A retro Nike sneaker is about to take on the look of the most beloved Batman villain.

A new edition of the Nike Air Max 180 has immediately drawn comparisons to the Joker for its use of lime green and purple. Most of the suede and neoprene sneaker arrives in black, but its accenting colors invoke the Joker’s famous wardrobe. The outsole extends to the midsole’s arc over the heel Air Max unit in lime green to match the laces and Nike Air heel logo, while the heel stabilizer and tongue “180” mark arrive in purple. A portion of the outsole also arrives in translucent purple beneath the Air Max unit, and capping off the sneaker is a white suede Swoosh.

Sneakerheads regularly give a “Joker” nickname to sneakers making use of green and purple, but Stray Rats and New Balance invoked Batman’s nemesis in official fashion for a 2019 993v3 collaboration.

The Air Max 180 made its debut in 1991 and was the brain child of two legendary Nike designers, Tinker Hatfield and Bruce Kilgore. The idea was to make Air Max technology more visible then ever, and a blow moulding process allowed it to take up more territory through the heel. Urethane was also used for an outsole for the first time on the model, while neoprene helped provide a snug fit.

Just this year, Nike brought back the Air Max 180 with a one-to-one recreation of its original proportions for the first time in the “Ultramarine” colorway. The return of the “Concord” edition was also relished, as it was worn by Michael Jordan in a photoshoot for the 1992 Olympic “Dream Team.”

The Nike Air Max 180 “Joker” doesn’t yet have a firm release date but is expected to release before the end of 2024 with a price of $150. This post will be updated as more information becomes available.

Shop Nike Air Max 180 Shoes

Nike Air Max 180 Shoes

$150 Buy Now at nordstrom

Shop More Nike Air Max Shoes

Nike Air Max 1 Shoes

On Sale 39% off

$90.97 Buy men’s at nike

$111.97 Buy women’s at Nike

Nike Air Max 1 ’86 Premium Shoes

$150 Buy now at nike

Nike Air Max 90 Shoes

$130 Buy men’s at nike

$130 Buy women’s at Nike

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

Kyrie Irving began his NBA season Thursday night with a special pair of his Anta sneakers customized by The Shoe Surgeon.

The Anta Kai 1s worn by Irving in the Dallas Mavericks’ season opener were dip-dyed and hand-painted by the renowned sneaker customizer rather than undergoing one of the more dramatic reconstructions The Shoe Surgeon is often known for. Shades of blue and green from the Mavericks’ throwback uniforms appear throughout the sneaker, including a gradient feature both on the midsole’s heel. The shoe’s midfoot strap was also given a new set of symbols to feature the name’s of Irving’s parents, Elizabeth and Dred, in his custom typography. The Shoe Surgeon’s skull and sword logo appears on the heel pull, while Irving’s logo pops in red throughout the sneaker.

Since debuting in the spring, Irving’s first signature sneaker for Anta has been a major hit and has been joined by a number of other models. A simplified Anta Kai 1 Speed model debuted with a colorway designed by Irving’s father, while a “Chief Hélà” edition of the regular Kai 1 featuring moccasin-style fringe stands out as one of the more daring basketball sneakers to hit the NBA court. A skate shoe for Irving that will retail for $70 is also on the way to grow the line even further.

The Shoe Surgeon, whose custom sneakers are regularly worn in the NBA and NFL in addition to other sports, is currently embroiled in his own conflict with Nike, which dropped Irving prior to him signing with Anta. The footwear giant filed a $60 million lawsuit against the customizer accusing him of trademark infringement, taking issue with his sales of custom Nike products at scale rather rather than one-offs, as well as his workshops. In a public response to the suit, The Shoe Surgeon said he was “confused” because he’s officially collaborated with the company in the past.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

Nearly a year after it was first announced, Nikola Jokic’s first signature shoe has finally hit an NBA court.

