This Weekend's Essential Sneaker Drops: Week Of January 30 2016

Kobe Bryant’s last season has been a rollercoaster of shelter-building brick-fests and a handful of vintage Vino performances; it’s been a glorious farewell for one of the greatest players of all time. To commemorate the year-long event, Nike have released the last Kobe to be used by the man himself. Combining all the best features of Kobe’s previous releases, the XI utilizes a low-cut upper that consists of a strong yet flexible Flyknit technology. The upper features a stylish black-to-white gradient and sits all on top of Lunarlon sole that features a full-length Zoom Air cushion. A sleek colourway on a sleek model, be sure to keep your eyes out for more colours later in the year.

Where? Nike (Online), Foot Locker (Select House Of Hoops stores), Kickz101 (Melbourne)

When? Saturday, 30 January 

Quite possibly the most ubiquitous cushioning system since Nike’s “Air” system, the adidas Boost cushioning system is simply everywhere and anywhere. Most famously used in the Yeezy, the Boost system has become one of the most wildly popular new technologies in sneakers.

Sneaker customisers worldwide have taken to grafting Boost soles onto a wide range of other sneakers, to varying levels of success. The Three Stripes have now taken their re-launched EQT Support 93 and have dropped a full-length Boost sole on the rugged and technical '90s silhouette, replacing the decades-old Torsion system. Releasing in the unmistakable EQT OG sub-green/white/grey colourway and a subdued white/grey/black makeup, these are perfect the old collectors that love their '90s tech shoes but don’t want to go out and buy a pair of ultra-modern slippers just to sample the sweet Boost sole technology. Perfect compromise. 

Where? Up There (Melbourne)

When? Saturday, 30 January 

Perfect for the Australian summer, adidas revive the EQT-branded adilette for the southern hemisphere. Unlike your generic adilette sandals, these have been given the full-blown luxury touch, wrapped in leather and bearing the Made In Italy stamp of quality. With the #sandalboyz movement gaining momentum and the fact that slides are just cool as fuck, head down to these select EQT stockists and be sure to pick up a pair for cruising down the bay during those sweltering summer nights.

Where? Up There (Melbourne), Cabinet Noir (Perth)

When? Saturday, 30 January

Speaking of ultra-modern slippers, adidas may have again struck gold with their new NMD_R1 model. The first drop caused an instant sell-out of the stripped down forward-thinking model. Essentially a Primeknit sock on top of a Boost sole, this was a shoe made in fashionista heaven. Taking the whole minimalist thing to a whole new level, adidas have taken away the cage of the previous model and made it as close to a form fitting sock as possible, this time putting a print on there instead of the cage. 

Where? Adidas (Online and Select Stores), Up There (Melbourne), Highs & Lows (Perth)

When? Saturday, 30 January

The hottest name in streetwear teams up with the iconic Vans crew to put out a collaboration that is sure to be featured on both streets and catwalks worldwide. Dropping in simple all-white and all-black canvas uppers, both pairs feature black vulcanized rubber soles. Finished off with Gosha branding on the heel and contrasting stitching on the uppers, these infinitely wearable and stylish pairs will definitely sell out quick.

Where? Cabinet Noir (Perth)

When? Saturday, 30 January

Chicago native (and more famously, Kanye’s right-hand man), Don C has blessed the often-overlooked Air Jordan 2 again, this time toning down the colour palette from rich bright blue to a subdued tan “beach” colourway. Keeping the collaboration on-brand, Jordan and Don C keep the quilted leather of the previous release and have made the shoe only available as part of a sneaker & strapback pack. Encased in an elegant University Red box, both the sneakers and strapback feature luxurious high-quality leather. The price point of $800 might be high to the general public, but no doubt collectors of all things Jumpman will be clamouring for these.

Where? Nike (Online), Foot Locker (Chadstone ONLY), Sneakerboy (Melbourne)

When? Saturday, 30 January