We’re hitting a sharp decline this week from what has been a pretty active first month of sneaker drops. There just wasn’t a lot that had us internally debating which kicks deserved the spotlight this week and which would be left to be scooped up by some competing, longer, less curated list. That’s not to say this collection isn’t hot, just that it was a little easier to put together than other weeks. Clearly, I’m still struggling with my decision to leave off the Element 55s from last week’s list. Will it haunt me for the entire month? When will the dreams of giant React 55s stomping on me stop!?
We’ve already highlighted the Nike Blazer Mids in previous weeks, but it’s worth mentioning that all three colorways for the Mid 77s drop this weekend. If you’re a fan of vintage silhouettes you’re going to want to pick these up. Pharrell’s Adidas Solar HU “Chinese New Year” are also out this week and are worth a second look, but didn’t make the cut. Stay tuned for next week when we’ll see drops of some interesting new silhouettes, but for now, check out the best of this week’s offering.
These are the five hottest shoes dropping this week in late January.
Reebok Bolton
Reebok isn’t always on our radar, truth be told, they just haven’t released anything exciting in a minute aside from last year’s retro Aztreks, and it appears like they’re starting to get the hint because they seem to be attempting a recreation of last year’s hype with the rerelease of the 1992 Reebok Bolton. Featuring a nylon/mesh base, a Hy-Lite midsole and the vintage Reebok Running Man logo on the tongue, the Boltons will release in two eye-catching colorways.
Both colorways look great but personally, I’m leaning more towards the deep sky blue and black, something about it just looks more modern, though you can always argue the red, white, and blue are more instantly iconic.
The Reebok Bolton are set to drop on January 24th and will retail for $113 at select Reebok retailers like Overkill.
Nike PG3 “NASA”
I’m kind of a sucker for space so this was a no-brainer pick for me. After Nike’s most recent reimagining of the PG3 for their PlayStation anniversary model didn’t elicit more than a few shrugs from sneakerheads, Nike knocked this one out of the park with this astronaut inspired pair. In collaboration with NASA, this take on the PG3 draws inspiration from NASA’s Armstrong Building 703 and features branding from Nike as well NASA itself.
The PGs are named for basketball player Paul George and feature his now famous quote on the heel,
“Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.” Looks like Nike used PG’s self-motivation to come up with our favorite sneaker concept of the year (for now!).
The Nike PG3 “NASA” are set to drop on January 26th and retail for $120. Snag a pair at select Nike Basketball retailers and Nike’s online store.
Nike LeBron 16 “Equality”
Released on January 21st in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the LeBron 16 “Equality” are an updated take on last year’s LeBron 15s. At this point, LeBron has proven himself to be more than just one of the most electrifying modern athletes of our day, his work elevating his hometown of Akron, Ohio is just as admirable as his skill on the court. The Jordan of our day? Maybe, ya’ll can argue about that in the comments.
Featuring BattleKnit construction and Flywire cables for midfoot support, the Equality comes in a striking black and white colorway and features Libra scales embroidered on the tongue. Not everyone can rock the mismatched shoe color look, but for those who can, this is a no brainer.
The Nike LeBron 16 “Equality” are out now and retail for $185. Pick up a pair at select Nike retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The PUMA RS-X Reinvention
This chunky silhouette from PUMA features the brand’s Running System cushioning in the midsole and sports leather and suede overlays over a mesh and textile upper in a light sky and peacoat colorway. This is a pretty dope offering from PUMA that takes the 80s era RS silhouette and modernizes it. But that name. Call us shallow but we would’ve liked something a little flashier than RS-X Reinvention. It’s just too on the nose.
Since Nike can get away with calling one of their shoes “Fear of God” it looks like the door has been opened for wack-ass sneaker names.
The PUMA RS-X Reinvention are out now and retail for $110 on the Puma online store and select Puma retailers like Feature.
Nike Air Safari SE
All my life my two favorite rides at Disneyland have been Space Mountain and the Jungle Safari Cruise, which seem like totally irrelevant facts, but they aren’t. That love colored the curation of this list as I started with Nike’s take on a space-inspired shoe and will end on the Air Safari SE. Featuring a speckled safari graphic and matte black suede, the Air Safari is a colorful take on the Nike Air that sees the brand reaching into design touches of the past, like the conservatively-sized swoosh.
It’s going to be a real pain to coordinate an outfit with these kicks, so relegate them to your gym or skate ensemble, where wild color combinations will be more forgiven.
The Nike Air Safari SE are available now and retail for $110. Grab a pair at online retailers like 43einhalb.
