We're just days away from the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. In celebration of the international competition, this week's iteration of best footwear drops is loaded with exciting releases, including some Olympic-themed kicks. Nike, Crocs, Jordan Brand, ASICS, Salomon and Vans are all contributing with unique colorways and special collaborations, however, let's look back at last week's news before we give you the rundown on what to cop this week.
Over on the feature front we started with a summertime-themed round-up of the best sneakers-turned-slip-ons -- highlighting everything from unique collaborations to new renditions of beloved silhouettes. We also took time to connect with Born X Raised multi-hyphenate, Alex/2Tone. The always-creating designer walked us through filmmaking and dove into the world of skateboarding too.
As for the traditional news, two of footwear's biggest brands had their hands full with legal cases. For Nike, its $60 million USD lawsuit of The Shoe Surgeon was met with a statement from his team, while Odell Beckham Jr. celebrated the end of his case with the Swoosh. adidas found itself in hot water with Bella Hadid reportedly suing the brand in the aftermath of its SL72 campaign that involved the model and was met with backlash from the Israeli government.
Pivoting back to sneaker updates, word of a Travis Scott x Nike Zoom Field Jaxx in "Leche Blue" stirred up excitement alongside a leak of the Nike Ja 2. We also got a first look at what to expect from A Ma Maniére's Air Jordan 4 "Phantom." Elsewhere in the industry, Joe Freshgoods announced his "A Friend Named Cousin" campaign for his two New Balance 990v6s colorways. The American sportswear brand was also the subject of another Aimé Leon Dore project, seeing three takes on the 860v2 go up for pre-order. Ronnie Fieg took to Instagram to tease a new project involving PSA, Marvel Comics and ASICS, while we took some time to unbox Louis Vuitton's Timberland boots.
With all of the past week's key news reviewed, let's now evaluate what sneakers we can look forward to releasing this week, starting off with Jacquemus' three Nike Air Max 1 '86 colorways. After making your way through the list, be sure to hit up HBX to shop styles that are available now.
Jacquemus x Nike Air Max 1 ‘86
Release Date: July 23
Release Price: $180 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: The powerhouse duo of Jacquemus and Nike is back with a new project, this time taking on the original Air Max 1 '86 shape and putting their own spin on it. The traditional oval shape of the Air unit window has been replaced with a rectangular one while some of the upper's overlays have been removed, as well as the shoe features a new square toe shape. Its three colorways of all-red, off-white and silver all serve up unique looks while sporting special co-branding to further distinguish each pair from a traditional AM1.
Gundam x Crocs All-Terrain Clogs
Release Date: July 23
Release Price: $75 USD
Where to Buy: Crocs
Why You Should Cop: When it comes to collaborations, Crocs has made one thing clear: there's no telling which brand or franchise it will team up with next. Hot off of a project with KANGHYUK involving the Echo Clog, it has now tapped the Gundam universe for a colorful rendition of its All-Terrain Clogs. Paying homage to the OG RX-78-2 Gundam, it sports a striking color composition of red, blue and yellow, recreating its chest while also including thematic Jibbitz to customize it or another pair of Crocs.
Air Jordan 39 “Sol”
Release Date: July 23
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: With every new year comes a new entry in the Air Jordan series. As Jordan Brand rapidly approaches its 40th anniversary, it's treating sneakerheads to a design that is dedicated to performance -- the Air Jordan 39. Equipped with not only full-length ZoomX foam, but Air Zoom too, it ensures the wearer is backed by plenty of cushioning. Arriving first in this "Sol" colorway, a clean white finish is accented by black at the midfoot and heel, as well as "University Red" at the tongue's Jumpman branding.
Nike Air Max Dn “Olympic”
Release Date: July 24
Release Price: $170 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: When it comes to country-based sneakers for the Olympic Games, Nike typically sticks to its American roots. This has resulted in a myriad of red, white and blue colorways having hit the market over the years, with the Air Max Dn as the latest silhouette to join. This year's Air Max Day sneaker begins with a crisp white at the sole unit, hosting its unique Air system in red, matching the upper's Swooshes. A white-to-blue gradient adorns the upper, with the tongue, laces and lining all covered in navy.
THE MUSEUM VISITOR x ASICS GEL-KAYANO 14
Release Date: July 25
Release Price: TBC
Where to Buy: ASICS (South Korea)
Why You Should Cop: ASICS' roster of collaborators continues to grow each month, with the Japanese footwear brand reaching across the world to connect with new partners. Now, it has connected with South Korea's THE MUSEUM VISITOR to outfit the GEL-KAYANO 14 in three distinct colorways of blue, black and gold. Each pair sees co-branding adorn the heel while a new extended tongue element reaches over the lacing system to prominently display the ASICS logo.
Sandy Liang x Salomon 2.0
Release Date: July 25
Release Price: $150 USD to $160 USD
Where to Buy: Sandy Liang
Why You Should Cop: Sandy Liang has once again shared her eye for elegant design with Salomon as the duo have presented their second collaborative footwear collection. Launching globally this week, an all-black version of the Speedcross 3 has been elevated with a pink ribbon system that runs around one's legs. Liang also reworked Salomon's new RX Marie-Jeanne in monochromatic looks of off-white and black, slimming its build and introducing cross-straps to the midfoot.
BAPE x Vans Old Skool & Sk8-Mid
Release Date: July 26
Release Price: $109 USD to $115 USD
Where to Buy: Vans
Why You Should Cop: Another duo to be reuniting this week is Japanese streetwear label BAPE and California-based skateboarding brand Vans. The two have assembled unique takes on the low-top Old Skool and the Sk8-Mid, applying BAPE's signature camouflage print in colors of red, green and blue. Both silhouettes also see the jazz stripe replaced by the BAPE STA motif at various points. Additional callouts to the duo include "OFF THE WALL" and "A BATHING APE" text at the toe, as well as via an Ape Head dubrae.
Nike Air More Uptempo “Olympic”
Release Date: July 26
Release Price: $170 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Adding to the list of Olympic-themed kicks dropping this year, Nike is once again bringing back the Air More Uptempo "Olympic." Created back in 1996 and worn by Scottie Pippen that year at the Olympic Games in Atlanta, the shoe begins with a navy blue base that is enlivened by its oversized "AIR" lettering on each side of the shoe. White also covers the toe and heel, with both featuring blue Swooshes. Rounding out the faithful recreation, a hint of red is included at the tongue's Swoosh.
Above the Clouds x ASICS GT-2160 “Cream/Chocolate Brown”
Release Date: July 27
Release Price: $167 USD
Where to Buy: ASICS
Why You Should Cop: In case you missed out on last week's drop, the Above the Clouds x ASICS GT-2160 is now set to make its global debut. Its Japanese maple tree-inspired color composition of "Cream" and "Chocolate Brown" offers a fall-ready finish that pairs neatly with the silver detailing spread throughout. Pink and red accents are included as well, with the former arriving at various branding elements and the aglets.
Air Jordan 4 “Wet Cement”
Release Date: July 27
Release Price: $225 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: It may not look like it at first glance, but this all-gray rendition of the Air Jordan 4 is another homage to this year's Olympic Games. Drawing inspiration from the cobblestone streets of Paris, it has been drenched in a "Wet Cement" finish that sees nubuck and suede coated in various gray hues. Even the tongue and heel's Jumpman branding arrive in a tonal finish, maintaining its versatility as a stylish take on a classic sneaker.
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