After an exciting March Madness, there's more high-stakes basketball to be played as the NBA kicks off its postseason with the play-in tournament starting tonight. In addition to the exciting games to come, brands have prepared a loaded week of releases for sneakerheads to enjoy. Nike, Jordan Brand, Crocs, Converse, New Balance, PUMA and adidas are leading the way this week with a wide variety of kicks. Though before we outline what they have in store for us, let's review what went down on the news side of things across the past seven days.
Kicking things off, RM Sotheby's -- while known for its automobile auctions -- has many sneaker grails going up for sale later this year, including the entire Off-White™ x Nike "The Ten" collection. As for news delivered directly from the Swoosh itself, the brand introduced many new silhouettes as part of its special showcase in Paris ahead of this year's Summer Olympics. 13 products were featured in the "Blueprint Pack," with the Pegasus 41 unpacked further in a separate announcement. On top of this, it revealed AI-designed "A.I.R" sneaker concepts that were brought to life in Paris. Jordan Brand had a reveal of its own with the introduction of the Jordan Luka 3. From there, we caught a glimpse at both the Air Jordan 4 "Oxidized Green" and a Deadstock Coffee-designed Jordan Tatum 2 PE.
Elsewhere in the sneaker space, POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF) and On finally announced "Current Form 1.0," their first collaborative capsule, which is set to release in early May. PUMA Hoops also joined in on the fun in Paris by presenting Breanna Stewart's third signature shoe: the PUMA Stewie 3.
With all of the past week's top headlines reviewed, let's break down what to drops to anticipate this week. Don't forget to hit up HBX afterwards to shop sneakers that are available now.
Rick Owens DRKSHDW x Converse TURBOWPN “Cave” & “Black/Cloud Cream”
Release Date: April 16
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: Converse
Why You Should Cop: Rick Owens DRKSHDW and Converse continued their collaborative partnership in 2022 by introducing the TURBOWPN -- a new version of the Converse Weapon with exaggerated proportions. While the Weapon made its official return earlier this year, the duo are set to drop two colorways of their TURBOWPN: a new “Cave” look and a restock of the “Black/Cloud Cream” pair. The former features brown throughout its full grain leather build while the latter leans on black with off-white detailing, a fun remix of the color arrangement found on Larry Bird’s original pair of Weapons from 1986.
Pringles x Crocs
Release Date: April 16
Release Price: TBC
Where to Buy: Crocs
Why You Should Cop: In the age of collaborations, Crocs continues to shine bright with its expansive range of projects. Last week it was the luxe team-up with Simone Rocha. This week? Get ready to snack on the go with Pringles. While both the Classic Clog and Slide have been prepared with thematic makeovers and Jibbitz, it’s the duo’s take on the Classic Crush Boot that steals the show. Its beige build reaches high and features an ankle attachment that offers a carrying pouch designed to fit a grab and go can of the beloved chips.
Nike SB Dunk Low “Big Money Savings”
Release Date: April 17
Release Price: $125 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: After many months of waiting, sneakerheads are finally going to be able to get their hands on the Nike SB Dunk Low “Big Money Savings.” Celebrating the special pickups one makes, this thematic colorway of the beloved skate silhouette features unique detailing throughout. Suede and textile materials collide across the shoe with its midfoot carrying an ornate texture in a shimmering silver. Tying the theme together, its tongue features a tear-off receipt element.
AURALEE x New Balance WRPD Runner
Release Date: April 18
Release Price: $160 USD
Where to Buy: AURALEE and New Balance
Why You Should Cop: Another project that has been long-awaited is AURALEE’s teaming up with New Balance on the WRPD Runner. The duo introduced the cutting-edge silhouette last June on the Parisian runway and is finally sharing its creation with the world this week. Offered in monochromatic makeovers of “Dark Navy” and “Light Green Beige,” the silhouette’s signature sculpted sole serves as its foundation. From there, nubuck, suede and mesh collide to craft a versatile upper.
Bode x Nike Astrograbber
Release Date: April 18
Release Price: $160 USD
Where to Buy: Bode
Why You Should Cop: Whimsical American label Bode has turned back time, collaborating with Nike on the Astrograbber, a silhouette from the ‘70s that has never been reintroduced. Designed for American football, it has been modernized in two different colorways of off-white and black. Swooshes appear at each side of the sneaker while a Bode script hit lands on the tongue of each shoe. Topping it all off, special charms have been included to attach to the lacing system.
FENTY x PUMA Creeper Phatty “Totally Taupe”
Release Date: April 18
Release Price: $140 USD
Where to Buy: PUMA
Why You Should Cop: Rihanna reprised her partnership with PUMA last fall, bringing forth the football-inspired Avanti silhouette. Shortly thereafter, she introduced the world to the Creeper Phatty, which is set to return in a “Totally Taupe” colorway. Its all-brown nubuck build is accented by hits of gold at the lateral midfoot and heel. Its premium treatment doesn’t stop there -- the sneaker arrives in a sleek, all-black dust bag and matching shoe box.
Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 1000 "When Things Were Pure" Pack
Release Date: April 19
Release Price: $170 USD
Where to Buy: New Balance
Why You Should Cop: In case you missed out on the first drop last week, the Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 1000 collaboration is back for round two. The duo’s “Pink Mink” and “Black Ice” iterations of the newly-reintroduced sneaker are equipped with iridescent uppers and custom JFG branding at both the toe and heel. A gum outsole supports each pair while the looks also feature a flame graphic at the sockliner.
Air Jordan 1 High OG “Green Glow”
Release Date: April 20
Release Price: $180 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: The Air Jordan 1 High OG is back in the mix as Jordan Brand continues to lean on the silhouette for its seasonal offerings. This time, it is taking on a new “Green Glow” finish that graced the Air Jordan 3 last month. Its leather upper sports the minty fresh hue alongside a contrast-heavy combination of black and white. Per usual, its Swooshes are joined by the Wings logo at the tongue while a stitched sole unit supports the shoe.
BAPE x adidas LWST
Release Date: April 20
Release Price: ¥23,100 JPY (approx. $150 USD)
Where to Buy: BAPE
Why You Should Cop: Legendary Japanese label BAPE has teamed up with adidas countless times across the past decade. The duo’s latest work features the skate-ready adidas LWST that returned from the ‘90s earlier this year. Assembled in two earth-toned colorways, BAPE’s signature camouflage adorns the lining and sockliners. An APE HEAD has been debossed at the lateral rear of both shoes while the BAPE STA logo appears in white embroidery at the heel.
Nike BOOK 1 “Hike”
Release Date: April 20
Release Price: $150 USD
Where to Buy: Nike
Why You Should Cop: Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns are gearing up for a showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA playoffs. However, before the two are set to square off this Saturday, the BOOK 1 is releasing in its “Hike” colorway. Drawing inspiration from Booker’s love for hiking, references are made to some of his favorite trails. Its build features several unique textures, including a python-esque finish, that combines leather, canvas and a hairy collar.
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