The NBA’s reigning MVP debuted the 361 Degrees Joker 1 Thursday night during the Denver Nuggets season-opening loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The black and white sneaker features a leather upper with two distinct regions splitting the colors. Black leather takes on a puffy pattern for the upper portion of the shoe, while the tongue takes on a diamond quilted look in black leather. Jokic’s jester hat appears throughout, including at the center of studded trim separating the black and white areas and at the end of a stripe running over the toe and extending to the sole unit.

Details on the Joker 1’s technology have yet to be fully revealed, but it was revealed to feature a CQT Qu!k midsole and Diamond Grip traction during a preview earlier this month.

361 Degrees, a Chinese sportswear brand founded in 2003 and that’s grown strongly in recent years, announced it had signed Jokic to a signature shoe deal just days before the end of 2023. Jokic had long worn Nike sneakers prior, favoring the G.T. Jump for two years. Prior to debuting his own sneaker, Jokic had played in the 361’s Big3 Future High, which features a dual-layer midsole with a carbon fiber plate forked at the forefoot and a carbon fiber-woven upper.

Jokic is coming off of his third MVP honors in four years, making him one of just nine players to win the award at least three times. He also led the Nuggets to their first championship in 2023 to cap off a season that many argued should have garnered another MVP award.

The Joker 1 will test the star power of the Serbian player, who isn’t generally considered one of the faces of the league many considering him the best basketball player in the world and a combination of statistics and accolades that put him among the NBA’s historical elite. Jokic is often reluctant to be in the limelight and displays few of the overtly athletic feats that tend to command attention from the NBA’s typical brightest stars.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

Were there a Mount Rushmore for sneakers, the Nike Air Force 1 would be guaranteed one of its four slots. Not only is it Nike’s best-selling shoe of all-time, but its history is steeped in several moments single-handedly responsible for sneaker culture today as we know it.

Reissued sneakers: you can thank the Air Force 1s. Exclusive colorways: extend credit to the same source. The number of pairs sold is in the millions, and thousands of different versions of the sneaker have gone on sale since they debuted in 1982.

The Air Force 1 has remained a staple for 40 years, enjoying a level of longevity that few wearable objects, let alone sneakers, enjoy. Even the Air Jordan 1 had a period of languishing on shelves in the ’90s, but the Air Force 1 has never had a comparable dip in appeal.

Below, Footwear News takes you through the history of the Air Force 1, providing you everything you need to know about the iconic model.

1982 Debut

Nike launched the Air Force 1 in 1982 as a high-top and the company’s first basketball sneaker to feature Air technology, which had made its debut three years earlier on the Tailwind running shoe. 

The hiking boot-inspired design from Bruce Kilgore — who would go on to create the Air Ship, aka the “Pre-Jordan,” and the Air Jordan 2 — featured a velcro strap around the ankle for security, perforations on the toe for breathability, and concentric circles on the outsole stationed at key areas for pivoting. In 1983, the most popular version of the Air Force 1 would arrive through a low-top intended even then to draw more lifestyle appeal. 

A group of NBA players now known as the “Original Six” starred in the Air Force 1’s launch campaign, which played into the inspiration from the call sign of the president’s aircraft: Moses Malone, Michael Cooper, Calvin Natty, Jamaal Wilkes, Bobby Jones, and Mychal Thompson — the latter of whom is Klay Thompson’s father. 

Six AF1 high colorways were made to correspond with the players’ respective teams and released after the debut scheme featuring a white base with grey strap, Swoosh, and outsole. 

The Air Force franchise would continue to include a total of five numbered models until 1990’s Air Force 5 brought the series to a close. Of course, it was only the first that would endure for another 40 years — but the Air Force 1 very easily could have been left behind as well. 

Baltimore Prevents Discontinuation

Were it not for the city of Baltimore, not only is it possible the Air Force 1 wouldn’t be around today, but the entire concept of “retro” sneakers may have never come into existence. 

Nike discontinued the Air Force 1 in 1984, as was eventually the practice for all of its sneakers, except for in Baltimore, where the stores Charley Rudo, Cinderella Shoes, and Downtown Locker Room were able to convince the company to continue supplying them exclusively with new pairs. 

