This week things are looking a lot more balanced in our top five sneaker drops of the week. Retro and futuristic sneaker designs share the spotlight on almost equal ground. It’s a strong showing, even edging out last week’s offering with a few notable drops that arrive with heavy levels of hype surrounding them. (We’re looking at you Element 87s!)
Admittedly it’s going to be a tough week for anyone who made a New Year’s resolution to spend less money on kicks. You might want to give yourself a bit of a grace period before you get started on that promise. From the alien-esque VaporMax to a modern take on a 70s classic, here are the five dopest kicks dropping this week.
Get your wallets ready and start rewriting that monthly budget.
Nike React Element 87
The sneaker world was without question dominated by the Nike React Element 87s last year. Each new colorway or take on the Element 87s proved popular with sneakerheads everywhere, and other brands dipped their toes in Element 87-inspired designs. We can’t help but wonder if this silhouette will continue to dominate the new year. Admittedly, the Volt and Racer Pink colorway leave a lot to be desired — it certainly doesn’t hold a candle to the original Sail — but it’s nothing if not eye-catching.
Sitting atop a black sole, neon colors meld together on the semi-translucent TPE upper, it’s a little less subtle than the original run so you’ll have to be on top of your sock game for full effect. The signature cork insoles look particularly striking against the onslaught of color we get from the top down view, it’s our favorite part of this pair but none of that matters when you’re wearing the shoe.
The Nike React Element 87 in Volt and Racer Pink drops on January 10th and will retail for $160. Grab a pair at the Nike webstore or select Nike retailers.
Nike Air Max Light
Maybe we’re burnt out of the 90s revival that has swept every corner of the fashion world because 80s silhouettes are looking more and more intriguing by the day. This re-release brings the Air Max Light’s original colorway of sport red, navy, and white for a clean look that we can’t bring ourselves to turn away from. The upper is a mix of mesh with nubuck overlays, delivering comfort and breathability.
The Nike Air Max Light will drop on January 10th and retail for $111 at Nike’s webstore and select Nike retailers.
Slam Jam Nike Blazer Mid Class 1977
Dropping in celebration of Pitti Uomo 95, these Slam Jam-exclusive Nike “Class 19y7” Blazer Mids sport a white leather upper, suede overlays, signature heel branding, and — the highlight — a twisted wrap-around swoosh that sees the Nike signature marking upside down on a medial side panel. We have to be honest, allowing an upside swoosh on an official pair of Nike’s surprised us, and if that indicates the brand is willing to take some chances this year we’re here for it.
The Slam Nike Blazer Mid Class 1977 will drop exclusively at the PU95 Feat. Slam Jam pop-up shop at the Museo Marino Marini in Florence, Italy from January 9th to the 14th and retail for $100. Unless you happen to be in Florence, it looks like you’re going to have to grab this one aftermarket at sites like Stock X.
Adidas Nite Jogger
This modern take on a late 70s classic has been updated with a Boost midsole to bring it into the modern age. Featuring a mesh and nylon upper with suede overlays, the Nite Jogger’s are designed to be seen at night. Don’t take our word for it, look at that name and check out the reflective detailing across the upper and the three stripes.
The Adidas Nite Jogger will drop on January 12th and will retail for $140 on the Adidas webstore and select Adidas retailers.
Nike Air VaporMax Premium White Platinum
These space disco kicks are straight up alien. Sporting a translucent upper with green and platinum accents, the VaporMax sole ties this futuristic silhouette together in a way that is both fascinating and grotesque. Honestly, we don’t know how we’ll feel about these by the end of the day, but as of now, we can’t turn away. The Nike Air VaporMax is releasing in other colorways, but this combination of white, grey and platinum truly capture the future vibe that we can’t help but feel Nike is trying to pull off here.
The Nike Air VaporMax will drop on January 10th and retail for $190. Grab a pair on the Nike webstore and select Nike retailers.
