Sneaker News #82 – Virgil Abloh’s Legacy Lives On With 40th Anniversary Nike AF1 Collab
Welcome to Sneaker News #81. It’s a big week for Nike as it celebrates the AF-1’s 40th anniversary with a redesign imagined by the late Virgil Abloh. Elsewhere, the brand is launching a new creation in the half-sandal, half-sneaker Universal while also dropping another colourway of a Jordan classic. In collab news, New Balance is teaming up with Joe Freshgoods again and Salomon has come together with Gramicci. There are also fresh adidas drops worth checking out. See all that and more below.
RELATED: Looking for the latest sneakers? Check out all of our sneaker news in one place.
Nike Air Force 1 Mid x Off-White ‘Pine Green’
Virgil Abloh’s legacy continues to shine bright with the Air Force 1 Mid x Off-White™. In celebration of the AF-1’s 40th anniversary, Abloh reimagined the iconic silhouette with a modern twist while paying homage to its roots. The Pine Green leather of the shoe is a nod to the I-95 corridor where the AF-1’s legacy was born. The design also features airbrush-inspired branding and a dual-lace system that combines traditional laces with Flywire cables. These elements give wearers the ability to customise their look while staying true to the classic AF-1 design. It’s a fresh and modern take on a classic that will excite both Air Force 1 Mid fan and Abloh devotees.
Nike ISPA Universal ‘Natural’
Get ready to step into the future with Nike ISPA’s latest creation—the Universal. Crafted with progress, experimentation, and craft in mind, this shoe is perfect for those who crave a deeper connection to the products they use. From the replaceable components to the zero-glue design, the Universal is all about sustainability and longevity. The bio-based feedstocks used in the Bio-EVA foam help reduce our reliance on petroleum-based materials, while the cork insoles can be easily replaced when worn down. Plus, each shoe is hand-buffed for a unique, artisan finish that’ll make you stand out from the crowd. These kicks are also inspired by three Nike icons (the Air Max 270, the Zoom Type, and the Solarsoft HTM) and feature a one-of-a-kind look driven by computer data. Cop from Nike below right now.
Nike Air Jordan 3 ‘True Blue and Copper’
Jordan is bringing back a classic with the Air Jordan 3 ‘Wizards’ PE colourway. Inspired by the kicks MJ rocked during his first season with the Washington Wizards, these sneakers are a must-have for any true basketball fan. Featuring a white leather upper with blue and copper accents, these shoes give off major OG True Blue vibes. But the elephant print on the heels, eyestay, and toes add a touch of uniqueness that sets them apart from the crowd.
Salomon Technsonic for Gramicci
Salomon’s collaboration with Gramicci is appropriately set for outdoor exploration. With a breathable sandal mesh upper that’ll keep your feet cool and dry, it’s designed for use in all kinds of weather and terrains. The chunky midsole ensures maximum comfort, while the cut-out panels add an extra touch of style. Plus, the hiking-inspired laces are a nod to the shoe’s rugged roots. Salomon and Gramicci’s co-branding features on the tongue and insole, boasting their newfound synergy. You get the feeling that this is going to be just as popular for strolling around town as it will be for exploration.
Shop at Salomon Shop at SUBTYPE
adidas Campus 80 Crop
adidas’ beloved Campus 80 arrives with a twist. The classic design is given a fresh update with a hairy suede upper and a tearaway transparent overlay that lets you switch up your look on the fly. Plus, the iconic serrated 3-Stripes stay true to their roots. The leather lining and rubber outsole ensure durability and comfort even though the upper looks as if it’s degrading. These sneakers have been a staple in various subcultures – from basketball to skateboarding to music and fashion – and now they’re having a real comeback as sneakerheads gravitate towards the vintage adidas sneaker. You can grab a pair from Subtype right now.
adidas Bermuda ‘Glow Pink’
The adidas Originals Bermuda returns in new pastel colours inspired by the beautiful Bermuda coastlines. These classic sneakers come in a tonal mix of Easy Mint, Glow Pink, and Wonder White, wrapped in lush premium suedes that look both vintage and sleek. Featuring the signature ‘crinkle cut’ Three Stripes branding and light overlays at the heel tab, these terrace-styled silhouettes offer a perfect mix of vintage and modern design. And to top it off, they’ve added a gum sole for extra flair. These are available right now at Up There but there are limited sizes left so you’ll have to get in quick.
Shop at Up There Store Shop at Above the Clouds
New Balance x Joe Freshgoods 610
New Balance and Joe Freshgoods’ incredible collaborative history continues with a take on the 610. These rugged sneaker designs place both function and style at the forefront. Inspired by a classic woodland pattern, Joe Freshgoods gives the 610v1 and Rainier boot his own twist by adding elevated attention to detail. The Joe Freshgoods 610v1 is built with a mesh upper, diamond knit mesh collar, suede overlays, and camo embroidery, giving it a unique look that can be both unique and illusive. Bright orange accents and a distressed effect lug outsole add a perfect touch of personality to this tech-inspired outdoor design. New Balance will have these available from 28th April.
You’ll also like:
Sneaker News #81 – Nike and UNDERCOVER’s Jun Takahashi Find Simplicity in the Future With the Moc Flow
Sneaker News #80 – Nike Celebrates Air Max Day with Return of ’86 Big Bubble
Sneaker News #79 – Corduroy Catches Eyes on a Fresh Nike Air Max 1 Drop