The “Color of the Month Club” was thus born, creating the idea of exclusive colorways and a culture of collecting them. Seminal sneakerheads would travel from all over the East Coast just to get the limited-edition sneakers that would sell through at a rate of 100 percent. 

After witnessing the success of the program, Nike would then bring back the Air Force 1 on a wider basis in 1986, marking the first time it had ever reversed course on a discontinued sneaker. 

First Pair of All-White Lows, aka “Uptowns”

Somewhat inexplicably, the now-quintessential all-white Air Force 1 wasn’t born until the mid-’90s. The precise history is a bit murky, a consequence of the pre-internet era and sneakers still being a relatively niche interest, but it’s clear it took at least a decade before the entire shoe arrived draped in white. Some colorways had gotten close, such as an otherwise white version with a gum sole from 1991, but none would hit quite the same as the true “Triple Whites.” 

Part of the appeal comes down to the versatility of the blank slate, but an outsized amount of credit has to go to the community of hustlers in New York City. Dating back to the ‘80s, drug deals have been attributed with ditching pairs of Air Force 1s as soon as they show any signs of wear as a way to flaunt their wealth. Given how easy it is to spot any smudge on a pair of all-whites, maintaining a crisp pair at all times became an even more natural flex. It’s because of this history that sneakerheads will often deride those who wear dirty, or “cooked,” all-white Forces. 

Because of their popularity in Harlem in particular, all-white AF1s are commonly referred to by the nickname “Uptowns,” as in Uptown Manhattan. However, their appeal spread throughout the five boroughs and the broader East Coast — and hip-hop would go on to showcase (and further facilitate) an even broader reach. 

Hip-Hop, Collaborations, and the 2000s

Because rappers often drew their style inspiration from drug dealers, it was only natural for the sneaker to become a staple in the culture. Jay-Z, who operated in both spaces, is often credited with being the first rapper to specifically call out a pair of Triple-Whites on record, as he rapped in 1998 on “Can I Live II,” “ For all my n****s with the all-white Air Force Ones and black guns.” 

The relationship between hip-hop and Air Force Ones would become even greater in the early-aughts, most prominently in the song “Air Force Ones” by Nelly. Other rappers closely associated with the sneakers are Fat Joe and the entire Dipset crew. Nike even made exclusive pairs of AF1s for the record labels of Jay-Z and Fat Joe — Roc-a-Fella and Terror Squad, respectively — which wouldn’t be released to the public until more than a decade later. 

The early-’00s ushered in an increase in regionalized exclusives and the onset of collaborations such as the Japan-only Air Force 1 Low CO.JP “Linen” from 2001 and Stash’s Air Force 1 High from 2003. Together with Nike’s Dunks, this period of Air Force 1 releases set up today’s landscape for hyped sneaker drops. 

Throughout this same time, Rasheed Wallace and Jerry Stackhouse also continued to wear the Air Force 1 High sneakers while playing in the NBA — rejecting modern technology in favor for in-game footwear that was already two decades old. 

Nike Welcomes High Fashion 

Riccardo Tisci, then working at Givenchy, became the first high-fashion designer to be tapped by Nike for collaboration on a sneaker in 2014, when he transformed the sneaker into a full-on boot while also releasing less extreme versions of the high-top. 

Tisci’s work opened the door for other designers to make more extreme changes on Nike sneakers for their collaborations — Virgil Abloh would run with this idea most prominently — and for Nike to remix the silhouette in-house to become a platform, hiker, duck boot, and more. The Air Force 1 has essentially never gone away fully, but never has it appeared in as many forms as it does today.

More About Nike Air Force 1 Shoes

The legacy of the Nike Air Force 1 Shoe has transcended decades. In 2024, Footwear News deemed it one of the Greatest Shoes of All Time for its timeless design, game-changing Air technology, and unique position as a cultural chameleon through athletics, musical genres, and all style perspectives. Not only is it a simple and versatile gold-standard white sneaker for women and men, but it carries a particular streetwear attitude that continues to permeate today’s ever-changing trends.

