From Argentina-inspired colors in honor of Lionel Messi to hints about a Kobe Bryan collaboration, join MEGAMan on a quick stroll through January’s exciting sneaker launches
And with that, the first month of the year has ended. It surely felt both lengthy and swift, packed with noteworthy events, particularly in the realm of sneakers. The sneaker scene witnessed a flurry of activity, encompassing remarkable launches, enticing collaborations, and speculative rumors that captivated our attention throughout January. Let’s take a look at a few highlights.
RELATED: 5 Easy Sneaker Authentication Tips to Prove Your Kicks are the Real Deal
Adidas launches Ultra Boosts with a worn-in twist
In recent times, there’s been a noticeable surge in the popularity of sneakers that exude a vintage aesthetic, and stepping into this trend is Adidas with their latest creation: the Ultra Boost Light. This particular iteration embraces a visual narrative reminiscent of a well-worn sneaker, showcasing characteristic signs of use, evident in the marks adorning the gray Primeknit upper, the lacing cage, and across the entirety of the Boost midsole. Adding to its appeal, the sneaker has been crafted using a minimum of 20% recycled materials. Noteworthy is its distinction as one of the featherweight contenders within the running shoe lineup, owing to the innovative Boost midsole technology that renders it 30% lighter compared to preceding Ultra Boost models.
Comme des Garçons teases exciting Nike Air Max partnership
Comme des Garçons, a longstanding collaborator of Nike, has recently unveiled an upcoming series of Air Max TL 2.5 collaborations slated for release later this year. This collaborative sneaker venture made its initial appearance at the 2024 Fall/Winter runway exhibition of the Japanese fashion label during Paris Fashion Week. However, the buzz surrounding this collaboration surfaced in November 2023. The showcased colorways include monochromatic black and white variations, as well as a pair that merges both shades harmoniously. Notably, these sneakers boast distinctive co-branding imprints on the heel. Debuting in 2006, the Nike Air Max TL 2.5 boasts a mesh-dominated upper featuring distinctive wave-like stripes on the sides, defining its popular silhouette.
Converse blings out Chuck Taylor with 1,300+ sparkling crystals
When the name Converse crosses our minds, the immediate association is with the Chuck Taylor design, a true pinnacle of iconic creations by the brand. Yet again, Converse has breathed fresh life into this classic with the introduction of the De Luxe Squared iteration. For the debut release of the Converse Chuck 70 De Luxe Squared, the footwear giant has enlisted the expertise of the renowned jewelry company Swarovski, embellishing each pair with an array of over 1,300 crystals. This revamped sneaker showcases a redefined octagonal patch on the medial side on the upper, coupled with a reinvented rubber toe cap featuring innovative squared segments. Noteworthy is Converse’s ongoing commitment to reinventing the Chuck Taylor sneaker since its inception in 1917, with a recent highlight being the TurboDrk Chuck 70, a collaborative venture with designer Rick Owens.
Allen Iverson’s iconic Reebok sneaker makes a comeback
Following the successful revival of the Answer 3 in its original white and red color scheme late in the preceding year, fans of Allen Iverson’s Reebok signature line can now anticipate the return of another iconic variation. The Reebok Answer 3 in its original white and black colorway, unseen since its last appearance in 1999, is gearing up to make a triumphant comeback. This particular silhouette marks Iverson’s fourth signature basketball model with the brand, simultaneously serving as the third installment in the revered Answer line. Characterized by a leather upper adorned with AI’s distinctive logos on both the tongue and heel counter, the sneaker’s focal point lies in its DMX foam-cushioned midsole. Notably, the Reebok Answer 3 underwent a retro resurgence back in 2015, being reintroduced to the public in both the black and white colorway and the aforementioned white and red iteration.
Lionel Messi to sport a special Adidas Samba colorway
Renowned as one of the greats in the field of sport, frequent Adidas collaborator and football icon Lionel Messi is gearing up for a fresh venture with a new Samba collaboration. This upcoming Messi x Adidas Samba iteration boasts a crisp white upper complemented by a gray suede toe box, grounded by a gum outsole, and adorned with distinctive purple stripes. Adding a pop of vibrant contrast, neon yellow branding graces the tongues of these kicks. Notably, the incorporation of purple in the design draws inspiration from Argentina’s purple road kits showcased during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a deliberate move aimed at championing gender equality. Interestingly, this collaboration is not the first instance of Adidas crafting a Samba colorway exclusively for Messi; a notable precedent dates back to 2012 when the brand created a bespoke white and blue pair paying homage to the soccer legend’s home country of Argentina.
Rumors buzzing about Kobe Bryant’s Nike SB collaboration release
Concluding the highlights, the recent buzz surrounding a potential collaboration between Nike SB and the late Kobe Bryant undoubtedly stands out as one of the most intriguing pieces of information from the past month. However, as reported by Nice Kicks, insider information from a source within Nike SB suggests that the collaboration remains far from a confirmed reality. The source elaborates, asserting that Vanessa Bryant, the wife of the legendary basketball player and the individual with the authority to approve all Kobe-related Nike releases, has yet to lay eyes on the proposed project. Consequently, there is a substantial likelihood that the collaboration might not come to fruition. It’s pertinent to note that, if indeed it does materialize, it wouldn’t mark the first instance of a partnership between Nike SB and the Kobe line. A precedent dates back to 2011, when Kobe Bryant and the seasoned SB rider Eric Koston joined forces to craft a distinctive Kobe Bryant x Nike SB Koston 1 sneaker, featuring an upper inspired by the Zoom Kobe 6 and a Lunarlon midsole for enhanced cushioning.
Featured Image: LIONEL MESSI (via Instagram)
