The most up to date Air Jordan, Nike, Adidas sneaker news. Check back to this page daily for more sneaker news!
Nikes $250 Air Max 1 Royal Releases In Two More Colorways
By SoleInsider
The most luxurious version of the Nike Air Max 1 ever arrives in two new colorways this summer in Gym Red and Game Royal. Air Max 1 superfans are treated to these two new colorway options for the Air Max 1 Royal, which depart from the refined, neutral tones the shoe debuted in with decidedly more sporty looks in red and blue. The new colorways still feature the same deconstructed silhouette built in premium suede with leather detailing as the initial releases of the luxe Air Max 1. Expect the Gym Red colorway in men’s and women’s sizing and the Game Royal colorway in women’s sizing at select Nike Sportswear retailers soon.
Expect Big Things From The Nike Free Mercurial Superfly This Summer
By SoleInsider
The Nike Free Flyknit Mercurial Superfly is one of Nike Sportswear’s numerous models highlighting sleek soccer-savvy designs in a lifestyle context. The combination of a classic Nike Free outsole, bolstered leather heel panels, and a high-arching Flyknit design has made the Mercurial Superfly a fan-favorite for the past couple of seasons. Summer 2016 is bringing a number of monochromatic colorways to fruition and today we get an on-feet view of an upcoming “Game Royal” and near “Triple White” look. Speckled midsoles and contrasting heel tabs complete with a zig-zagging graphic add unique splashes throughout each pair, but each colorway mainly benefits from keeping things as simple as possible. Are you a fan of either look? Check out a detailed preview of these two upcoming colorways and know that international spots like Titolo are already stocking this pair today, so expect a stateside release in the near future.
Heres Your Chance To Cop The Nike Air Tech Challenge 2 Laser Birch
By SoleInsider
About a month ago Nike officially unveiled the all-new Nike Air Tech Challenge 2 Laser which features some intricate laser etched detailing on the toe and side panels.
Soon after its unveiling, the all-black pair began arriving at retailers. But if you were waiting for the Birch pair then the wait is now over because you can find it at select Nike retailers in the US now. Covered in a combination of leather and suede throughout the upper in a soft Birch hue, this Air Tech Challenge 2 is then complemented by a white sole unit to complete the clean look.
Retailing for $140, will you cop this modern Air Tech Challenge 2?
We Miss The Old KD: A Look At The Rise (And Kinda Fall) Of Kevin Durants Nike Signature Shoe
By SoleInsider
Kevin Durant picked the right time to unveil his ninth signature shoe, the Nike KD 9, to the public. After saying earlier in the year that he was saving the shoe until the summer for when he suits up for Team USA, Durant surprised us all when wore the KD 9 in a blowout win against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night. Dressed up in the Cool Grey colorway, new KD and his new shoes reminded us of old KD and his old shoes when he was competing for the title of best player on the planet and bringing the fight to the guy who many believe is the best right now in Steph Curry.
This June the Nike KD 9 will debut for $150. It’s an amazing transition from where it was back in June 2015 when the Nike KD 8 was priced at $180 and it’s a far cry from when the Nike KD 4 debuted in 2011 and was priced at $95. How did we go from $95 to $180 and back to $150 in 2016? Since when does Nike drop the price on a signature shoe? Let’s take a look back in the timeline and see where things changed for KD and where it fell off the rails a little bit.
2011 – The Nike Zoom KD 4 Crosses Over
Nike
The 2011-12 NBA season seems like such a long time ago now, but that was when Kevin Durant ascended to true superstardom and led his Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA Finals for what many believed would be the first of many times. But before any of that went down, there was the matter of an NBA lockout that needed to be settled. With regular season games canceled until Christmas of that year, the 2011 lockout might have been the best thing for Kevin Durant and his brand. Instead of locking himself in the gym and working out for hours on end – which he also did – Durant branded himself the People’s champion. He participated in every summer basketball league imaginable and hung around Oklahoma City, becoming a cult hero with antics like playing flag football with random people. With LeBron James’ infamous Decision still fresh in the minds of the people along with the lockout that players will inevitably be blamed for, Durant’s desire to get out there endeared him to the people.
