UNDEFEATED and Nikes Celebratory Kobe 5 Protro “Hall of Fame” Headlines This Weeks Best Footwear Drops
7 min read
The second week of May has officially kicked off, and so the biggest sneaker imprints in the game have readied a handsome batch of new releases for us to further grow our collections with. On this week’s lineup, we have new propositions from the likes of Jordan Brand and
For our most recent installment of Sole Mates, USMNT footballer Tyler Adams sat down with us to discuss his relationship with the Air Jordan 4. Paul George also took a moment talk to HYPEBEAST and give us insight on his latest Nike PG 5 collaboration with Playstation. On the news front, Nike had themselves a major week as it unveiled detailed shots of its forthcoming LDWaffle collaborations with the likes of sacai, UNDERCOVER and CLOT. Additionally, Supreme showed off its see-through range of Air Max 96 collaborations, Concepts announced its Nike Kyrie 7 capsule, Nike SB showcased its Barcelona-inspired Dunk Low, Nike Sportswear brought light to its next “Korea” Dunk Low and the Air Max 97 “Puerto Rico” surfaced.
Jordan Brand was a little on the lighter load in terms of major news, but the Beaverton-based imprint did announce the signing of Kiefer Ravena — point guard for the PBA’s NLEX Road Warriors and the first Filipino to sign to the Jumpman family. Moreover, we also got closer glimpses at the Air Jordan 1 Low “Arctic Orange” and “Lucky Green”, as well as an Air Jordan 1 Mid with heat-reactive panels and Obi Toppin’s Knicks-friendly Air Jordan 35 PE.
Brands outside of the Beaverton circle also took a chance to make some noise. Vans linked up with the Kids of Immigrants crew and local LA businesses for some colorful footwear collabs, in addition to teasing its forthcoming projects with Salehe Bembury, SpongeBob Squarepants and Sandy Liang. Reebok unveiled a simple and clean Answer IV makeup and collaborations with Cottweiler, Curry Brand introduced its Teacher Appreciation Week-inspired Curry 8 and New Balance presented its next collaborative 327 with Casablanca.
Now that you’re all up to speed, let’s get down to this week’s 10 best releases. Note that the release dates here below are subject to delay due to the ongoing production issues of COVID-19. When you’re done scoping out the impending drops, you can also head over to HBX to check out even more new footwear styles.
Craig Green x adidas Originals CG ZX 2K Phormar I and Phormar II
Adidas
Adidas
Adidas
Release Date: May 11
Release Price: $250 USD
Where to Buy: adidas
Why You Should Cop: Craig Green and adidas turn the page to the next chapter of their collaborative story, and this latest project entails the release of the all-new Phormar I and Phormar II silhouettes. Both options are designed with the designer’s signature functional and fashion forward sensibilities. Each take makes use of a singular piece of fabric along with a range of cords that’s easily foldable and strong.
JSP x Vault by Vans “Roses Grown in Granite”
Vault by Vans
Vault by Vans
Vault by Vans
Release Date: May 12
Release Price: $120 USD
Where to Buy: JSP
Why You Should Cop: Jimmy Gorecki has reunited with Vault by Vans to apply his spin yet again on the Chukka 79. The kicks are fittingly inspired by his Philadelphia roots, LOVE Park and the city’s skateboarding scene. Dubbed the “Roses Grown in Granite” colorway”, the mid-profile rendition is done up with faded pink suede uppers. Midsoles are adorned with “JSP”, “215” and ‘LOVE” hits which are all done up in their original hand style by local artist Joe Lees.
Air Jordan 1 KO Retro “Chicago”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: May 12
Release Price: $140 USD
Where to Buy: Nike and Sneaker Politics
Why You Should Cop: Arguably the most popular AJ 1 KO release ever, the “Chicago” colorway — which last saw a retro launch to the market back in 2014 — is finally making its glorious return to the shelves. The 2021 pair was officially unveiled back in December 2020 and they’re now set for a mid-May release. When designing these, the Jordan Brand team based the last and the shape of the toe boxes off of an original pair.
