Welcome to Sneaker News #80, your one-stop shop for the latest in sneakers. In this week’s news, Nike celebrated Air Max Day by bringing back a 1986 original complete with a bigger Air unit window for the first time. In the spirit of comebacks, it is also rejuvenating the ‘Colour Of The Month’ series with the Air Force 1 which was originally launched in 1984. Outside of that, there’s a new Air Jordan 1 colourway, a fresh Nike Dunk collab with Fly Streetwear and a pair of New Balance drops. Check all that out plus more below.
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Nike Air Max 1 ’86 Original ‘Big Bubble’
The Air Max 1 ‘Big Bubble’ is making a comeback, bringing with it the history and culture of sneaker design. 400,000 pairs were released back in the day and this drop celebrates those bringing back the original visible Nike Air window and unit, recreated using CT scans of the ’86 original. The retro colour-blocking takes us back to the golden age of sneaker design. It also features the bigger Air window which was originally changed due to issues with cracking in cold temperatures which saw Nike engineers adjust the size, leading to the window decreasing both in length and height.
Check out the Nike Air Max 1 ’86 Original ‘Big Bubble’
Salomon Sportstyle XT6 ‘Fiery Red’
Two decades ago, Salomon released the XT-6 running shoe, designed for athletes competing in ultra-distance races. The foam midsole with Agile Chassis System (ACS) offered cushioning and support, while the breathable mesh uppers were made durable with welded TPU film to resist abrasive damage. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that the shoe gained immense popularity. Salomon incorporated it into their Sportstyle range, and new colourways were released, making it a highly sought-after shoe. Salomon celebrates the XT-6’s 10th anniversary with a limited edition ‘Fiery Red’ colourway, honouring the original prototypes worn by their top athletes. Only 804 pairs will be available, each with a unique serial number and special edition matching socks and dust bag.
Check out the Salomon Sportstyle XT6 ‘Fiery Red’
Nike Air Force 1 ‘Colour Of The Month’
Nike is bringing back a blast from the past with their new ‘Colour of the Month’ series, inspired by a little-known piece of the company’s history. The original series was launched in 1984 and is said to have saved the AF-1 from extinction. The shoes were initially facing uncertain reissue prospects until sports shops in Baltimore saw them flying off the shelves. These shopkeepers asked for custom colourways to sell in their shops and Nike obliged. The new edition includes pristine materials, a triple white colourway, and even a shoe-cleaning toothbrush, delivering coveted off-court style. Nike is dropping these on the 6th of April.
Check out the Nike Air Force 1 ‘Colour Of The Month’
Air Jordan 1 High ‘Multi-Colour’
This latest colourway of the classic Air Jordan 1 is both eye-catching and sleek. Featuring a premium denim upper dyed with a stunning light-to-dark gradient, it perfectly transitions from the warm glow of dawn to the deep hues of twilight. The asymmetrical design is also impressive as the multi-colour gradient moves across both of the shoes. All the Jordan 1 comforts are here too including the Nike Air cushioning. 7th April is when you have to keep an eye out for these at Nike.
Check out the Air Jordan 1 High ‘Multi-Colour’
Nike SB Dunk Low x Fly Streetwear ‘Gardenia’
Nike is fusing tradition and skate culture with its new take on the Nike SB Dunk Low. This blossoming collaboration with Fly Streetwear founder Jeff Han draws inspiration from the fragrant gardenia flowers sold on the streets of Shanghai, bringing garden-fresh style to your next session. The shoe features embroidered graphics that recall sweet-scented bouquets and one of Han’s earliest memories of skating through the perfumed city. The lush Game Royal suede and pops of Key Lime are of particular note, and the crafted laces show that no detail was left untouched. Head to Nike on 31st March to cop.
Check out the Nike SB Dunk Low x Fly Streetwear ‘Gardenia’
New Balance 990v3 Made In USA ‘Green’
First released in 1982 with a subtle grey colourway and a then-unusual three-figure price tag, the 990 has since been updated with fresh designs and colours. However, its reputation as one of the sturdiest shoes on the market remains. Thus limited edition 990v3 features premium upper construction and ENCAP midsole cushioning, providing all-day support. Its green colourway is inspired by the original NB Comp 100, and the shoe is finished with a premium synthetic suede sock liner. Subtype is gearing up to drop these on 29th March.
Check out the New Balance 990v3 Made In USA ‘Green’
New Balance 1906 ‘Blue’
The iconic 1906R sneaker has received a do-over of sorts. Updated with an upper inspired by running shoe designs from the 2000s, this classic shoe remains a staple in the running world. The N-ergy shock absorbing outsole is equipped with a Stability Web for added arch support, while the ACTEVA LITE midsole cushioning and ABZORB SBS heel cushioning offer a comfortable and stable fit. This colourway sees tones of blue meld together on the upper alongside a mix of textures including mesh and suede.
Check out the New Balance 1906 ‘Blue’
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