At the same time anticipation was building for the Nike KD 4. While his first three signatures shoes with Nike were not as heavily hyped as LeBron or Kobe Bryant’s arrival at the swoosh, it was a great entry-level signature shoe line for kids and budget-conscious sneakerheads. The KD 4 was a step up in terms of design, accessibility and hype as Nike smartly debuted the shoe in a pair of colorways that were eaten up by the hypebeast and the sneakerheads and everybody in between with the NERF and the Weatherman colorways. Fall 2011 was really when sneaker culture started to hit the mainstream thanks to release like the Air Jordan 11 Concord, but you can’t discount the impact the KD 4 had. That was then followed up by a lot of solid releases including the Galaxy, Scoring Champ and Aunt Pearl, which paid homage to his late Aunt. Durant’s star rose even more with his Finals appearance that season and bringing home the gold medal during the 2012 Olympics. Nike was finally ready to make KD their third pillar alongside Kobe and LeBron.
2012 – The Nike KD 5 That Came And Went
Nike
Durant’s MVP season also saw the debut of the the Nike KD 5 and it was the first time that a Kevin Durant signature shoe would break $100. At $115, the KD 5 debuted in a DMV colorway that fans ate up. Following up the KD 4 was no easy task and it showed at retail because despite the great sales of limited releases like the All-Star, Aunt Pearl and many others, the desire for them was not the same as the fever for the KD 4. Looks like a lot of people took the criticism that it looked too much like a Hyperdunk to heart…
2013 – The Nike KD 6 Is An Instant Classic
Nike
Playing off the success of Durant’s fruitful summer of 2011, the summer of 2013 became the summer of the Nike KD 6. Eschewing to traditional launch of Nike basketball signature shoes in the fall and making sure people forgot about the KD 5 as soon as possible Nike decided to move up the release of the KD 6 to make it a summer release. Once again Durant became a figure of summer league basketball, debuting new colorways of the Nike KD 6 in places like the Drew League.
The KD 6 went back to the low-cut style and even introduce a new way of lacing up your shoes casually. Ok, basically it was not bothering to lock the shoes up in any which way. It looked rather bizarre but it made made sense for some of the crazier colorways such as the Liger or the Preheat that sold very well for Nike. At $130, it still stung that a KD shoe cost that much, but the public did not seem to mind this time around.
2014 – Remember The Nike KD 7?
Nike
The summer theme would continue in 2014 with the Nike KD 7 set to be the highest profile shoe of Team USA since Durant was supposed to participate in the 2014 FIFA World Cup of basketball without Kobe or LeBron. However, Durant dropped out of the games, citing burnout and injuries for not participating in summer activities for the first time in a long time. Those issues would also manifest themselves in the regular season as Durant struggled to play consistently and had to wear the KD 6 because they were a better fit for his custom orthotics than the KD 7. As a result, we rarely saw Durant wear the shoes on the court.
Then there was also the matter of whether or not Durant was going to stay at Nike or leave for Under Armour. While it’s hard to calculate what effect if any that had on the fans, it’s safe to say there are some – a very vocal minority – people out there who were probably hurt by KD even considering leaving their beloved swoosh and swore off him and his kicks.
Despite his playing troubles, we saw some very popular KD 7s sell out quick, including the debut USA colorway and its Gold Medal PRM version, the Aunt Pearl and the What The were well-received. But we also saw plenty of KD 7s sit on shelves, with several even hitting Nike outlet stores. Were KD’s fans growing weary of the signature line and looking for something new or were they becoming smarter consumers and waiting for the kicks they want to drop to a price more agreeable to them?
2015 – The Nike KD 8 Fails To Register
Nike
2015 is the year when the proverbial S hit the F. Despite being a technological marvel with its Flyweave upper and new Zoom Air, sneakerheads have not been as responsive to the newest KD as they were in years past. Colorways that used to mean automatic sellouts like the Aunt Pearl, N7 and Black History Month were now sitting on stores, desperately waiting for price drops like all the general release colorways. What world do we live in that an Aunt Pearl colorway just sits on a store shelf for $99?
Despite our initial belief that there is a price ceiling for kicks, sneakerheads understand that shoes prices do go up. But judging from the success of certain remastered Jordan retros, the Kobe Black Mamba Pack and the adidas NMD, a high price tag doesn’t matter as long as the shoe is well-designed, correctly hyped with a certain segment caring about its resale value. The days when people would buy every general release in the hopes of getting plenty of lights on social media and reselling them for double or triple they’re worth are over and from its ashes rose a smarter consumer. Unless it is a very special release – yet sometimes those special releases don’t even come close to astronomical high numbers of the past – think of the past couple of years with KD shoes sitting on shelves as the market correcting itself. The sneakerheads pushed back and were not accepting of skyrocketing prices, so Nike realized this and dropped the price of the Nike KD 9 to $150 when they could have easily raised it up to $200 as a mea culpa. A similar situation took place with the adidas and Derrick Rose a few years back when they too dropped the price on Rose’s line but that’s another sad story for another time…
2016 – ?