“The first time I saw them in 1982, they became my favorite,” DJ Clark Kent told Footwear News. “But when they became a staple on the feet of NYC hustlers in 1984/85, it became a shoe of legendary proportions. It has always been simple, beautiful, easy to wear, and style — without costing too much — the perfect shoe. Air Force 1s are beautiful. And the importance came from the real influencers: The people in the streets.”

In recent years, the Nike Air Force 1 was reportedly the most purchased sneaker of 2020, according to the NPD Group, and soon after, launched to the top of the Lyst Index 2021 Hottest Product list. Based on social media buzz, searches, and sales, the best Nike shoe ranked highest among women and Gen Z, likely due to a new generation of sneaker fans discovering the icon, alongside similar rising trends involving rubber and resin sneakers. Plus, the shoe enjoyed a slew of high-profile collaborations around that time, including Virgil Abloh’s Louis Vuitton Air Force 1 which was dubbed the “greatest sneaker collab ever” and crowned the Shoe of The Year by Footwear News in 2022. Although the core sneaker design has not altered in recent years, the Air Force 1 continues to serve as a blank canvas for new colorways and exciting collaborations.

Most recently, Nike announced the Air Force 1 Low “Animal Pack” slated to drop by the end of the year, which features animal-printed pony hair Swooshes and vamps, and trendy chocolate brown uppers in a soft, suede-like material. The “Year of the Snake” Air Force 1 will also be released in the coming months for the Chinese New Year, along with a Kobe Bryant-themed Air Force 1 tribute shoe, and a new Supreme collaboration involving the Nike Air Force 1 Mid. Additionally, you can look forward to a soon-to-drop “Halloween” iteration of the shoe, a “Vanta Black” colorway described as Nike’s “blackest shoe ever,” and even an SB re-work of the classic silhouette in 2025, complete with skate-ready features and black and gray mixed suede uppers.

New Air Force 1 shoes unsurprisingly sell out in mere days, so if you miss out on a coveted collab or want to sport a style no one else can access, the Swoosh offers Custom Air Force 1 shoes for site members, where you can create your own colorway as a one of one design.

The Best Nike Air Force 1 Shoes to Shop Now

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Shoes

$115 Buy Now at nike

Price upon publish date of this article: $115

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Shoes

$115 Buy Now at nike

Price upon publish date of this article: $115

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Shoes

$115 Buy Now at nike

Price upon publish date of this article: $115

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Shoes

$115 Buy Now at nike

Price upon publish date of this article: $115

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Shoes

On Sale 20% off

$91.97 Buy men’s at Nike

Price upon publish date of this article: $91.97

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Shoes

$115 Buy Now at Nike

Price upon publish date of this article: $115

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 EasyOn Shoes

$115 Buy Now at Nike

Price upon publish date of this article: $115

Nike Air Force 1 Mid ’07 Shoes

$125 Buy Now at Nike

Price upon publish date of this article: $125

Nike Air Force 1 Mid ’07 Shoes

$125 Buy Now at Nike

Price upon publish date of this article: $125

Nike Air Force 1 High ’07 Shoes

$130 Buy Now at Nike

Price upon publish date of this article: $130

Nike Air Force 1 High ’07 Shoes

$130 Buy Now at Nike

Price upon publish date of this article: $130

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Next Nature SE Shoes

On Sale 14% off

$102.97 Buy Women’s at Nike

Price upon publish date of this article: $102.97

Nike Air Force 1 Low EVO Shoes

On Sale 20% off

$115.97 Buy men’s at Nike

Price upon publish date of this article: $115.97

Nike Air Force 1 Shadow Shoes

On Sale 15% off

$114.97 Buy women’s at Nike

Price upon publish date of this article: $114.97

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 LV8 Shoes

On Sale 20% off

$99.97 Buy men’s at Nike

Price upon publish date of this article: $99.97

50 Years of Nike Through TV, Film and Celebrities

View Gallery 86 Images

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

Following their debut collaboration in the spring, Timberland and White Mountaineering are teaming up once again to deliver two stylish pairs of boots.

