Image via Nike
This week of sneaker releases is highlighted by one of the latest big name collabs from Nike SB, a new colorway of Jerry Lorenzo's original Nike model, and a pair of LeBron 16s that promote a powerful message.
Drops start on Tuesday with the SNKRS release of the "Panda Pigeon" Staple x Nike SB Dunk Low. The big releases pick back up on Thursday when the OG "Blue Lagoon" Nike Air Max2 Light hits select European boutiques. On Friday, Kith drops a four-sneaker collection of Vans in collaboration with cult-favorite Japanese streetwear label Mastermind. Jordan Brand celebrates Black History Month a little early by dropping a "BHM" Air Jordan II on Friday as well.
The weekend's releases include the latest "Laser" Air Jordan IV, "Light Bone" Nike Air Fear of God 1, a trio of Blazer Mid '77s, and the Perks and Mini x Converse Chuck. Two "Equality" LeBron 16s hit shelves early next week to celebrate Martin Luther King Day.
For a more detailed look at all of this week's best pairs, here is a Complete Guide to This Weekend's Sneaker Releases.
Staple x Nike SB Dunk Low 'Panda Pigeon'
Price: $100
When: Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: The third pair from Jeff Staple's ongoing "Pigeon" series of Nike SB Dunk Lows is dubbed the "Panda Pigeon." Its black-and-white colorway was originally a rejected sample submitted by Staple in the past. Its panda-esque color palette pays homage to the designer's Chinese roots, while the unmistakable pigeon logo remains embroidered on the lateral heel. Additional details on the third installment include a green bamboo graphic on each insole, all-over graphic on the outsole to represent the original "Pigeon" riot at Reed Space that made the cover of the New York Post back in 2005, and the usual "SAMPLE" script stamped on the inside of sample sneakers playfully flipped to read "STAPLE."
Nike Air Max2 Light 'Blue Lagoon'
Price: $140
When: Thursday, Jan. 17 at 10 a.m.
Where: End. Launces and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: The cult favorite Nike Air Max2 Light is returning in its OG "Blue Lagoon" colorway to celebrate the model's 25th anniversary. The 1994 runner is outfitted in a Miami Dolphins-esque color scheme featuring white and teal mesh, white synthetic leather, and teal suede panels across its jagged upper design. A black Swoosh, orange Air bubble, silver Nike Air branding on the heel, and yellow insoles complete the design. The Air Max2 Light's main performance features back in the day were its lightweight build and multi-chambered Air bubble with varying PSI levels.
Kith x Mastermind x Vans Collection
Price: TBD
When: Friday, Jan 18 at 11 a.m.
Where: Kith stores and kith.com
What You Need to Know: Kith and Mastermind have linked up to create a special capsule of apparel. The footwear portion of the offering will feature the Vans Sk8-Hi Zip LX, Old Skool LX, and OG Classic Slip-On with black canvas or brown leather uppers. Premium details like Sherpa liners and gold hardware will also be on display. Mastermind's signature skull and crossbones and Kith's are prominently featured as well. "Peace on Earth/World on Fire" written in a Gothic style font is debossed into the midsole of each pair.
Air Jordan II 'BHM'
Price: $190
When: Friday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: Jordan Brand is dropping a brand new Air Jordan II to celebrate Black History Month a little early this year. The majority black upper is covered in a tonal pattern similar to the one seen on previous BHM drops in past years. A colorful rendition of the same graphics wrap the heel. The pair is complete with gold branding hits on the tongue and heel. It sits atop a multi-colored outsole split into red, blue, yellow, and black sections.
Air Jordan IV 'Laser'
Price: $190
When: Saturday, Jan. 19 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: Jordan Brand is giving the Air Jordan IV the "Laser" treatment once again to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the classic model. This time around, MJ's fourth signature sports a black upper covered in the recognizable laser print. White Jumpman logos on the tongue and heel break up the dark design. Hits of red also appear on the tongue, insole, and outsole. The pair sits atop clean gum bottoms, an always-appreciated detail. Laser detailing was originally used on the silhouette in 2005 before returning in 2015 to celebrate JB's 30th anniversary.
Nike Air Fear of God 1 'Light Bone'
Price: $350
When: Saturday, Jan. 19 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: Some confusion has surrounded the release of the "Light Bone" Nike Air Fear of God 1 release. The pair was reportedly slated to drop last week, but has once again been pushed back a few more days. The second release of Jerry Lorenzo's original design sports a Light Bone tumbled leather upper, TPU lacing cage, zipper up the heel, thick rope laces, and double-stacked Zoom Air unit.
Nike Blazer Mid '77 Pack
Price: $100
When: Saturday, Jan. 19 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: This trio of vintage-inspired Nike Blazer '77s all feature a clean white leather upper, grey suede overlays on the toe and lateral side panel, and a sail-colored midsole. Other old school details include a retro Nike logo on the tongue tag and exposed padding in the tongue. Colorful Swooshes and heel branding give each pair a pop of contrast. "Habanero Red," "Pacific Blue," and "Lucid Green" colorways will be up fo grabs.
Image via Nike
Image via Nike
Perks and Mini x Converse Chuck 70
Price: TBD
When: Saturday, Jan. 19 at 10 a.m.
Where: converse.com, perksandmini.com, and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: Perks and Mini (P.A.M.) has collaborated with Converse to create a version of the classic Chuck 70 inspired by mutation. The result is a double-layered sneaker. The bottom layer features a purple canvas slip-on with "Mutation" and "P.A.M." embroidered in white on the side panel. The top layer can be unzipped and removed, or kept on. It is composed of thermal PrimaLoft material, and also adds on a traditinal lacing system. Co-branded tongue tags act as a finishing touch on this unique design.
Nike LeBron 16 'Equality'
Price: $185
When: Monday, Jan. 21 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: In celebration of Martin Luther King Day, Nike is releasing the latest "Equality" pack of LeBrons. Black and white pairs of the LeBron 16 will be up for grabs. Solid-colored Battleknit 2.0 uppers are detailed by contrasting laces and branding, icy outsoles, and "Equality" text on the heel, outsole, and insole. The pack acts acts as a follow-up to the LeBron 15s now displayed in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, and furthers LeBron's promotion of social justice away from the basketball court.
