This week was full of great sneaker releases and it’s the first time in a number of weeks where our top five isn’t dominated by the big two. In fact, Adidas was knocked clear off the list this time as Asics and New Balance upped their games with some eye-catching drops, but once again Nike managed to snag three of the top spots. At this point, we just have to wonder if they’re dominating the game by sheer volume.
It should be noted that previous shoes we’ve covered are set for re- or wider releases like the Fear of Gods and the riot-causing Panda Pigeons — those are still highly recommended but we had to carve out some space for different silhouettes to shine in the lineup.
Taking a peek into next week it seems like Nike and Adidas are going to have some serious competition from Reebok and other labels — hopefully, this is a sign that 2019 is going to be an exciting year that sees all your favorite sneaker brands bringing their best effort. From the Asics GEL-Delva 1s to the return of the Nike Air Max2s here are the five best sneakers dropping in mid-January.
Nike Air Max2 Light
Last year gifted us with a return to the mid-90s classic Air Max2 Light and now they’re about to drop in a fresh new (but also very 80s) colorway that Nike is calling “Blue Lagoon.” Lighter than the typical Air Max 2, the Lights feature premium white leather panels and a specialized dual-pressure chamber heel, Pylon midsole, and Duralon outsole — which contribute to a more responsive feel and add an extra layer of support.
These are a sweet pickup if you happen to be a Miami Dolphins fan (or an 80s Jazzercise fan), you’ll be repping the team (or the famed direct-to-video workout) in these colors.
The Nike Air Max2 Light in Blue Lagoon are set to drop on January 18th at Size? and Nike’s webstore and will retail for $141.
Kiko Kostadinov ASICS GEL-Delva 1
This isn’t Kiko Kostadinov’s first collaboration with ASICS. The Bulgarian designer just dropped a different silhouette a few months back, so we’re surprised to see another release so soon — even though in this case it’s just some new colorways. This may be a sign that the collaboration is paying off for all those involved. The GEL-Delva 1 — a sneaker name I will forever feel I keep misspelling — features a low-top silhouette with FlyteFoam cushioning and a mixed upper that overlays the signature ASICS stripe-pattern.
If you’re keen on the whole dad-fashion trend, these shoes are basically a high-class dad shoe. Come to think of it, so are the Air Maxes above. Fashion is weird, man.
These kicks will release in three colorways. We’re liking the white the most, though the yellow are fly if you can pull them off. The Kiko Kostadinov ASICS GEL-Delva 1 are set to drop on January 18th at The Broken Arm and Dover Street Market with a worldwide release expected February 1st. If past collaborations between this pair are any indication, you can expect a retail price of closer to $300.
Nike WMNS Blazer City Low LX
You only need one word to describe these sneakers — clean. With some modernized touches to the Blazer silhouette, like a new toe shape, these kicks sport a premium suede upper and a lightweight foam sole. The entire sneaker is dressed in an elegant all black colorway, and we see some additional miniature Swooshes being implemented throughout the design. Granted, it’s hard to f*ck up the near perfect Blazer Low, but props where props are due!
The Nike WMNS Blazer City Low LX drop today and can be scooped up at Nike’s webstore or select Nike retailers and will retail for $110.
New Balance 1500
New Balance banks on their reputation for being made in America so it’s a little ironic that they finally crack our top 5 with a silhouette made in the UK. Featuring a black suede, brown leather and mesh upper with grey accents, the 1500 make use of NB’s ENCAP technology, delivering a comfortable sole in elegant packaging. The tongue proudly proclaims “Made in England” and this will sound dorky but, props to New Balance for choosing a sick font.
The New Balance 1500 are out now and retail for $220 at Sneaker Politics.
Nike Kyrie 5 “Just Do It”
Alright, admittedly I don’t know where I stand on these. It was a toss-up this week between the new Kyrie 5s and a new colorway of the React 87s. I decided to give some love to a new iteration rather than a new colorway, so these won out. This decision might haunt me for the entire week.
The “Just Do It” Kyrie 5s feature a mesh and synthetic black upper with splashes of pink, blue, and neon yellow. Nike’s slogan further accents the design and the tilted “it” is a nice touch. We aren’t totally in love with the circus-esque sole but admittedly we’re suckers for contrasting colors, so we can’t look away.
The Nike Kyrie 5 “Just Do It” are set to drop sometime this week and will retail for $130. Grab a pair at select Nike retailers or Nike’s webstore.
