Another week, another sneaker release.
In the life of a sneakerhead, there is never such a thing as “too many sneakers.” As much as we despise our weekly Ls and (attempted) early morning purchases, there is something about that one successful cop that continues to make sneakers so addicting. Whether it is 1985 or 2021, I don’t expect that feeling to go away anytime soon.
In the second installment of NICE PICKS, the team here at Nice Kicks (see what we did there?) wants to help you fuel that feeling. We’ve sifted through the noise to select our top sneaker releases for this week, ranging from in-line sneakers to high-profile collaborations. Click on the headlines to read more details about the discussed sneakers, including more photos and a purchase destination.
7. Maison Margiela x Reebok Classic Leather Tabi
Release Date: January 30, 2021
Price: $350
The first designer collaboration to be featured on Nice Picks, the Maison Margiela and Reebok Classic Leather is set to release for a whopping $350. ‘Bok Boys can rejoice about this collaborative effort, as the French luxury brand has added an upscale, premium touch to the sportswear sneaker. A tabi-styled toe-box is a unique innovation, alongside with the weathered upper. While this pick is likely to be decisive, it is a worthy choice to begin this week’s list.
6. Air Jordan 9 Retro “University Gold”
Colorway: Black/Dark Charcoal-University Gold
Style #: CT8019-070
Release Date: January 30, 2021
Price: $190
Mirroring the decade old “Citrus” iteration, the “University Gold” Air Jordan 9 features light-toned accents across its Black and Charcoal upper. Both clean and simple, the pair is a solid start to the new year for the underrated silhouette. Be sure to mark your calendars for January 30.
5. Patta x New Balance 991
Release Date: January 29, 2021
Price: $220
New Balance is starting off the year strong with a Patta collaboration on the 991. The Amsterdam retailer has a way of working their magic on sneakers, giving them the extra details needed to POP. This collaborative effort features a Dusty Pink suede upper combined with premium meshes and leathers, along with the “patta” insignia located on the heel. If you’re looking for a solid everyday New Balance sneaker, this one is worth the consideration.
4. adidas Ultra Boost 21
Colorway: Grey / Grey / Grey
Style #: FY0381
Release Date: January 28, 2021
Price: $180
Since its inception, the adidas Ultra Boost has changed the definition of comfort. Each year, the silhouette continues to improve, elevating itself from a casual footwear piece to a performance runner. With 6% more Boost than its predecessors, the sneaker features improved durability and responsiveness. The pair is releasing in multiple colorways, including the Grey iteration featured above. If you’re a fan of the acclaimed adidas model, this is a pair worth copping for sure.
3. Puma Dreamer 2 “January 28”
Release Date: January 28, 2021
Price: $135
Puma made big moves in 2020, one of which being the signing of Dreamville rapper J.Cole. The follow up to his Puma RS-Dreamer, the Puma Dreamer 2 is slated to release on the rapper’s birthday: January 28. This first iteration features a higher cut paired with a Yellow and Black makeup. Not featured in last week’s list, Puma has earned a spot through this innovative successor.
2. Nike Dunk Low PRM “Medium Curry”
Colorway: Sail/Medium Curry-Fossil
Style #: DD1390-100
Release Date: January 28, 2021
Price: $110
Exclusive to those in Asia, the Nike Dunk Low PRM “Medium Curry” brings together tonal Brown shades and 2021’s hottest silhouette. And without a doubt, that combination is executed perfectly. For those in the States and elsewhere around the globe, we’ll be waiting patiently for these to drop.
1. Air Jordan 1 Low Retro OG “Chinese New Year”
Colorway: Black/University Red-Metallic Gold-White
Style #: DD2233-001
Release Date: January 31, 2021
Price: $130
Limited to 8500 pairs, this “Chinese New Year” iteration of the Air Jordan 1 Low OG is slated to be a highly exclusive release. The pair pays homage to the cultural holiday through various symbolic graphics and the iconic Bred colorway. The Gold tassel only enhances the detailed silhouette. Not only is this one of my favorite releases this upcoming week, but looks to also be my favorite Air Jordan 1 Low to release in a long time.
