Image via Nike
This week of sneaker releases delivers a wide assortment of desirable pairs from Nike, Jordan Brand, and Adidas that includes everything from modern runners to retro '90s basketball sneakers.
Drops start early this week with two new colorways of the Nike React Element 87 dropping on Tuesday as a follow-up to the wildly anticipated first release. Nike's releases continue on Wednesday with the Fortnite-inspired "Racer Blue" PG 2.5 and Air Jordan III Flyknit that transforms the iconic MJ signature into a modern day silhouette with a knit upper.
On Thursday, the Swoosh delivers an Air Max 95 colored in the palette of the rare "UNDFTD" Air Jordan IV, a new fusion that places the OG "Neon" Air Max 95 upper atop a VaporMax bubble, and a the "Sequoia" Air Foamposite Pro. Also dropping Thursday is four new pairs of one of Adidas' newest models—the P.O.D. System.
Friday is packed with a bevy of basketball releases from Nike that include the "Highlighter" pack of Air Jordan XI Low IEs, a multicolored KD 11, the "All-Star" colorway of the Kobe I Protro, and the long-awaited retro of 1997's Air Swoopes 2.
The week of releases finishes off strong on Saturday with two eye-catching "Vaporwave" colorways of 2003's Zoom Streak Spectrum Plus, the latest Nike SB collaboration from Michigan's Premier skate shop, the "Raptors" Air Jordan IV sans Drake's signature on the tongue, Pharrell's East African-inspired "SOLARHU" pack from Adidas, and a four-pack of Converse Chuck 70s from Kith's latest collection with Coca-Cola.
For a full breakdown of this week's drops, here is a Complete Guide to This Weekend's Sneaker Releases.
Nike React Element 87
Price: $160
When: Tuesday, Aug. 14 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: Following up the successful debut of the React Element 87 last month, Nike is bringing back the model for another two-pair drop. Both a "Desert Sand" pair with neon green accents and "Dark Grey" colorway with red and blue detailing will hit retailers. Like the initial drop, expect both pairs to fly off shelves quickly. Notable details include a translucent upper, React cushioning in the midsole, and cork footbed.
Image via Nike
Nike PG 2.5 'Racer Blue'
Price: $110
When: Wednesday, Aug. 15 at 10 a.m.
Where: nike.com and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: Initially spotted on the feet of Paul George at E3's Fortnite ProAm Tournament this past June, the latest pair of PG13's hybrid model covers the silhouette in a color scheme inspired by the insanely popular multiplayer video game. Racer blue covers the majority of the upper with teal accenting the liner, red hits on the laces and branding, and a white midsole completing the offering. The PG 2.5 fuses the upper of the superstar's second signature model with the midfoot strap from the PG 1.
Air Jordan III Flyknit
Price: $200
When: Wednesday, Aug. 15 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: Last year, Jordan Brand updated a classic with the Air Jordan I Flyknit. Using the same formula, JB is now giving the Air Jordan III a knit construction as well. The black-on-black debut colorway sports a multi-paneled knit upper that even uses the lightweight material to create the silhouette's iconic elephant print sections on the toe and heel. The dark upper sits atop a light blue translucent outsole.
Nike Air Max 95 'Total Orange'
Price: $160
When: Thursday, Aug. 16 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: "UNDFTD" Air Jordan IV vibes come through on one of the latest colorways of the Air Max 95 from Nike. Multiple shades of olive green cover the wavy suede upper with orange hits adding a pop of color on the lace loops, liner, Swoosh, and Air unit.
Nike Air VaporMax 95 'Neon'
Price: $190
When: Thursday, Aug. 16 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: Previously done with the Air Max 97, Nike's latest VaporMax fusion is with the Air Max 95. The grey upper from the classic "Neon" colorway is placed atop a black and neon green VaporMax bubble that fuses the Swoosh's '90s tech with the comfort of its modern day innovation.
Nike Air Foamposite Pro 'Sequoia'
Price: $230
When: Thursday, Aug. 16 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: While the overall hype around Foamposite models has cooled off in recent years, Nike still sporadically delivers a new colorway every now and again. This week, it is dropping the "Sequoia" Air Foamposite Pro. This pair covers the '90s basketball model in a sequoia green Foamposite shell, black accents, and orange branding hits on the lateral toe, heel, tongue, and outsole.
Adidas P.O.D.
Price: $120
When: Thursday, Aug. 16
Where: adidas.com and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: Adidas continues its push of one of its latest models—the P.O.D. System—with four new colorways dropping this week. Lavender, grey, peach, and black options will all be available. The retro-inspired runner's mesh upper sits atop a Boost-cushioned midsole that gives the shoe its name—the three-piece Point of Deflection system.
