As we venture further into October, there's no shortage of excitement surrounding the sports industry. The WNBA is gearing up for its Finals while the NBA had its Preseason games begin ahead of the season opener later this month. American football continues to draw eyes as last weekend saw several top college football teams upset by underdogs and the NFL was packed with nail-biters. In an attempt to match this energy, a new slate of sneaker releases has been readied by the likes of Nike, New Balance, ASICS, Birkenstock and Jordan Brand. However, before we review which 10 sneakers you should consider copping, let's review what footwear news hit the net last week.
Looking first at the features published, we connected with Sneaker Freaker's Simon "Woody" Wood and Image NY's Perry Shum to discuss how "Nothing is Sacred in the Sneaker World" as Nike continues re-releasing beloved grails like the Wu-Tang Dunks. We also recapped the best footwear trends at Paris Fashion Week SS25, which included everything from Simone Rocha's Crocs to several different CDG x Nike collabs.
As for the regular news, word of Nike producing a skate-oriented version of the Air Force 1 -- dubbed the Air Force 1 SK8 -- popped up. We also got early looks at a three-piece NOCTA x Nike Air Max Plus, as well as the Nike LeBron 22 "Blacklight" and the Nike Air DT Max '96 "Falcons." As for its Jordan Brand subsidiary, an Air Jordan 4 RM "Pine Green" based on last year's hit Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 collab and early looks at this year's Air Jordan 6 "Doernbecher" surfaced.
Elsewhere in the world of shoes, the shelves of an adidas outlet store were lined with YEEZY kicks for as little as $30 USD a pair. PUMA made more noise as a report surfaced of Tyrese Haliburton signing to represent PUMA Hoops. Rounding out the week, New Balance had another 990v6 collab teased by Action Bronson and Jack Harlow dropped his long-awaited 1906R "Rose Runner" project.
With all of the past week's key footwear headlines recapped, let's dive into what shoes to look forward to this week, starting with the latest look for Ja Morant's second signature shoe. Afterwards, be sure to hit up HBX to shop styles that are available now.
Nike Ja 2 "Purple Sky"
Release Date: October 8
Release Price: $120 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: As the top hoopers of the world gear up for the start of the 2024-25 NBA season, many new signature shoes are rolling out, including the Nike Ja 2. The new sneaker lands on shelves this week in its "Purple Sky" colorway, which is inspired by Ja Morant's mesmerizing flow across the court. Its purple presentation is accented by yellow Swooshes on the left shoe and blue Swooshes on the right shoe.
KITH 101 x New Balance MADE in USA 990v4 and M1000
Release Date: October 8
Release Price: TBC
Where to Buy: KITH
Why You Should Cop: Ronnie Fieg and the KITH team are back at it with another New Balance collaboration, this time teaming up with the Teddy Santis-led New Balance MADE in USA division via the KITH 101 line. The duo has crafted a "Moonrock" colorway of the 990v4, as well as a "Quarry" finish for the M1000. The former sees its signature brown accompanied by an off-white sole unit, which is also present as a support for the suede and canvas build of the M1000.
Nike Air Max 1 “Low Poly”
Release Date: October 8 (Pre-Order)
Release Price: $150 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Nike has clearly not run out of ways to reinterpret the Air Max 1 as the 37-year-old silhouette continues to appear in new forms. This week, it dons a new .SWOOSH-designed "Low Poly" look that draws inspiration from retro gaming visuals. The sneaker, revealed by popular streamer Kai Cenat, has been pixelated with jagged edges throughout its build. It will be available for pre-order this week with pairs shipping approximately 120 days after ordering.
New Balance 1906A “Black” and “Concrete”
Release Date: October 9
Release Price: $170 USD
Where to Buy: New Balance
Why You Should Cop: The New Balance 1906 is a silhouette that has brought plenty of energy to the brand this year -- from its classic shape to the notorious sneaker loafer. Now, it's new deconstructed 1906A sneaker returns in “Black” and “Concrete” with a comfort-oriented combination of ACTEVA LITE cushioning and ABZORB SBS pods at the heel. The two monochromatic finishes are sure to slot into any wardrobe with ease.
Nike BOOK 1 “Sunrise”
Release Date: October 10
Release Price: $140 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker has paid homage to his team many times across his Nike BOOK 1, the guard's first signature shoe with the Swoosh. As he gears up for the upcoming season, coming in hot after earning a gold medal with Team USA, the BOOK 1 is dropping in a new "Sunrise" colorway that sees a purple-to-orange gradient adorn the outsole while the upper favors a lilac finish.
Nike LeBron TR1 “Zero Dark 30”
Release Date: October 10
Release Price: $130 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Not only is LeBron James poised to shake up the basketball footwear scene with the introduction of the Nike LeBron 22, but he has stepped into the training footwear market as well with the new Nike LeBron TR1. Teased during James' time on Team USA at this year's Olympic Games, it was officially announced last month as an “ergonomic and lightweight design” for athletes of all types. Dropping now in this "Zero Dark 30" colorway, it pairs black and gray throughout the versatile build.
PLEASURES x ASICS GEL-NYC
Release Date: October 11
Release Price: TBC
Where to Buy: PLEASURES and HBX
Why You Should Cop: Los Angeles' very own PLEASURES is back with a new sneaker collaboration, this time reuniting with ASICS on the GEL-NYC. The duo's latest pair sees a lavender upper joined by chocolate brown detailing at the laces, tongue, mudguard and sole unit. A bright orange also appears at the midfoot, tongue branding and heel tab while brown "PLEASURES" text stands out at the toe box.
Nike Dunk Low “What The Duck” Pack
Release Date: October 11
Release Price: $275 USD
Where to Buy: GOAT
Why You Should Cop: Fans of the University of Oregon are in for a treat this week as not only will the school's football team take on Ohio State University as the #3 and #2 ranked teams respectively, but UofO's Ducks of a Feather program is set to drop its Nike Dunk Low "What The Duck" pack too. Looking closer at the two pairs assembled, they are both covered in eye-catching details that nod to the school's famous Nike-designed uniforms.
BEAMS x Birkenstock London
Release Date: October 12
Release Price: $175 USD
Where to Buy: BEAMS
Why You Should Cop: Japanese brand BEAMS has remained a purveyor of both quality apparel and clean footwear collaborations for years. Its latest team-up sees Birkenstock's London loafer equipped with a "Bone Pattern" that wraps across the shoe's upper, serving as a proper sequel to the duo's project involving the Zurich previously. As for co-branding, you can spot the BEAMS logo at the loafer's footbed.
Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Howard University”
Release Date: October 12
Release Price: $140 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Howard University is the subject of the second school-themed sneaker release this week as its school colors adorn the Air Jordan 1 Low OG yet again. The university's white, navy and red appeared on a PE last year and are now present with white at the leather base, navy at the overlays and red at the heel.
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