The White Mountaineering x Timberland Motion Scramble Mid and Mid Zip-Up Boot deliver distinct approaches to the fall and winter ahead. First launched by Timberland at the beginning of the year, the Motion Scramble Mid incorporates elements of both sneakers and boots and takes on a teal, navy and grey upper made out of suede and mesh. White Mountaineering’s branding is modest, as its name is printed small on the tongue pull and heel. The mid cut also comes higher than the version of the Motion Scramble that appeared in the collaborators’ first capsule.

The Mid Zip-Up is completely new is a new addition to the partnership and is essentially a stripped down version of the 6-Inch Boot. No laces, tongue or padded collar are two be found on the minimilast upper, and the zipper runs down the heel. Black forms every element of the sneaker, including its simplified suede upper, Timberland logo and White Mountaineering-branded hardware.

Timberland launched the broader Motion range in February, and the Motion Scramble is a waterproof sneaker-boot hybrid available as either a mid- or low-top. Timberland’s suede is paired with Cordura fabric for the upper, while the sole unit makes use both TimberCush and GreenStride foams, as well as a TimberGrip outsole. 55 percent of the outsole rubber is sourced from farms using regenerative agriculture, while 65 percent of the Greenstride EVA comes from bio-based materials and 50 percent of the lining is recycled.

Founded in 2006, White Mountaineering is an outdoor-leaning streetwear brand from Japan with footwear collaborations that have also included Vans, Reebok, Merrell and Diemme.

The White Mountaineering x Timberland Motion Scramble Mid and Mid Zip-Up Boot will release November 2 through both parties’ websites, as well as select third-party retailers. Pricing for the former is set at $150 and the latter $250.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

2024 has been a year flush with New Balance 1500 releases for the sneaker’s 35th anniversary, but none of them as expensive as the next one coming up.

The New Balance 1500 Made in Japan “35th Anniversary” comes clad in the brand’s signature mix of greys and a whopping $500 price tag. As the name suggests, the sneaker was (hand)made in Japan, and that denotes an even higher quality than that of New Balance’s Made in USA and Made in UK sneakers. New Balance also doesn’t trot out Made in Japan sneakers nearly as often, making the series as rare as it is luxe.

This 35th anniversary 1500 doesn’t stop at greyscale nubuck, as blue leather is used sparingly around the midfoot and vamp. Yellow embroidery is also used for the branding throughout, including the “N” and “1500” side marks, as well as New Balance logos on the tongue and heel. The midsole and outsole then make use of grey, blue, white and black.

A dedicated page for the sneaker, translated into English, says the shoe may fit tight at first but will eventually mold to your foot.

The 1500 is one of several New Balance designs from Steven Smith, who you may also know for his work for Adidas Yeezy, and it debuted in 1989 as a trainer with iterations made for running, basketball and tennis (the version you see here and most often is the one for running). In the shoe’s marketing, New Balance touted the six materials used for the midsole, and one tagline read, “Over the years, MIT professors have been responsible for 150 computers, 47 rockets, 6 satellites and one shoe.”

Given its age, the 1500 has now been targeted toward the lifestyle sector for quite some time, and it’s a regular part of the Flimby factory output for the Made in UK line.

The New Balance 1500 Made in Japan “35th Anniversary” will release November 28 exclusively through the New Balance Japan website. Pricing is set at ~$520, and New Balance will also give away three pairs that have been dip-dyed in indigo to members of its MyNB program who have achieved platinum status.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

Trae Young opened the Atlanta Hawks’ season Wednesday night wearing the Air Jordan 39 rather than his own Adidas signature following reports that the German brand has decided to end his signature line.

