The Air Jordan 3 "Black Cat" Sneaks Into This Week's Best Footwear Drops
Welcome to the first full week of 2025. With the chaos of New Year's out of the way, everyone's easing back into the swing of things. For footwear brands, they are still ramping up, however, per usual there's plenty of sneakers dropping this week. New Balance, Merrell, Nike, PUMA, Converse and Jordan Brand all have notable releases en route but before we work through this week's list of the best options, let's review what news hit the net last week.
Starting with the latest footwear feature, we assembled an unofficial guide to the Air Jordan 1's 40th anniversary, highlighting 20 upcoming releases featuring the silhouette in categories of collaborations, classics and newcomers.
As for the traditional headlines, the Nike Kobe line stood out with word of five "Team Bank" colorways of the Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro dropping this year while we got an official preview of the "University Red" version of the Kobe 5 Protro "Year of the Mamba" that is dropping this week. Jordan Brand was the subject of many moments, including the unveiling of Zion Williamson's Jordan Zion 4. An initial preview of this year's Air Jordan 12 "Flu Game" also popped up. Air Jordan samples were discussed throughout the week with a Slam Dunk-themed pair of Air Jordan 23s appearing alongside two OVO x Air Jordan 9s and another fragment design x Air Jordan 3.
Elsewhere in the industry, a Salehe Bembury x New Balance 1500 MADE in UK colorway appeared out of nowhere, with it likely to arrive later this month. New Balance also saw two colorways of its 1906L sneaker loafer surface -- "Silver Metallic" and a black and silver rendition. A preview of what adidas Basketball has in store for the Year of the Snake also caught our eye while LOEWE and On rounded out the week with three Cloudtilt 2 colorways.
Now that you're up to speed with the latest and greatest from the sneaker space, let's dive into this week's list, starting with another shot at the JJJJound x New Balance 2002R GORE-TEX "Black." Afterwards, don't forget to hit up HBX to shop styles that are available now.
JJJJound x New Balance 2002R GORE-TEX “Black”Release Date: January 7
Release Price: $190 USD
Where to Buy: New Balance
Why You Should Cop: JJJJound and New Balance closed out 2024 with their third GORE-TEX-equipped colorway of the 2002R. Arriving in an all-black finish, its mesh and leather build is accented by notes of blue around the heel. JJJJound's wordmark is subtly included at both the heel and sockliner while the shoe notably sees its typical laces swapped out for a toggle lacing system. For those who missed out on the first drop, New Balance has its own release set to take place this week.
Release Date: January 7
Release Price: $290 USD
Where to Buy: Merrell
Why You Should Cop: American outdoor brand Merrell is kicking off 2025 with the introduction of the SpeedARC Surge BOA. This new hiking shoe begins with a sculpted sole unit that features the brand's Quantum Grip outsole tech and a midsole designed to deliver ample energy return. Looking to the upper, it utilizes a double BOA lacing system that provides extra flexibility in fit for the knit upper.
Release Date: January 8
Release Price: $210 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: The Nike Air Max Sunder is back in GORE-TEX form this week, completing the rollout of the trio of pairs teased during last June's SNKRS Showcase event. This "Bold Berry" take sees the sneaker combine a black base with purple detailing across its upper. As with the other GORE-TEX pairs, its zipper enclosure is the only fastening system present as the laces have been removed in favor of a true slip-on approach.
Release Date: January 9
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Nike Basketball's celebration of the Lunar New Year is starting early as the Nike Kobe 5 Protro is ready to drop in one of two "Year of the Mamba" colorways. This clever play on the Year of the Snake sees an "Eggplant"-colored upper joined by a golden snake design at the lateral. This element matches the tongue's Kobe branding and the outline of the medial Swoosh while the outsole favors an icy translucent finish.
Release Date: January 10
Release Price: $120 USD
Where to Buy: CNCPTS
Why You Should Cop: CNCPTS and New Balance have been working closely together for well over a decade now, bringing forth one unique project after another. The two wrapped up 2024 by dropping their champagne-inspired 740 "Saignée" and are back with another wine-inspired take on the sneaker to start the new year. This "Brut" rendition nods to the extra dry champagne style with a green upper that is accented by orange at the tongue and a combination of forest green and black at the ABZORB-backed sole unit.
Release Date: January 10
Release Price: $160 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: After an initial introduction via boutiques last month, Nike's new women-oriented Air Max Muse sneaker is dropping worldwide. Its "Metallic Silver" launch look highlights its fashion-forward build as the shimmering shade contrasts neatly with a black base. While the sneaker was designed with style in mind, it doesn't compromise on comfort as Air technology brings support to each step.
Release Date: January 10
Release Price: $140 USD
Where to Buy: PUMA
Why You Should Cop: LaMelo Ball is already on his fourth signature performance shoe with PUMA Hoops -- not to mention, we already have a first look at his fifth pair -- but the duo continue to offer his debut MB.01 design in new looks. The latest to hit shelves takes the wearer on an "Alien Safari" with its out-of-this-world "Green Glimmer" upper joined by "Pure Magenta" and "Hyperlink Blue" combining for its own safari print.
Release Date: January 10
Release Price: $100 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: At last, the Nike Air Superfly is returning. Teased throughout the end of last year, the silhouette's performance DNA has been reimagined as a lifestyle model for women. Its slim shape is much more elegant than many of the bulkier silhouettes that have dominated the lifestyle runner space in recent years. Its four debut colorways of all-black, green and brown, all-red and silver each offer stylish flair.
Release Date: January 11
Release Price: ¥14,300 JPY (approx. $91 USD)
Where to Buy: RHC Ron Herman
Why You Should Cop: RHC Ron Herman, the comfort-oriented branch within the Ron Herman family that nods to its Californian roots, is kicking off the new year by teaming up with Converse to produce a special All Star Aged Ox. Its upper utilizes a gray ripstop designed for durability and combines with off-white contrast stitching to complement the pair's classic sole unit. Silver hardware is present at the eyelets as co-branding at the tongue tag and sockliner offers a final touch.
Release Date: January 11
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Rounding out the relatively quiet week is our headliner, the familiar Air Jordan 3 "Black Cat." Introduced in 2007, the colorway is part of a series of Air Jordan looks that offers silhouettes in all-black finishes. It's now returning to the market with all of its key details, starting with the patent leather mudguard. From there, Jordan Brand's elephant print pattern sits next to it while also adorning the laces. The remainder of the sneaker appears in a stealthy black with the heel sporting tonal Jumpman branding.
Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast
The Air Jordan 3 "Black Cat" Sneaks Into This Week's Best Footwear Drops
The Air Jordan 3 "Black Cat" Sneaks Into This Week's Best Footwear Drops
The Air Jordan 3 "Black Cat" Sneaks Into This Week's Best Footwear Drops
The Air Jordan 3 "Black Cat" Sneaks Into This Week's Best Footwear Drops
The Air Jordan 3 "Black Cat" Sneaks Into This Week's Best Footwear Drops
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