UNDEFEATED x Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Hall of Fame”
Undefeated
Undefeated
Release Date: May 12
Release Price: $190 USD
Where to Buy: UNDEFEATED (Raffle Closed)
Why You Should Cop: Although Vanessa Bryant and the rest of the Kobe estate has severed ties with Nike, there are still a couple of Kobe footwear products that are scheduled to drop. One of those is this collaborative “Hall of Fame” makeup that’s made alongside longtime partners UNDEFEATED. Gold skins are most pronounced atop the base layer, but get seated next to purple and pink accents. Tongue and heel counter branding split between the UNDFTD’s five-strike logo and and Kobe’s insignia, and his jersey numbers of “24 10” 8” embellish the left foot’s lateral Swoosh logo.
The Simpsons x adidas ZX 1000 “Flaming Moe’s”
Adidas
Adidas
Adidas
Release Date: May 12
Release Price: $120 USD
Where to Buy: adidas and Foot Locker
Why You Should Cop: After teaming up together to launch a ZX 10000 inspired by the Krusty Burger, The Simpsons and adidas have reconvened to drop a ZX 1000 that draws influence from Moe’s Tavern’s “Flaming Moe’s” drink from the iconic cartoon show. Mesh base layers are dyed with a rich purple and come accented with bold red accents and fiery graphics that are attached to the mid-foot. “Flaming Moe’s” graphics land on the tongues and and special lace deubres come packaged with the kicks.
Reebok Question Low “Green Toe”
Reebok
Reebok
Reebok
Release Date: May 14
Release Price: $120 USD
Where to Buy: Reebok and Bodega
Why You Should Cop: Allen Iverson’s signature Question has been picking up the pace in 2021 in terms of its output of retro colorways. Up next for its lowest sibling is the “Green Toe” makeup which calls out the signature colors of the Boston Celtics and was originally dropped back in 2006. A majority of its look leans on crisp white skins for styling the side walls and midsoles while a shamrock-esque green is held responsible for filling in the toe boxes, vector logos, lace loops and the heel’s heightened panel.
Jaden Smith x New Balance Vision Racer “Pink”
New Balance
New Balance
New Balance
Release Date: May 14
Release Price: $150 USD
Where to Buy: New Balance and Foot Locker
Why You Should Cop: To follow up on his sustainably made New Balance Vision Racer ReWorked, Jaden Smith is now further extending his footwear range with a brand new and extra bold pink colorway. The silhouette combines elements from two of his most favorite NB models in the 1700 and X-Racer, and comes prepared with a duo of flashy shades of pink, repetitive “VISION” branding and reflective detailing.
Air Jordan 5 Low “WINGS”
Nike
Nike
Release Date: May 14
Release Price: $190 USD
Where to Buy: Nike SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: It’s graduation season for some, and so Jordan Brand is gearing up to celebrate the Class of 2020/2021 on their accomplishments with a special Air Jordan 5 Low “WINGS” colorway. Most of the upper is matted out in black, and comes accented with tiny gilded hits that touch down on the mid-foot’s spikes, tongue’s Jumpman insignias and the “20” hits on the lateral heels. Mid-foot netting is presented with a charcoal gray finish, and the outsoles opt to go for the signature translucent look.
Air Jordan 1 “Shadow 2.0”
Nike
Nike
Nike
Release Date: May 15
Release Price: $190 USD
Where to Buy: Nike SNKRS and Foot Locker
Why You Should Cop: The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG continues to be one of the Jumpman’s strongest silhouettes on the market, and it’s now dropping in a fresh “Shadow 2.0” colorway. Most sneakerheads would probably argue that these aren’t necessarily better than the originals, but its two-toned design certainly makes for a good versatile option to keep in rotation all-year round. Its titular shading cascades over the nubuck overlays and the Swooshes while the rest of the top half sections are dyed in black.
adidas YEEZY 500 HIGH “Sumac” and “Tactical Orange”
Adidas
Adidas
Adidas
Release Date: May 15
Release Price: $190 USD
Where to Buy: adidas and YEEZY SUPPLY
Why You Should Cop: Kanye West and adidas are looking to create more momentum for its YEEZY 500 High this season, and the month of May is going to see two colorways hit the shelves: the “Sumac” and “Tactile Orange”. On these next two takes, Ye once again brings his affinity for earthy palettes into play. Both are dressed with various shades of brown that fills in its puffy mesh layers and mudguards, as well as the suede overlays that land on the front. However, the “Sumac” option distinguishes itself by donning bold red leather overlays and laces while the “Tactile Orange” makes use of navy overlays and an adiprene outsole that’s dialed to its nominal hue.