Young had previously been photographed wearing Anta sneakers in a Hawks pre-season practice after wearing the Adidas Trae Young 3 for his Media Day obligations. Renderings for the Trae Young 4, which would be his final Adidas sneaker, have leaked along with a reported spring 2025 release date.

Adidas is planning to end Young’s signature line following his fourth sneaker, according to a September report from Sole Retriever. Young has been an Adidas athlete for his entire NBA career, beginning with his rookie year in 2018, and a contract extension signed in 2020 saw his signature line begin a year later. His most recent sneaker, the Trae Young 3, launched in August 2023.

Representatives for Adidas didn’t respond to a request for comment for Footwear News’ initial story on Young wearing Anta, and FN has reached out to the brand again Thursday. This post will be updated if a comment is given.

The Trae Young 1 debuted during a period of ascendency for the Hawks point guard, as he helped the team to a surprise appearance in the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals. He was then named to the All-NBA Third Team the following season and was selected for the All-Star Game for the third time this year, but the Hawks haven’t won a playoff series since 2021 and missed the postseason altogether in 2024.

Anthony Edwards is now poised to be Adidas’ marquee basketball star — if he isn’t already. His first signature sneaker, which has been called (somewhat confusingly) both the AE 1 and Anthony Edwards 1, has been widely praised and sold out in the first several colorways released at the end of 2023 and beginning of 2024.

Edwards’ boisterous Adidas ads have also drawn attention, including a new spot from this week that drew a subliminal response from Nike.

The Hawks won the season-opener with a 120-116 score over the Brooklyn Nets, with Young putting up 30 points, 12 assists and 5 rebounds.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

Nostalgia is set to run especially deep with the Air Jordan release slate for November.

Leading the charge is the return of the Air Jordan 3 “Black Cement,” universally considered one of the most iconic sneakers of all-time. Another banner pair of Js will return with the Air Jordan 11 “Bred,” albeit with a new twist that sees its upper constructed with velvet.

The month will also see revivals for original Air Jordan 9 and Air Jordan 14 colorways, as well as an edition of the Air Jordan 3 that debuted to much fanfare in 2013 and hasn’t returned since.

Below, Footwear News takes you through all the Air Jordan releases confirmed for November. This post will be updated as new information becomes available.

Air Jordan 14 “Black Toe”

Release Date: November 2
Price: $210
SKU: 487471-160
As the first colorway to release for the Air Jordan 14, “Black Toe” will now get its third retro release and first in a decade. A combination of smooth leather and a suede toe box make this year’s reissue the closest yet to the original.

Air Jordan 4 “Fear”

Release Date: November 9
Price: $215
SKU: FQ8138-002
Another long hiatus is coming to end with the return of the Air Jordan 4 “Fear,” which debuted in 2013 as part of a series including the Air Jordan 3 and Air Jordan 5 and hasn’t released again since.

Air Jordan 11 “Bred Velvet”

Release Date: November 11
Price: $230
SKU: DB5457-061
The Air Jordan 11 “Bred” is one of the most beloved of all the Air Jordans, as Michael wore them for the first title run in his second three-peat. While the sneaker has been brought back as a retro quite frequently, it now gets a new velvet makeover for a women’s-exclusive release.

Air Jordan 9 “Olive”

Release Date: November 16
Price: $210
SKU: FQ8992-030
The Air Jordan 9 “Olive” was a rare sneaker to deviate from team friendly colorways when it launched during the model’s original run in 1994. It now returns for the first time since 2012, which drew criticism for its deviation from the OG.

Air Jordan 3 “Black Cement”

Release Date: November 23
Price: $220
SKU: DN3707-010
One of the most anticipated sneaker releases of 2024 finally touches down, as the iconic Air Jordan 3 “Black Cement” returns to shelves. Just like the 2018 retro, it features the original “Nike Air” branding that sneakerheads demand, but a few more subtle tweaks bring it closer to the original 1988 specs.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

Kith‘s winter 2024 collection is set to include the latest entries from the 8th Street by Ronnie Fieg line for Clarks.

