This week our top five is packed with high-performance running shoes. But just like in the real world, it’s a little hard to focus when you have Kanye West stealing the spotlight. Yes, a new Yeezy drop is finally upon us and we’re happy to say we truly dig this pair, not just because ignoring a new Yeezy drop is like ignoring Ye himself — impossible.
Yeezys aside, this week is full of great sneaker launches, so if you thought we’d get a dip in quality kicks the week after NBA’s All-Star Weekend, you couldn’t be more wrong. We love the deconstructed look of the Nike iSPA Reacts, and the Air Max 720s are dropping with comparable levels of hype to Ye’s latest.
Let’s get into it, here are our favorite sneakers (and even a pair of socks!) dropping this week.
Nike iSPA React Low
The Nike iSPA collection — which stands for Improvise, Scavenge, Protect, Adapt — takes on Nike’s most popular modern silhouette for a deconstructed sneaker that borrows design cues from both the Element 87 silhouette and Nike and Virgil Abloh’s Off-White design philosophy. The iSPA React Low features React cushioning and a water-resistant bootie with exposed stitching and a dotted graphic swoosh. The treatment on the swoosh is our favorite part of this pair, this is hands down one of Nike’s deconstructed bests.
The Nike ISPA React Low in Summit White is set to drop on February 23rd and will retail for $160. Pick up a pair at Nike’s online store or select Nike retailers.
Nathan Bell Cortez Pack
Hot off the success of their Zoom Fly SP collab, LA-based artist and runner Nathan Bell and Nike are teaming up once again for a special iteration of the iconic Cortez sneaker. Enhancements include the addition of a plush sock liner to the classic Cortez construction for extra cushioning. The pack comes in both an arctic white and pink foam colorway, the pink is obviously superior.
Look at these! I didn’t know I wanted a pair of pastel pink Cortezs until Nathan Bell opened my eyes. The white pair features hand-drawn slogans by Bell reading “I Love 2 Run/I Hate 2 Run” on the lateral sides, and the pink pair contains a graphic reading “Last One Gets A Rotten Egg.”
The Nathan Bell Cortez Pack is out now, both pairs retail for $85. Snag a pair at Nike’s online store.
Adidas UltraBoost 19
Adidas Boost technology is the brand’s current focus and these UltraBoost 19s deliver a high-performance neutral-toned running shoe that is comfortable and stylish. We’re loving the simple design here, the lightweight knit upper uses motion weave technology to stretch with your foot as you run with an added second skin to reduce pressure across the foot. The UltraBoost 19s run in both men and women’s sizes, which is a much-appreciated move by Adidas.
The Adidas UltraBoost 19s are set to drop on February 21rst and will retail for $180 at Adidas online store and select Adidas retailers.
Nike Air Max 720 Sunrise/Sunset
Hypebeasts everywhere have been awaiting the new Air Max 720s since Nike first announced their release. Featuring a custom Nike Air unit for added comfort underfoot, the 720s true draw is the design and colorways. Taking inspiration from nature, the Sunrise and Sunset 720s come in vibrant gradient colorways that match their respective names. The Sunrise run in men’s sizes while the Sunset run in women’s, which is a bit of a shame. We would’ve loved to see both colorways run in both sizes, but hey, at least Nike is making their silhouettes more accessible across the various sizes!
Both colorways of the Nike Air Max 720s are set to drop on February 21st exclusively to members of NikePlus and will retail for $180. Sign up for a free NikePlus membership here.
Yeezy Boost 700 Salt
It has been a minute since we’ve covered a new Yeezy drop, but you don’t want to sleep on these Yeezy 700 Salts. Sales of Yeezys continue to be strong which has incentivized Adidas to release a higher amount of Yeezys with every new drop. Don’t let that fool you into thinking they’re easy to get. Making use of Ye’s love of muted and natural colors, the Salts feature layers of grey mesh with subtle black accents on the midsole and outsole. It’s our favorite pair of Yeezys in a while and we’re grateful he’s ditching that whole deformed-alien look that the Yeezy 500s are so fond of.
The Yeezy Boost 700 Salts are set to drop on February 23rd at 10:00 AM EST at the Adidas online store and at select Adidas retailers. Ye’s latest will retail for $300, but be quick if you want to snag a pair as these are always guaranteed to sell out fast.
Bonus Round — Socks!
We don’t talk enough about socks in SNX, which is crazy because if your sock game isn’t on point your whole ensemble suffers! We’re going to start including socks anytime we feel like it. Don’t expect a weekly thing but expect some socks every now and again. Like you do on Christmas!
This week we wanna show some love to PKWY, the sock company founded by NBA star Dwyane Wade. Repping hard for Miami, the Wade Special Delivery Pack of socks sports postcard style graphics that’ll pair nicely with this week’s iSPAs or add some extra colorful intrigue to both colorways of the Air Max 720s.
Pick up the socks at LIDS stores nationwide or online for $29.99 if you want the whole pack. PKWY will drop three more packs throughout March and those who buy all the drops via LIDS are eligible to win a pack signed by Wade himself.