TOP 5 SNEAKERS WEEK 1 SEPTEMBER 2021 ( SNEAKERS UPDATE) - UPCOMING SNEAKERS
5 Westbrook One Take 3 "Fire Red"
Despite the change in team, Russell Westbrook has yet to reveal a Westbrook One Take 3 that would match his own Lakers jersey. Instead, what we’re seeing here is a rather simple, three-toned mix that ostensibly pays homage to the iconic “Fire Red” colorway.
White neutrals lead the charge, dressing the synthetic and mesh arrangement that comprises the majority of the construction. The taping at the toe, the lining, the tongue’s own trims, and the branding, however, contrast in the titular “Fire Red,” complementing the cement-like shade found throughout the rest of the shoe.
4 Reebok Kamikaze II "Black/Pink/Solar Gold"
Despite no longer being the latest and greatest proposition from the brand, the Reebok Kamikaze II continues to pull at the heart strings of many basketball and sneaker enthusiasts. Most recently, the model has taken a trip down memory lane, as it’s appeared in a “Black/Pink/Solar Gold” colorway inspired by its 1996 NBA All-Star Game debut.
Although designed for and worn by Shawn Kemp of the Seattle SuperSonics (please, return!), the newly-surfaced pair indirectly borrows its color palette from the San Antonio Spurs’ uniforms of the mid-1990s (and the Western Conference team’s during the ’96 event). An all-“Black” suede takes over much of the sneakers’ uppers, while much-more eye-catching hits of near-fluorescent orange, pink and green animate the profiles, inner lining and part of the sole unit. Reminiscent of Packer’s “Remember the Alamo” collaboration from August 2013, the aforementioned tones are unapologetic ’90s flair, which is fitting of Reebok‘s bold design.
3 Nike Blazer Mid
Known for its understated base and profile Swooshes, the Nike Blazer is a certified classic that continues to be remixed to much of its followers’ amusement. For its newest rendition, a GS Blazer Mid gets touched by multiple Swooshes for Nike’s “Multi-Swoosh” pack.
Similar to the Nike Air Force 1 revealed earlier, the Blazer variant indulges in a white pebbled leather build. The usual suede overlays are tinted in a neutral grey to maintain a minimalist aesthetic. A mix of grey Swooshes decorates the lateral side while the medial sides feature a single Swoosh outline. For a hint of color, a mini embroidered Swoosh and branding on the tongue label are in a neon hot pink. A familiar white rubber sole unit rounds out yet another sleek design by Nike.
2 Air Jordan 14 Low
Jordan Brand has been combining women’s focused colorways with an extra layer of storytelling to its releases, adding even more dimension to the brand’s efforts to further appeal to the lady sneakerheads. This upcoming Air Jordan 14 Low draws perhaps the firmest of lines with its backstory as this sultry black/red colorway is actually inspired by lipsticks and cosmetic necessities that women rely on for a night out on the town. While the exterior covers that heritage Chicago Bulls look with a black/red colorway and sporty speckling on the midsole, the insole could detract male interest as it features a pattern of red lips on the left insole. It’s quite the clever placement, however, considering that design detail is invisible to the eye when worn on the streets.
The full suede exterior also tugs on some nostalgic strings as the original 14 Lows (the Laney and Ginger) also opted for this same material, but it is indeed that dotted speckle pattern on the Ferrari-inspired chassis that provides some new life to the scarce model. The choice of black/red will certainly be strong enough to attract all as these evoke a bit of that “Last Shot” look that has carried the Air Jordan 14 legacy since 1998.
1 sacai x Clot x Nike LDWaffle
Following their work with fragment, sacai is on to the next collaborative venture: two LDWaffles with the equally legendary CLOT. And where Edison Chen sets himself apart is in palette, as both pairs — especially this “Orange” colorway — are far louder than what Hiroshi Fujiwara offered.
The designer’s love for sand suede is still present, however, as it sets the stage along the toe and heel. Even the synthetic base gives off a similar tint, while the fixtures elsewhere incorporate a loud orange and red duality. These two are used all across the doubled motifs, composing the stacked midsole, twin Swooshes, dual tongues, and the like. What’s more, a touch of “Volt” sits alongside, brightening up certain logos as well as the underside of the eyestay.