With the week starting on a high note thanks to Sunday's premiere of The Last Dance, and the work week starting off on an even higher note with a particular "holiday," these last few days have been an eventful stretch indeed — one that's set to lead into a compelling week of sneaker drops. Everything from celebratory styles to new basketball kicks and high-end collaborations are hitting retailers between now and Saturday, and we've compiled the dozen best drops into one list. Before we look ahead, let's quickly glance back on everything that went down over the past seven days.
A shock drop of the Air Jordan 5 "Fire Red" that accompanied The Last Dance's debut capped off an exceptionally busy stretch for Jordan Brand. The Air Jordan 1 was the centerpiece of this push, with two upcoming styles leaked — a skateboarding-esque "Light Smoke Grey" and the revival of 2001's famous "Japan Grey" — but new models like the Air Jordan 34 Low had a moment in the spotlight as well. The Jumpman also won its eight-year legal battle against Qiaodan Sports, a company that's known for its knockoff Jordan logos and Air Jordan-adjacent products.
Virgil Abloh and Kanye West both had moments in the spotlight as well: the former with a new yellow colorway of his conceptual Nike Rubber Dunk, the latter with our most detailed look yet at the adidas YEEZY BOOST 380 "Blue Oat," previously known by a somewhat unflattering "Bloat" nomme de guerre. YEEZY alum and current head of men's sneakers and footwear at Versace, Salehe Bembury, got in on the fun too, giving a first glimpse of his upcoming New Balance collaboration. Last but never least, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk soared once again, announcing an extensive partnership with Vans.
Elsewhere, there was a veritable swath of resounding releases and compelling collaborations to be had. Stüssy is poised to follow its uber-popular Air Zoom Spiridon Caged 2 with another design that's more conceptual: the Air Zoom Spiridon KK. A double dip of Nike SB Dunk goodness was provided by an on-foot look at Ben & Jerry's Dunk Low "Chunky Dunky" and a sneaker peak at Medicom Toy's latest SB Dunk drop, while Reebok unveiled its final Alien collaboration.
All caught up? Let's dive into this week's 12 best drops. Per usual, please note that these release dates are subject to change due to the continued effects of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Check our Drops page for a full release list, and stay healthy.
adidas Originals Nizza Hi & Low
Release Date: April 20
Release Price: $120 USD (Hi)/$100 USD (Low)
Where to Buy: adidas
Why You Should Cop: Created to personify the rebellious spirit of Generation X in the '80s, this two-pack of Nizzas offers looks both silken (Hi) and shaggy (Low), plus classic rubberized toe caps. Each also comes with a detachable pouch that you're definitely not supposed to stash your illicit substances in.
Nike SB Dunk High Pro QS "4/20"
Release Date: April 20
Release Price: TBC
Where to Buy: Familia Skateshop
Why You Should Cop: There's not a lot of information surrounding this year's ultra-limited SB Dunk High for 4/20, a color-flipped version of 2010's legendary "Skunk." However, with the general sneaker-loving public inhaling as much SB fire as they can, the anticipation around this potent purple-and-green sneaker is still sky-high. A skateshop-only release is likely, so be sure to check in with your local SB stockist for your best chance picking up a pair.
Extra Butter x adidas Originals "Cableknit" Collection
Release Date: April 21
Release Price: $130 USD (SC Premier)/TBC (Adilette)
Where to Buy: Extra Butter
Why You Should Cop: Inspired by heritage sporting events and classic cableknit sweaters, Extra Butter and adidas's "Cableknit" collection brings old-school prep into the modern day. With two cleverly crafted SC Premiers that use textured Primeknit to replicate the thick texture of luxurious sweaters and a casual adilette slide, this collection lets you up your luxury factor without looking stuffy. This week's drop is an EB exclusive, and the collection will see a wider release next week.
Nike Kyrie 6 "Midnight Navy/Laser Crimson"
Release Date: April 24
Release Price: $130 USD
Where to Buy: Nike and Foot Locker
Why You Should Cop: Apart from its vivid hues and occult details, this high-performance hoop shoe also features a bold playing card print on its collar lining — rife with an imaginary 11 of diamonds card, nodding to the number that's a recurring theme in Kyrie's ever-interesting life.
