It's officially time to say goodbye to 2024. The year was chock-full of sneaker drops -- exciting, wacky and everything in between -- and we're here with one final list to carry us into the new year. It's clear that most brands are enjoying the holidays still as our lineup only highlights Nike, New Balance, Jordan Brand and Reebok releases, however, there are still some pairs worth checking out. Before we get things started with the latest from Devin Booker and Nike Basketball, let's first review what news hit the footwear space this past week.
Kicking things off, Nike shared its third annual review of the most popular SNKRS releases of 2024. Per usual, Travis Scott topped the list with another Air Jordan 1 Low OG collaboration, however, a surprise came in the form of Jordan Brand's dominance. As for drops due to arrive in 2025, release details regarding Lil Yachty's Nike Air Force 1 Low "Lucky Green/Mystic Red" and another rumored Supreme collaboration featuring the AF1 Low popped up. Supreme also had one of its SB Dunk Low samples leak, providing a unique look into their design process.
As for Jordan Brand, the Air Jordan 4 is poised to have another big year as a first look at Nike SB's "Navy" colorway of the AJ4 finally appeared after being rumored over 20 months ago. We also got a sneak peek at what to expect from Nigel Sylvester's AJ4 "Firewood Orange" colorway. Looking to releases taking place sooner, January's return of the Air Jordan 3 "Black Cat" was teased by the Swoosh with official imagery.
The Lunar New Year is the subject of one of this week's top drops but was also highlighted with new collections from both adidas Originals and Dr. Martens, embracing the Year of the Snake. Rounding out the news, MM6 Maison Margiela brought forth its new Sprinter silhouette -- a nod to Nike's original "Moon Shoes" from 1972.
With all of the past week's key sneaker headlines reviewed, let's dive right into which 10 drops you should consider picking up this week. Afterwards, you can avoid having to wait for future drop dates by hopping on HBX and shopping styles that are available today.
Nike Book 1 “Sedona”
Release Date: January 1
Release Price: $140 USD
Where to Buy: Nike
Why You Should Cop: Stepping into the new year, Devin Booker and Nike Basketball are continuing to outfit the star guard’s first signature shoe with unique colorways. Embracing the great outdoors, this “Sedona” iteration looks to the picturesque Arizona city for inspiration. Its upper sees a topographic pattern overlaid atop a red-orange base. “No Service” and “Sedona” text is included at the heel of the left and right shoes respectively while the tongue tag depicts the city’s desert terrain.
New Balance “Lunar New Year” Collection
Release Date: January 1
Release Price: ¥16,500 JPY (approx. $105 USD) to ¥27,500 JPY (approx. $175 USD)
Where to Buy: New Balance Japan
Why You Should Cop: New Balance is back with another collection celebrating the Lunar New Year, offering five pairs this year. The 740 begins the collection in beige and sees a subtle gradient applied to its ABZORB-equipped midsole. The 1906R features a similar shift in colors as its gray colorway taps several different shades throughout. As for the 1000, it offers a black finish with silver detailing across its build. Lastly, the WRPD Runner appears in its own gray look while also being featured in white with a matching Year of the Snake-themed carrying bag.
Nike LeBron 22 “Mogul”
Release Date: January 1
Release Price: $180 USD
Where to Buy: Nike
Why You Should Cop: Having just celebrated his 40th birthday, King James is back with another exciting Nike LeBron 22 colorway. This “Mogul” iteration of the court-ready sneaker dons a regal color scheme of black, white and gold. Its unique color blocking sees the left side of each shoe appear primarily in black with the right side favoring white. Meanwhile, gilded accents run across the Swooshes, laces, tongue branding and heel signature.
New Balance 1906L “Dark Juniper”
Release Date: January 1
Release Price: $160 USD
Where to Buy: Sneaker Politics
Why You Should Cop: The New Balance 1906L “sneaker loafer” was one of the most polarizing new silhouettes of 2024. Having finally launched this season, the American sportswear brand continues to bring forth new takes of the slip-on and is back with a “Dark Juniper” colorway this week. Its upper combines silver, gray, navy and green across the shoe’s layered build while off-white coats a majority of the midsole.
Jordan Tatum 3 “Year of the Snake”
Release Date: January 1
Release Price: $125 USD
Where to Buy: Nike
Why You Should Cop: Reigning NBA champion Jayson Tatum dropped his Jordan Tatum 3 back in October and has assembled several unique looks since then. Adding to the list, this “Year of the Snake” iteration builds upon Jordan Brand’s annual Lunar New Year range. Its upper utilizes an iridescent finish that is sure to stand out on courts.
Nike KD 17 “B.A.D. 3.0”
Release Date: January 1
Release Price: $160 USD
Where to Buy: Nike
Why You Should Cop: Kevin Durant has often paid homage to his loved ones with special colorways of his signature sneakers. One such series is the “B.A.D.” lineup -- showing love to his late grandmother Barbara A. Davis -- which began with a purple colorway of the Nike KD 15. With the KD 17 as his latest sneaker, he’s back with his third "B.A.D." iteration. The theme again utilizes a purple color scheme, this time leveraging lavender hues throughout.
Nike Ja 2 “Twelve Time”
Release Date: January 2
Release Price: $120
Where to Buy: Nike
Why You Should Cop: Rounding out Nike Basketball’s expansive list of notable drops this week, Ja Morant’s Nike Ja 2 is back with a new “Twelve Time” colorway that pairs bright green and orange together with brown across the heel. 12 is not only Morant’s jersey number with the Memphis Grizzlies, but also connects to the 12am theme that has been used throughout his signature shoes thus far. New features to its appearance include a “Twelve Time” graphic at the left shoe’s tongue and “12:12” at the heel tab.
Nike Running “Ekiden” Collection
Release Date: January 2
Release Price: $100 USD to $285 USD
Where to Buy: Nike
Why You Should Cop: The Nike Running team has assembled annual collections of footwear dedicated to Ekiden -- the Japanese long-distance running relay race -- for several years now. This time around, fiery colorways of the Air Zoom Rival Fly 4, Zoom Fly 6, ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 3 FK and Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% 3 have all been assembled. Each pair combines a white base with red and orange detailing that includes flame graphics.
Reebok Answer III “Vector Navy”
Release Date: January 3
Release Price: $140 USD
Where to Buy: Reebok
Why You Should Cop: Allen “The Answer” Iverson made waves in the ‘90s with his signature shoes made in collaboration with Reebok. 26 years later, his Reebok Answer III is back with a “Vector Navy” colorway that nods to Notre Dame -- the university he had hoped to play quarterback for when he was a kid. Its suede and leather upper is accented by gold while the DMX foam-backed sole favors white.
Nike Gato “Pine Green”
Release Date: January 4
Release Price: $110 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: It’s been just over half a year since Nike revealed that the futsal-based Gato silhouette would be making its return after being the subject of a Supreme collaboration back in 2018. The 2010 sneaker is finally back this week and is making its debut in this “Pine Green” colorway that pairs the shade of green with white at the Swooshes and midsole, as well as a gum brown at the outsole.
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