Welcome to Sneaker News #22. The 2020 lists have been delivered and the best shoes of last year have been crowned. It’s a new slate for the footwear world as adidas puts its hopes on the Forum 84 revival which promises to be one of the year’s key shoes. Nike is also pushing ahead with the Dunk that defined last year, teaming up with Guangzhou artist Jason Deng. Elsewhere, New Balance is launching a new silhouette while Salomon has some new colourways up its sleeve. Check it all out below.
adidas Originals Forum 84
adidas’ reboot of the Forum 84 is likely to be one of the defining shoes of this year. The basketball sneaker was a favourite in the ‘80s and its revival is already proving to be a favourite of the 2020s. This bright blue colourway already looks like a staple, defined by the adjustable strap and suede three-stripe. It’s available to cop now at Hype DC.
Nike SB Dunk Low Pro Street Hawker
The Dunk Low was the undisputed winner of last year’s footwear game, delivering through collaborations and classic colours. The first one out of the gates this year is the Street Hawker Guangzhou artist Jason Deng. It’s a tribute to Chinese food culture giving nods to different cuisines through clashing textures from watercolour patterns (mutton soup) to doughnut patterns (green bean soup). It’s an inventive, narrative-based take that is likely to sell quickly. 13th January is the drop date.
adidas Harden Vol. 5 Futurenatural
If you’re looking to add colour to your repertoire in 2021, this may be the shoe for you. Inspired by Houston Rockets’ player James Harden, its blotches of colour represent his speed and fast-changing direction. Its comfy fit comes from new technology providing a seamless mould but it’s the design that will turn heads. Futuristic with kicks of colour and a hardy black sole. 1st February is the drop date.
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adidas x Craig Green ZX 2K Phormar II Shoes
adidas has teamed up with British fashion designer Craig Green that looks like it’s from the future. The all-white colourway is a sleek and challenging shoe that plays with adidas’ ZX silhouette. The tension chords on the super-thin speed lacing system along with a customisable heel ensure a perfect fit while the Boost cushioning is likely to draw in those who know how comfortable Adidas’ signature technology is. Dropping Friday, 27th February at adidas.
Salomon XT6 Mint Leaf
Sturdy, performance-driven footwear made waves in the fashion world in 2020 and it’s playing in Salomon’s favour. Often a favourite for athletes, the XT-6 is making a return this year, eight years after its original launch. Updated colourways are the key difference and we’re particularly taken by this black, white and mint leaf take. A predominantly black and white colourway is elevated by a pop of mint in the mid-sole. Sign up for a release alert at Subtype store.
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Air Jordan 1 Volt Gold
The Air Jordan 1 is one of the most reliable shoes in footwear and it remains on top this year. The Volt Gold, colour blocks volt, sail and university gold for a bold take on the shoe that borrows elements from some of Air Jordan’s most popular colourways. The notable difference on this one is a deconstructed take highlighted through the exposed foam and a transparent, reversed tag. Enter the raffle on High and Lows now for your chance to cop.
New Balance 57/40
New Balance made a stunning comeback in 2020 and it’s keeping the momentum going with a new silhouette. The 57/40 is a reimagining of the brand’s 574 shoe. That shoe has existed for three decades now so it’s getting an update with a silhouette that pastes together styles from both the ‘80s and the ‘90s. The traditional ‘N’ logo has been enlarged while the mid-sole and heel have been treated to a burst of colour through a mix of suede, mesh and leather. No doubt, the 57/40 will become a must-have this year but for now, it’s getting a limited release. Look out for it on 9th January.
Air Max 95 OG Neon
The Air Max 95 is throwing back with a colourway that existed 17 years ago. It remains virtually unchanged in the 2021 reboot combining monochrome with accents of neon green. The winning details are the gradient layered upper and green colour signature Air padding underfoot. If you want them, you’ll have to enter via the Highs and Lows raffle.
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