HUMAN MADE x adidas Superstar 80 Collection
Release Date: April 24 (EU)/April 25 (US)
Release Price: $140 USD
Where to Buy: HBX
Why You Should Cop: Following last week's HUMAN MADE-exclusive drop, the HUMAN MADE x adidas Superstar 80 collection is set for a global release. Consisting of three classic Superstar styles — each equipped with special details on their Three Stripe graphics and heels — this collection offers plenty of HM's signature flair.
Nike Zoom KD 13 "Chill"
Release Date: April 24
Release Price: $160 USD
Where to Buy: Nike SNKRS and Foot Locker
Why You Should Cop: Kevin Durant's memorable "I'm me, I do me and I chill" Twitter bio in shoe form, the Nike KD 13 "Chill" offers a laid-back mix of green, yellow and pink tones inspired by the Slim Reaper's favorite R&B playlist. However, its performance features are anything but "chill," thanks to a supportive synthetic upper and double-stacked Zoom Air in the forefoot for explosive, responsive cushioning.
Mark Gonzales x adidas Superstar "Shmoo"
Release Date: April 24
Release Price: £85 GBP (approximately $106 USD)
Where to Buy: adidas UK
Why You Should Cop: Skateboarder and artist Mark Gonzales has brought his signature "Shmoo" character to the adidas Superstar for a unique design that — quite frankly — should be called the 'Shmooperstar.' With both smiling and frowning motifs, Gonzales may be nodding to the duality of human emotions, or he may just be having a laugh. Either way, Gonz and Superstar fans are sure to enjoy this clever release.
Levi's x New Balance 1300 "Orange Tab"
"
Release Date: April 24
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: New Balance
Why You Should Cop: After nearly a full month of delays, Levi's highly-anticipated take on the New Balance 1300 is finally set to release. Dubbed the "Orange Tab," it's crafted from Cone Mills White Oak XX52 denim and supple suede. It even comes packaged in a "Levi's For Feet" box, nodding to a discontinued Levi's footwear line. In short, this high-quality collaboration from two beloved heritage brands offers peak Americana style.
adidas YEEZY BOOST 700 MNVN "Phosphor"
Release Date: April 24
Release Price: $220 USD
Where to Buy: City Exclusive (New York, London, Tokyo)
Why You Should Cop: Undeniably the most vivid and sporty silhouette in Kanye West's ever-expanding adidas YEEZY line, the YEEZY BOOST 700 MNVN is ready for its next round of releases — and that'll kick off with this "Phosphor" iteration. Using a bright neon green on its synthetic upper, the "Phosphor" looks like a high-tech hiking shoe, and is loaded with comfy BOOST cushioning. It's reported to be exclusive to New York, London and Tokyo, so more specific release information will likely trickle out over the course of the week.
Mountain Research x Reebok DMX Trail Shadow
Release Date: April 24
Release Price: $180 USD
Where to Buy: Reebok
Why You Should Cop: If you're a weekly Best Footwear Drops reader, first off: thank you. Secondly, you probably recall seeing the Mountain Research x Reebok DMX Trail Shadow on last week's list. You may even remember that we mentioned its global release would likely hit this week's list as well. We keep our word, so if you missed out last week, you'll indeed have another chance this week. It's rare you find a shoe that combines anarchy, mountain climbing and conceptual design, so if you're a fan of any of those three topics — or you just love a good tan sneaker — this is a drop you don't want to pass up.
Nike Air Fear of God 1 "Noir"
Release Date: April 25
Release Price: $350 USD
Where to Buy: Nike SNKRS and Foot Locker
Why You Should Cop: Jerry Lorenzo's Air Fear of God 1 is already a certified hit, and the "Noir" is one of the cleanest styles of the high-fashion-meets-hoops hybrid yet. Dressed entirely in black, the "Noir" puts forth a look that's simultaneously sinister and elegant — enabling its unique construction and luxurious materials do the talking.
adidas YEEZY BOOST 700 MNVN "Bone"
Release Date: April 25
Release Price: $220 USD
Where to Buy: City Exclusive (Los Angeles, Paris, Shanghai)
Why You Should Cop: A day after the "Phosphor," the adidas YEEZY BOOST 700 MNVN will also release in a "Bone" colorway. Calling upon a natural tan hue that's been used heavily by the adidas YEEZY line, the "Bone" combines a recognizable palette with a still-fresh silhouette for a new-yet-familiar look. Much like its aforementioned neon-hued brethren, the "Bone" has been reported to be a city-exclusive release, touching down in Los Angeles, Paris and Shanghai. Look for specific release procedures to surface over the course of the week.
Click here to view full gallery at HYPEBEAST
