The stage is set for not only the World Series, but the beginning of the NBA season as well. Major matchups between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics, as well as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers, will kick things off tonight as the league looks to carry over the momentum built from the 5-game WNBA Finals series that concluded over the weekend. As one may expect, basketball sneakers continue to play a key role in our latest rundown of the best footwear drops of the week, which sees Nike, adidas, On and Jordan Brand all competing for access to your wallet across the next seven days. Before we go shoe-by-shoe down our new list of releases, let's look back at what news caught our eye this past week.
On the feature side of things, Nike presented its 20th Doernbecher Freestyle collection, which Hypebeast had the privilege of learning more about directly from one of the patient-designers. The six special pairs were unveiled alongside a commemorative hoodie and an auction-exclusive Air Jordan 20 "Doernbecher Freestyle" that is limited to a mere 20 pairs. We also took a closer look at the best footwear trends from Shanghai Fashion Week SS25, which notably featured several unique PUMA sneakers and plenty of designer kicks.
As for the typical news, Nike Basketball unveiled the Nike LeBron 22, which is set to debut on shelves at the start of November. We also got first looks at this year's Nike Kobe 9 Elite Protro "Christmas" and Patta's new Air Max 90 "Waves" collaboration. Jordan Brand stood out with an initial preview of the rumored Union LA x Air Jordan 1 High OG, as well as a preview of the new Air Jordan 7 RM. Rounding things out for the Swoosh, an updated release date for the postponed launch of the Air Jordan 1 High OG “Black Toe Reimagined” was shared.
Elsewhere in the industry, we got an official preview of the adidas Harden Vol. 9, which is expected to launch in early 2025, while Lionel Messi and Bad Bunny teamed up to drop an adidas Gazelle and F50 Cleat. New Balance stayed in the mix as Up There revealed its multicolored take on the 860v2. Lastly, ASICS' latest projects with JJJJound, HAL STUDIOS® and Ronnie Fieg all made noise.
With all of the past week's footwear news recapped, let's pivot to what sneakers to look forward to this week, starting off with LeBron James' new Nike LeBron TR1 in a Prince-inspired "Purple Rain" colorway. Don't forget to hit up HBX to shop sneakers that are available now once you've finished reviewing the list.
Nike LeBron TR1 “Purple Rain”
Release Date: October 23
Release Price: $130 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: As we await the rollout of the Nike LeBron 22, King James continues to treat fans to new colorways of his Nike LeBron TR1, his first training silhouette. After its initial "Dunk Man" and "Zero Dark 30" drops, we now have his Prince-inspired "Purple Rain" colorway arriving. The versatile performance sneaker sees a rich purple cover the entirety of the shoe, including the various Swooshes that adorn the design.
Wales Bonner x adidas Samba & Superstar
Release Date: October 24
Release Price: TBC
Where to Buy: adidas and HBX
Why You Should Cop: Grace Wales Bonner's eponymous label has bolstered the adidas Samba's status across recent years and continues to do so as her work with adidas remains a highlight of each season. This time around, the duo has not only brought a luxe croc leather to the Samba, but the Samba Millennium and Superstar too. All five colorways embrace unique palettes that range from orange to a two-tone mustard yellow and blue.
Nike Dunk Low & Air Force 1 Low “Halloween”
Release Date: October 24
Release Price: $130 USD and $140 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS and HBX
Why You Should Cop: Halloween is just over a week away and Nike is back with another batch of spooky sneakers. One of its latest takes on the theme sees both the Dunk Low and Air Force 1 Low equipped with all-black looks accented by cracked leather in lime green and orange respectively. To top it off, the toe cap has been covered with a haunting skull texture.
POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF) x On "Current Form 2.0" Collection
Release Date: October 24
Release Price: $200 USD to $240 USD
Where to Buy: On and HBX
Why You Should Cop: South Korea's POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF) has been a pioneer of technical apparel for years now, offering everything from conservative cuts via its "Right" series to highly-experimental creations through its "Left" platform. The unique label branched out earlier this year to team up with On to create a running capsule that featured two colorways -- off-white and black -- of the duo's take on the Cloudmonster 2. Now, the two pairs are returning alongside their brown and black versions of the Cloudventure Peak. Both designs feature monochromatic finishes that sport subtle On branding and a simplified technical upper for taking on the elements with ease.
Nike Air Force 1 Low “Jason Mask”
Release Date: October 24
Release Price: $150 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: In case you're not a fan of the skull-equipped Air Force 1 Low "Halloween," Nike has you covered with another option. The new "Jason Mask" colorway being introduced for the holiday pays homage to Friday the 13th with the look of the iconic headwear being recreated via the sneaker's perforated toe box. Elsewhere, the Air Force 1 Low maintains its beloved all-white build for a clean finish.
Tekken 8 x Nike Air Foamposite One “Jin Kazama”
Release Date: October 25
Release Price: $250 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Beloved fighting game franchise Tekken has joined forces with Nike for a second colorway of the Air Foamposite One, dedicating it to Jin Kazama after offering the first to Kazuya Mishima. The special rendition of the sneaker features a reflective lightning print across its white shell, contrasting the black that covers the uppermost layers. Each pair comes with thematic detailing at the tongue, sockliner and outsole while arriving in a custom shoe box too.
Nike KD 4 “Aunt Pearl”
Release Date: October 25
Release Price: $130 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: It's been twelve years since Kevin Durant paid homage to his Aunt with the "Aunt Pearl" colorway of the Nike KD 4. Since then, he has continued to release the pink colorway for all of his signature shoes with the Swoosh. As the 2024-25 NBA season begins, the KD 4 is set to return in its original "Aunt Pearl" form, including its pink straps and pearl graphic-covered heel.
A Ma Maniére x Nike Air Max 95 "W.Y.W.S."
Release Date: October 25
Release Price: $190 USD
Where to Buy: A Ma Maniére
Why You Should Cop: The ongoing A Ma Maniére x Nike "While You Were Sleeping" saga marches forward as the duo are now set to drop their collaborative take on the Air Max 95. Teased initially during Paris Fashion Week in January, the slick sneaker leverages the silhouette's natural layering to host a mauve gradient. It also comes with AMM's "A" monogram at the lateral heel, heel, sockliner and outsole.
Nike Ja 2 “Nightmare”
Release Date: October 25
Release Price: $130 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Ja Morant's back and ready to fly high with the Memphis Grizzlies this season, which he'll do while wearing the new Nike Ja 2. The electric guard's second signature shoe recently hit the market and is now due to drop in a Halloween-themed "Nightmare" colorway that sees a slash texture used across the upper, as well as depicts zombie hands rising from the heel. A grill-shaped dubrae and an alternating accent palette of silver and gold for the left and right shoes respectively gives the pair its final touches.
Air Jordan 4 “Orchid”
Release Date: October 26
Release Price: $215 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: The 35th anniversary celebration of the Air Jordan 4 is set to continue this week as the ladies are due to finally receive their exclusive "Orchid" colorway of the sneaker. Equipped with a plush pink suede, the shoe features gray and black detailing that creates a familiar-yet-fresh finish for the sneaker.
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