Adidas dominates the releases this weekend with a dizzying collection from Pharrell that has caused a fair bit of controversy (we’ll get to it). Pizza Hut is back with a new pair of shoes—you read that correctly—that will order pizza for you when you can’t be bothered to do it yourself. You read that correctly as well. Kanye’s most affordable sneaker is back in a dark new colorway, and some fan favorites from Atmos and Air Max are back as well. All that, plus a dope Adidas running collaboration, some extraordinarily expensive options from the three stripes, and a subtle Nike collab to round out the week.
When the Air Safari first dropped, it was more than just a new sneaker. That original colorway became a classic that the shoe never really beat, and the uniquely textured leather featured on the sneaker went on to have a life of its own. The Safari is by no means a perennial favorite, but it is a classic to true Nike fans. Anyone interested in a real pillar in the retro sneaker craze needs these in their collection.
Release: 3/15
Pharrell caught a little heat for his Holi celebrating collection, but the shoes themselves have a cool look. The Hindu festival celebrates color, and therefore life. Whether or not Pharrell has appropriated the culture or is celebrating responsibly is a debate for a different article. Regardless, you could do much worse than grabbing any of these pairs (in an equally responsible way). If you’re afraid of perpetuating appropriation, grab the all black pair that speaks the message without taking on the iffy look.
Release: 3/16
The stained multicolor look of Pharrell’s Holi festival collection bleeds into Pharrell’s signature Tennis Hu, his first signature sneaker with Adidas. These colorways offer a similar look to the Human Race sneakers at about half the price. The single color pairs are also easier to wear than the more expensive options, and are less complex in their social implications. That’s win-win-win.
Release: 3/16
Adidas’ introduction of the AlphaBounce was really about creating a running sneaker beyond the fan favorite UltraBOOST, but the AlphaBounce sort of sat around for a year, unsure of its own identity. In the last few months, it has really come into its own. This weekend, New York-based sneaker shop Extra Butter applied a very technical, clean look to the shoe, highlighting the more complex elements of the sneaker’s design.
Release: 3/16
Hender Scheme has long created incredibly expensive unauthorized leather versions of sneaker favorites for years, and Adidas has had the foresight to pair with the Japanese brand to bring fresh pairs to the market. This weekend, the two brands come together for their second collection, which features more colorful versions of the Superstar, Micropacer, and NMD. The price tags are nothing to scoff at, but for those who have very high-end taste and love sneaker culture, the ongoing collaboration between Adidas and Hender Scheme is a can’t-miss.
Release: 3/16
Kanye’s back this week with his newest colorway of the Powerphase, his retro-inspired tennis shoe. This week, we finally learned more about the history behind these sneakers: Although, yes, they do look just like Reebok’s Workout shoe, they were actually around decades ago under the name “Jet.” It’s a good shoe, so we’re glad to have it back. And now it’s back in black.
Release: 3/17
Nike’s annual celebration of the Air Max program—Air Max Day—is right around the corner. What better way to launch the celebration than bring back some fan favorites? Atmos’ Animal Pack offered Air Max classics in a dizzying array of animal prints on pony hair, and that collection has been breaking necks ever since. This week, it’s back with some differences that fans consider major, but more casual sneaker people may think are minor. The animal prints remain intact but cream paneling has been replaced with black. It’s a great way to let the past remain and offer an ode for the future.
Release: 3/17
You already know we love a bold shoe, and sometimes it’s even better when offered in a subdued color. This version of the Air More Uptempo is entirely black, mellowing the more audacious elements of the shoe. But there’s no such thing as a boring Uptempo: Nike put a layer of reflective material under the unmissable “AIR” that’s sewn into the lateral sides of the sneakers. The shoes will remain pretty neutral—until you throw some light at them, and then they’ll reveal their true colors.
Release: 3/17
March Madness is the perfect time to lay on your couch in front of the TV and veg out, but who wants to go through the hassle of even getting up to get some food? Pizza Hut’s new Pie Tops allow you to order a pizza by just pressing a button on the shoes. It works—we’ve tried. They were designed by the famous Shoe Surgeon, and because he and Pizza Hut did a similar pair last year, they knew they had to step it up a notch. So in the 2.0s, there’s another button on the other shoe that allows you to pause your TV so you can answer the door when the pizza comes without missing a moment of the game. Only 50 pairs will be available to the public, so keep an eye out on the 19th. Think it’s a little cheesy? All the best things are.
Release: 3/19
If you’re a streetwear fan, you’ll remember AntiHero from the famous collaboration with Supreme. This week’s work with Nike offers another chance to grab a limited collaboration with the brand. The AntiHero Dunk High features all the broad strokes that would make this an instant favorite for sneaker fans everywhere: Rich tumbled black leather dominates the upper with some hits of tonal canvas, on top of a dark gum sole. Details include the initials of Brian Anders, AntiHero skater, embroidered at the heel, and a leather tag on the tongue. Plus, Nike says there’s some yellow hiding under the Dunk’s wings, but you won’t see that in these pictures. You’ll have to take home the shoe to find that secret.
Release: 3/19
Source: https://www.esquire.com/
