Nike has had quite the week — scooping four spots of our top five this week. The only brand able to match what they’re delivering this week is Reebok, with their absolutely insane Revenge of Ruì release. While we always strive for brand diversity in SNX, we have to give credit where credit is due and Nike is just killing it right now.
If you’re an Adidas, Asics, or, I don’t know, Vans fanatic, you might be tempted to click away. Don’t. Believe me when I say Nike dominated the week. Though I should mention, had we not previously covered Adidas awesome Beastie Boy’s collaboration, it would’ve definitely made this list.
Here are all the best shoes out this week featuring my favorite release of the year, the awesome Shoe Dog Cortez Collection, let’s dive in.
Nike Classic Cortez Shoe Dog Collection
The Nike Cortez is probably hands-down, my favorite sneaker, it’s also Nike’s first running shoe ever released. As outlined in Nike Founder Phil Knight’s book, Shoe Dog, the Cortez went through a variety of designs before Nike finally pinned down the final look of the iconic shoe and, thanks to the Shoe Dog collection, we finally get to enjoy three early designs.
Before Nike was Nike, they had a few other names for the brand in mind, the choices were between Nike, Falcon, and Dimension Six, and, as such, each name is represented here in the Shoe Dog Collection. Featuring a streamlined, slimmed-down single leather upper, the Cortez Shoe Dog Collection consists of the Falcon, which replaces the Nike Swoosh with a — you guessed it — falcon, the Dimension Six which features a blue strip with a red dot reading Dimension Six in place of the Swoosh, and the Nike Cortez 72 which features Carolyn Davidson’s original slim Swoosh design.
My money will be going to the Dimension Six version. Hands down no contest.
The Nike Classic Cortez Shoe Dog Collection drops today with each pair retailing for $120. Pick up a pair of the Classic Cortez, Dimension 6 Cortez, or Falcon Cortez on Nike’s site.
Reebok Club C Revenge of Ruì
This is a bit of a weird one, as part of Reebok’s International Foods story project, Reebok will be releasing a new iteration on their Reebok Club C silhouette known as the Revenge of Ruì exclusively through 43einhalb. Who is Ruì exactly? Well, apparently he’s an anthropomorphic Panda and the son of Chinese immigrants who grew up in London with dreams of becoming a chef. After initially being mocked for his simple noodles, Ruì Bù continued to practice his mother’s recipes and eventually became a master of the craft, leading him to open his own restaurant, and now his cuisine is spread all over the world.
Look, I don’t know what they’re smoking over that at Reebok, but if that means getting dope iterations of their already classic silhouettes, we’re fully with it. The story is apparently in reference to an actual London-based noodle eatery known as Rui’s Restaurant, which is now permanently closed. Are the shoes Ruì revenge? Too many questions that we don’t know the answers to, but one thing we do know is the shoes are dope.
The Reebok Club C Revenge of Ruì is set to drop on July 27th exclusively through 43einhalb and will retail for $85.
Nike N. 354 Pink Tint Collection
I absolutely can’t get enough of Nike’s deconstruction-heavy N. 354 series. I even love the stupid logo that was obviously designed to appeal to people like me (it’s working). So there was pretty much no way I wouldn’t include both N. 354 releases on this list. This time around, the Drop Type LX and Air Force 1 silhouettes get the N. 354 treatment, but while previous releases leaned heavily on the deconstruction elements, the Pink Tint pack (oddly with very little pink) is a little more put together, releasing in understated black colorways, with bright pink and yellow accents.
Our favorite of the bunch is the Air Force 1s, which makes use of transparent material on the inner side of the shoes upper, but the Drop Type LX’s distinct design lines definitely caught our eye as well. Either choice would be a solid pick if you have to get just one.
The Nike N. 354 Pink Tint Collection is set to drop on July 26th with the Drop-Type LX retailing for $75 and the Air Force 1 at $140. Pick up a pair at the Nike online store on release day.
Nike Air Max 720 Wolf Grey
The Air Max 720 is Nike’s tallest Air unit yet, which is intended to increase comfort and adds the benefit of making you taller. Seriously, these are practically platforms thanks to the 38 mm Air unit running the entire length of the outsole. In addition, reinforced mesh pods on the inner and outer sides increase stability and keep each of your steps in even comfort. The Air Max 720 releases in 23 different colors, but we’re digging on the Wolf Grey the most — thanks to the splash of color and Air branding on the inner side.
The Nike Air Max 720 in Wolf Grey is available now and retails for $180. Pick up a pair at Nike’s online store.
Nike Air Max Plus Removable Swoosh
Nike is releasing its Air Max Plus in two colorways, each with three complimentary interchangeable swooshes. Releasing in both an all-black and all-white model, the Air Max Plus features a lightweight mesh upper, Air-sole unit, and wave-like overlays that lead the eyes across the sneakers silhouette. The black colorways ships with Volt Green, University Red, and Metallic Silver swooshes, while the white pair makes use of Tonal Orange, Photo Blue, and Metallic Silver.
If we were rocking the white we’d go with the Photo Blue Swoosh, and the Metallic Silver looks best on the all-black version. Interchangeable swooshes aren’t our favorite feature (they’re really more of a gimmick) but the Air Max Plus silhouette looks nice enough for us to look past it.
The Nike Air Max Plus with Removable Swooshes are out now and retail for $168. Pick up a pair exclusively through the Nike UK webstore. Be sure to toggle the flag icon on the top right of Nike’s website to access the UK store.