Headlining the latest footwear assortment are two new models, the Sunderland and Sanford 2, the former of which is features elements of a boot and is sneaker inspired by a ’90s Clarks shoe. The shoe’s suede upper features more complex paneling than you’d find on Clarks’ signature Wallabee, as well a short but traditional lacing system and a padded collar. Underfoot sits an EVA midsole and rubber outsole in a configuration more akin to sneakers than the crepe soles Clarks typically employees.

For its debut, the Sunderland will feature in two colorways: grey, as well as brown and green mix commonly referred to as “beef and broccoli.” Both feature a white midsole and bronze-colored metal eyelets. Clarks and Fieg branding is debossed on the tongue and printed on the insole.

The Sanford 2 is the successor to another Clarks model designed by Fieg and named for the British brands first London warehouse. A proper rubber outsole beneath the crepe rubber that appeared on its own previously, while the upper retains its suede and micro pinch suede construction with new colorways in two-tone blue and two-tone green.

Rounding out the collection is the Rushden Boot, which is inspired by a military combat boot and returns in its “Chocolate” colorway from last year alongside a new “Smoke Grey” makeup. The leather upper features shearling lining and sits above a wavy crepe sole.

The Ronnie Fieg x Clarks Sunderland, Sanford 2 and Rushden Boot will release Friday, October 25, through Kith’s website, app and physical stores. Pricing has not yet been announced, but the Rushden Boot previously retailed for $260 and the original Sanford $220.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

Formula 1 has helped give Puma the hottest sneaker in the world.

The red Puma Speedcat was named the third hottest product overall in the Lyst Index for the third quarter of 2024, which covers the summer. It’s the lone sneaker on the list of ten products and the second most popular footwear entry, behind only the Alaïa Fishnet Ballet Flat at first overall. Two other shoes appeared in the top ten, with Ganni’s Mid Shaft Biker Boot and Clarks Original’s Wallabees at sixth and ninth, respectively. The only other product appearing ahead of the Speedcat is the Coach Suede Brooklyn Shoulder Bag.

Debuted in 1998 as a sneaker for Formula 1 races, the Speedcat was reconfigured as the Speedcat LS, short for lifestyle, in 2021. The heavier marketing push and latest OG relaunch from Puma, however, hadn’t come until this year. The red colorway singled out by Lyst is the best invocation of the shoe’s F1 roots and has been photographed on celebrities including Emily Ratajkowski, who’s also worn the sneaker a number of times in other colorways, and Dua Lipa.

All colorways of the Speedcat are sold out on Puma’s website, while limited sizes can be found through third-party retailers including Kith and End. Clothing. Lyst says demand for the sneaker grew by 532 percent in August, and its reports are informed by searches on and off its platform, as well as product views, sales and social media behavior.

The Speedcat’s ascent comes after years of low-profile sneakers, the most prominent being the Adidas Samba, trending — as well as a spike in popularity for Formula 1, which recently entered into a new partnership with Puma after years of the German brand aligning with individual teams. A$AP Rocky serves as creative director for Puma’s Formula 1 line, and many of his own Puma sneakers have carried automotive references.

Fireproof versions of the Speedcat were first made for Formula 1 drivers in 1998, with the sneaker going on sale to the public a year later without flame-retardant properties.

In 2024 Q1 and Q2, Lyst named the Miu Miu x New Balance 530 SL, another thin-soled sneaker, and the Loewe x On Cloudtilt 2.0 as the hottest shoes, respectively.

Shop Puma Shoes

Fenty x Puma Avanti L Sneakers

$150 Buy men’s at puma

$150 Buy women’s at puma

$85 Buy little kids’ at puma

$75 Buy toddlers’ at puma

Puma Palermo Leather Sneakers

$90 Buy Men’s at Puma

$90 Buy Women’s at Puma

PUMA Suede Classic XXI Sneakers

$75 Buy Now at Puma

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.