After finally setting the stage last week, the NBA Playoffs have officially begun. Amidst the exciting starts to the eight simultaneous best-of-seven series, brands embraced the spotlight with the reveal of many new court-ready sneakers. In addition to this, the rollout of anticipated drops has stayed consistent, with this week's top releases including contributions from Nike, New Balance, Jordan Brand and PUMA. Before we dive into what drops to prepare for these next seven days, let's review what had the sneaker space talking last week.
On the feature side of things, we assembled an updated list of all of the NBA and WNBA's signature shoes from active players -- totaling 28 pairs. Whereas the news week was a tough one for Nike as it was shared that 740 employees at the company's HQ in Oregon would be facing layoffs by late June. Though in more positive news, a first look at the Nike Zoom Freak 6 surfaced while word of Caitlin Clark and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander receiving signature shoes with Nike and Converse respectively had fans excited. Adding to the list of reveals, Paolo Banchero showed up to game one in the new Air Jordan 39. Meanwhile, word of an Air Jordan 1 Hi '85 "Bred" release in 2025 popped up alongside a first look at this year's Air Jordan 6 "Olympic" colorway.
As for the Three Stripes, adidas raised its 2024 profit projections after its successful YEEZY drops from earlier this year. On top of this, Anthony Edwards had a triumphant game one victory in the newly-unveiled adidas AE1 Low. The streak of reveals continued with a first look at another JJJJound x Reebok Club C and a glance at what to expect from the New Balance 8040. Rounding things out, New Balance's part-loafer, part-sneaker 1906L silhouette made noise yet again with a "Brown/Navy" colorway.
Now that you're up to speed on the latest and greatest from the footwear space, let's go ahead and preview the ten drops you should consider copping this week. Afterwards, be sure to hit up HBX to shop styles that are available now.
Air Jordan 3 “Georgia Peach”
Release Date: April 23
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: The Air Jordan 3 continues to be a focal point of Jordan Brand’s seasonal ranges as several high-powered collaborations are on the way. At the same time, new colorways are constantly arriving as well. With the women’s-exclusive “Georgia Peach,” familiar “Cement Grey” notes are accompanied by a white leather upper and hits of the pair’s signature orange hue. A crisp off-white hits the midsole as an additional bit of grey appears at the outsole.
Nike Air Force 1 Low “404 Error”
Release Date: April 23
Release Price: $150 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: .SWOOSH arrived in late 2022 as Nike’s web3 platform for interacting with virtual creations. Now, it’s taking things to the physical world with a “404 Error”-themed pair of Air Force 1 Lows. A patent leather upper in blue hosts various digital-inspired graphics like the lateral heel’s “404 Error” text and the sockliner’s binary code display. Release is limited to .SWOOSH members who signed up by April 18 and may be accompanied by a special “404 Error 2.0” colorway limited to just 404 numbered pairs.
New Balance 1000 “Silver Metallic”
Release Date: April 24
Release Price: $150 USD
Where to Buy: New Balance
Why You Should Cop: After making a strong first impression thanks to a collaboration with Joe Freshgoods, the newly-retro'd New Balance 1000 is set to make its in-line debut in a “Silver Metallic” finish. The silhouette is celebrating its 25th anniversary and is gearing up for a major year with the American sportswear brand as this iteration sees silver and black joined by off-white detailing at the midsole.
Nike Dunk Low “Veneer”
Release Date: April 25
Release Price: $115 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Nike has revisited its beloved CO.JP line many times in recent years, with its latest re-release pulling from 2001’s “Ugly Duckling” pack. The purple, green and brown composition of the Dunk Low's “Veneer” colorway is back. Outfitted in a primarily-suede upper, a brown base is joined by olive overlays as purple offers contrast at the Swooshes, laces and outsole.
New Balance Kawhi IV
Release Date: April 25
Release Price: $160 USD
Where to Buy: New Balance
Why You Should Cop: Kawhi Leonard’s partnership with New Balance saw the duo’s third shoe quickly leave shelves due to quality control issues, though the two are now ready to spring back into action with the introduction of the KAWHI IV. Worn by Leonard on court in recent months, his latest signature shoe complements his two-way game thanks to its combination of FuelCell and Energy Arc technology. Debuting in two eye-catching colorways, they are the first of many to come this year.
FENTY x PUMA Creeper Phatty “Green Fog” & “Warm White”
Release Date: April 25
Release Price: $140 USD
Where to Buy: PUMA
Why You Should Cop: Since the reunification of Rihanna’s FENTY and PUMA, the two have continued where they left off -- bringing a modern flair to classic silhouettes. The Creeper Phatty returns again this week, this time being served up in “Green Fog” and “Warm White” colorways that feature a luxe nubuck upper combined with a large gum sole. Sleek FENTY branding arrives via debossing at the tongue and a golden “F” hit at the heel.
Travis Scott x Jordan Jumpman Jack “University Red”
Release Date: April 26
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: As one of Jordan Brand’s most prominent collaborators, Travis Scott has finally received the honor of creating his own signature shoe -- introducing the Jordan Jumpman Jack. The new trainer is constructed with a combination of canvas, nubuck and full-grain leather, with its debut look sporting “University Red” Swooshes at each side. Typical Scott-based motifs like the lateral reverse Swoosh and the heel’s Cactus Jack smiley logo let onlookers know that it’s La Flame-approved. Topping it all off, a co-branded tote bag and special shoe box accompany each pair.
Shoe Palace x New Balance 2002R “Volcanic Rocks”
Release Date: April 26
Release Price: $150 USD
Where to Buy: Shoe Palace
Why You Should Cop: US-based retailer Shoe Palace has reunited with New Balance for another exciting footwear project, this time revisiting the 2002R with a “Volcanic Rocks” theme. Comprised of two colorways, the blue look represents the sky whereas the brown pair nods to the newly-formed land created by volcanoes. Channeling their respective points of inspiration, the former features a breathable mesh while the latter favors a tighter one. From there, special laces and a custom sockliner graphic tie the theme together.
Patta x Nike Air Huarache 20Y24
Release Date: April 26
Release Price: $160 USD
Where to Buy: Patta
Why You Should Cop: Amsterdam-based label Patta has an expansive history in teaming up with the Swoosh for unique footwear projects. The duo’s latest work takes elements of the Pegasus 40, such as its breathable mesh and React foam, and builds upon it with parts of the Air Huarache Plus, like the strap system and inner sleeve. Its three eye-catching colorways include a yellow and blue, pink and gray and a mostly-black finish.
Air Jordan 1 High OG “Artisanal Red”
Release Date: April 27
Release Price: $180 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: The Air Jordan 1 is due to celebrate its 40th anniversary next year, but that hasn’t slowed down Jordan Brand from issuing new iterations of the model in the meantime. For the high-top version of the sneaker, it now arrives in an “Artisanal Red” that maintains the shoe’s classic white leather base and combines it with a rich red at the overlays and Swooshes. A white Wings logo graces the collar, matching the stitched midsole while a red rubber outsole rounds things out for this new pair.
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