Image via Adidas
Image via Adidas
Air Jordan XI Low IE 'Highlighter' Pack
Price: $170
When: Friday, Aug. 17 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: Originally previewed by Jordan Brand employee Frank Cooke on social media a couple weeks back, Jordan Brand highlights (pun intended) the often overshadowed Air Jordan XI Low IE with three new, vibrant color schemes. Volt, teal, and orange pairs are all given monochromatic uppers with an elephant print overlay acting as the sole contrast across the trio.
Image via coley2xs
Image via @frankcooker
Nike KD 11 'Multicolor'
Price: $150
When: Friday, Aug. 17 at 10 a.m.
Where: nike.com and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: KD's 11th signature model is dressed in a multicolor upper for the week's release. Accenting the colorful Flyknit upper is black overlays on the toe and heel, a black ankle collar, light blue Swoosh, and translucent React midsole.
Nike Kobe I Protro 'All-Star'
Price: $175
When: Friday, Aug. 17 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: The updated Kobe I Protro returns this week in the 2006 "All-Star" colorway. A white leather upper is accented by a black medial side panel and Swoosh branding, red hits on the midsole and ankle collar, and a special insole graphic. The Protro has been upgraded with a full-length Zoom Air unit and more lightweight design to better conform to the landscape of basketball footwear on the market today.
Nike Air Swoopes 2 'Game Royal'
Price: $140
When: Friday, Aug. 17 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: Finally making its long-awaited return is the second signature sneaker of WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes—the Air Swoopes 2. The 1997 model will retro in an OG royal blue, white, and black color scheme complete with all of its standout details like a toggle lacing system, branded shroud, and basketball molded on the heel area. Swoopes became the first female signature athlete when she signed her initial Nike deal in 1995.
Nike Zoom Streak Spectrum Plus 'Vaporwave' Pack
Price: $150
When: Saturday, Aug. 18 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nikes SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: When Supreme decided to bring back 2003's Zoom Streak Spectrum Plus for its Spring/Summer 2018 collection, it was a surprise to many. Trying to capitalize on the hype drummed up by the streetwear brand around the model, Nike is releasing two more colorways of its own. Somehow one-upping the wackiness of the flame pattern that the runner usually displays, each of these pairs is covered in multiple colors and patterns that make each look like an abstract painting inspired by the Vaporwave internet meme of the early 2010s.
Premier x Nike SB Dunk High 'Win Some, Lose Some'
Price: $120
When: Saturday, Aug. 18
Where: Premier and premierstore.com
What You Need to Know: Michigan skate shop Premier links up with Nike SB once again for a brand new Dunk High. This collab utilizes a gambling theme with a tan and white leather upper, "Win Some, Lose Some" printed in gold on the wings, a special gambling chip graphic on the insole, and a Swoosh that features a rub-off treatment similar to the one used on the popular "Lance Mountain" Air Jordan 1. Other small details include gold lace tips, a special tongue tag, and a gum bottom with gold flakes throughout. The pair comes with a special gold token stored in a red velvet dust bag to further the gambling theme.
Air Jordan IV 'Raptors'
Price: $190
When: Saturday, Aug. 18 at 10 a.m.
Where: Nike SNKRS and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: Surrounded by some confusion due to Drake's rocky relationship with the brand in recent months, the "Raptors" Air Jordan IV is finally hitting stores this weekend. The pair takes obvious inspiration from the Toronto Raptors jerseys in the late '90s and early 2000s and sports a black suede upper with purple and red accents. The pair was originally supposed to be connected to the 6 God and have his signature emblazoned on the tongue, but the retail version will not include the detail. Lacking any official ties to Drake, this pair will certainly not see the same level of anticipation that it would have with the rapper's stamp of approval.
Pharrell x Adidas 'SOLARHU' Pack
Price: $130-$250
When: Saturday, Aug. 18 at 10 a.m.
Where: adidas.com and other select retailers
What You Need to Know: Pharrell's latest pack with Adidas is inspired by East African culture. The "SOLARHU" collection will consists of three pairs of the NMD Hu and two pairs of the brand new Tennis Hu v2. Each NMD Hu is outfitted with its own unique colors, pattern, and words on the toe area. The Tennis Hu v2 will be offered in red and yellow color schemes. Its addition of leather eyelets and suede overlays give some dimension to the simplified footwear option from Skateboard P.
Kith x Coca-Cola x Converse Collection
Price: TBD
When: Friday, Aug. 17 at 11 a.m.
Where: Kith stores and kith.com
What You Need to Know: For his latest collaboration with Coca-Cola, Ronnie Fieg has dressed the Converse Chuck 70 in four unique colorways to represent Coca-Cola branding from different countries. Red, navy blue, white, and yellow denim iterations represent USA, France, Russia, and China, respectively. The beverage's iconic font is embroidered around each heel with Kith box logos appearing on the medial ankle and midsole.
