Image via Nike
The year in sneakers is coming to a close in just a few week, but that doesn’t mean that we are done being treated to awesome new releases just yet. Some of the most popular collaborators in sneakers are letting go of one more drop before we kick off 2023.
Look forward to new releases this week from Travis Scott, Aimé Leon Dore, Sacai, Stüssy, Ambush, and Billie Eilish. And don’t forget about OG re-releases like the “Cardinal” Air Jordan 7 or awesome storytelling like the “Sandy” SB Dunk Low.
Take a closer look at all of this week’s best sneaker releases below.
Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance Rainier
Price: $200
When: Available now (raffle entry)
Where: aimeleondore.com
What You Need to Know: Aimé Leon Dore is taking a break from the 550 for its latest New Balance project. The frequent collaborators have come together this time around to revive the Rainier hiking boot. The style will be offered up in three colorways: brown/green, tan/purple, and charcoal/navy blue. Each boasts details like Gore-Tex underlays, nubuck uppers, and a Vibram outsole. Branding is kept to a minimum with a New Balance logo debossed on each side panel and ALD logos on each insole.
Nike Dunk Low 'Mineral Slate'
Price: $120
When: Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: A new colorway of the Dunk Low is set to hit shelves on Tuesday morning. This pair features OG colorblocking with a slate grey leather upper with navy blue overlays.
Air Jordan 9 'Fire Red'
Price: $200
When: Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: An all-new colorway of the Air Jordan 9 is hitting retailers. The “Fire Red” colorway sports a white leather upper with grey patent leather overlays. Hits of red on the eyelets, heel, and Jumpman branding provide a subtle pop of color.
Sacai x Nike Zoom Cortez 'Iron Grey'
Price: $180
When: Tuesday. Dec. 13 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: It feels like it has been awhile since the last time a Sacai x Nike sneaker has released. That changes this week with the debut of the Zoom Cortez in the “Iron Grey” colorway. The design is Chitose Abe’s take on the classic Cortez with upgrades like Zoom Air cushioning in the forefoot, a carved midsole, and layered elements throughout the upper.
Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low 'Phantom'
Price: $150
When: Thursday, Dec. 15 at 10 a.m.
Where: select retailers
What You Need to Know: Travis Scott’s latest Air Jordan collab is his most subdued to date. The “Phantom” Air Jordan 1 Low dons a black nubuck upper with white contrast stitching. Branding includes a reverse Swoosh and Cactus Jack logo stitched on the side of the tongue, signature elements of all of Travis Scott’s Air Jordan 1 projects, along with a bee stitched on the left heel reportedly meant to represent his daughter, Stormi. Rumors suggest that the U.S. release may be pushed back, but drawings are already popping up at overseas retailers.
Nike Air Force 1 Low Billie
Price: $140
When: Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: Billie Eilish continues to add to her catalog of Nike projects with two new colorways of the Air Force 1. Staying true to the sustainable practices that have been used to create the singer’s previous sneakers, these Forces feature patchwork uppers that have been crafted using leftover scraps from the production process of her Air Force 1 High. Tan and olive green color schemes are both up for grabs.
Image via Nike, H/T US 11
Ambush x Nike Air Force 1
Price: $190
When: Friday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: Billie Eilish isn’t the only person debuting their own Air Force 1s this week. Yoon Ahn’s Ambush is also dropping two colorways. The classic design has been revamped with rubber Swooshes that extend past the heel and a plastic heel bumper in similar fashion to the label’s previous Dunk High releases. Special dubraes complete the design, which will be available in a blue and yellow option and a green and yellow interpretation that has been dubbed the “Pickle Rick” colorway by fans.
Image via Nike
Stüssy x Nike Air Penny 2
Price: $200
When: Friday, Dec. 16 at 1 p.m.
Where: Stüssy Chapter stores and stussy.com
What You Need to Know: Stüssy’s latest Nike collab is a bit unexpected. The OG streetwear brand will be dropping two colorways of the Air Penny 2. The first sports a black canvas upper, while the other pair opts for Vivid Green suede. As an added bonus, they were even able to feature Penny Hardaway and Lil Penny in the official campaign. Stüssy logos have been added to each side panel to further set these pairs apart from the OG Penny 2s.
Image via Nike
Nike SB Dunk Low 'Sandy'
Price: $130
When: Saturday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: This Nike SB Dunk Low release is a tribute to late Nike SB founder Sandy Bodecker and is an homage to the super rare Ebay-inspired iteration from the 2000s. The original Ebay Dunk was first revealed back in 2003 and limited to just two pairs. One was sawed into four segments and the other was sold at auction. As it turns out, the winning bidder was none other than Bodecker. This 2002 release nods to the sawed-apart OGs by replicating the look of a sneaker separated into pieces with the use of translucent panels. Each insole features a unique photo scan that further commemorates Bodecker.
Air Jordan 7 'Cardinal'
Price: $210
When: Saturday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: The “Cardinal” Air Jordan 7 is getting the retro treatment this weekend. The simplistic OG colorway features a white leather upper with hits of Cardinal Red and yellow throughout. The fan-favorite color scheme was last retro’d back in 2011.