing since 2018. Now, the two have teamed up to bring the brown color to the 990v4, a sneaker they last worked on in 2021. This Made in USA version of the model combines “Mushroom” brown with notes of olive, white, gray, and black. For those who may have missed out on previous drops due to demand, you’re in luck as this drop is purely a pre-order, with it estimated to arrive on your doorstep next fall.
Air Jordan 11 “Gamma”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: December 13
Release Price: $235 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Another Saturday drop from Jordan Brand rounds out this week, and it’s not just any Air Jordan this time. The Air Jordan 11, in continuation of its 30th anniversary festivities, is back in its beloved “Gamma” colorway. Its sleek patent leather mudguard returns in black, matching the upper. Meanwhile, its “Gamma” blue hue combines with golden notes at the various branding elements. Completing this recreation of the 2013 colorway is an icy translucent outsole.