We got an early look at the Nike KD 9 a few months ago during a Nike Innovation Summit event in New York City. Based on the initial impressions there, the KD 9 looks to rebound from the lackluster public response to the KD 8. It could have easily sold it for $200, dropped a crazy multicolor option and watch the fans go apes**t over it. $150 is not impulse buy territory by any means, but it’s a lot more reasonable to a sneakerhead that has been there since KD really took off.
The truth is we miss the old KD, the MVP KD, the real nice KD, the scoring champ KD with the midfoot strap KD. Ok, maybe not that last part, but it wouldn’t it be so KD to put a midfoot strap on a Flyknit shoe though?
Today the sneaker began arriving at select retailers across the pond which means that the possibility of them landing in the states just got a lot better. This colorway of the popular silhouette from Nike SB features a floral graphic on the upper done in a digi-camo style for a unique look. An array of colors including pink, green, brown, and tan can be seen throughout the upper with white accents covering the Swoosh and tongue branding as well as the vulcanized rubber midsole.
We’re still awaiting a stateside release date but in the meantime check out the newest images above and let us know if you’re looking forward to this release.
If there was one colorway of the Nike SB Stefan Janoski that I would like to own it would be this one. But since the shoe isn?t comfortable on my feet I don?t plan on picking up a pair. My brother likes these though so I may try getting him a pair.
Celebrate America With The Nike Air Foamposite One Olympic
In honor of Serena Williams’ quest for another championship during this year’s French Open (May 22 ? June 6), a new variation of the NikeCourt Flare is featured, which also joins alongside the recently featured ?Greatness? collection, that celebrates her athletic achievements.
This latest take of the tennis sneaker will be worn by Williams in Paris, as it receives a tonal blue finish across its breathable mesh with fused overlays across the upper, as well as its textured sole unit.
The subdued finish is punctuated with floral patterns adorning the Swoosh across its side panels and pull tab on the rear.
You can purchase a pair at select Nike retailers now for $200.
I like the sneaker’s overall profile. Minus that extended ankle collar, and it’s almost reminiscent of the Kobe’s. Nonetheless, a solid colorway overall.
A Michael Jordan Flight School PE Can Be Yours With The Air Jordan 11 Low Navy Gum
Gum Soles Are Back on the Nike Air Foamposite One Later This Year
By SoleInsider
After appearing on versions like “Gucci” and “Wheat” colorways, it looks like the gum sole look will indeed be back again on the Air Foamposite One later this year. Actually taking on what might be interpreted as a “Washington Redskins” colorway, this all-new upcoming edition of the classic hoops shoe features a metallic maroon upper with black accents and the gum outsole below. There’s no word yet on a release date, so enjoy this early preview of these latest gum-soled Foams and stick with Sneaker News for updates.
A Detailed Look At The NikeLab ACG Lupinek Flyknit Low
By SoleInsider
Recently released this past Thursday, additional imagery of the NikeLab ACG Lupinek Flyknit Low in its two colorways of dark grey and grey/white are provided.
Emphasizing its details and perception on how it looks when worn, the models are defined by their rugged appeal comprised of water-repellant Flyknit construction that has been reinforced with a VAC-TECH mudguard.
Further revamped with perforations on the tongue and mesh inserts to offer sufficient breathability, the models are topped off with a comfortable Phylon midsole equipped with a Special Field Boot outsole that ensures traction across all surfaces.
Retailing for $275 each, you can still purchase a pair at Nike‘s online store now, while you can also check your local retailer for availability.
The Nike Air Foamposite Pro Hyper Cobalt Drops This Summer
By SoleInsider
The Nike Air Foamposite Pro in Hyper Cobalt is showcased in a new editorial perspective, as the silhouette is scheduled to debut this summer.
A former Ben Gordon exclusive colorway, the popular basketball sneaker is essentially defined by its eye-catching blue tone across its rugged foam upper and outsole. Tonal accents of black converges along the leather eye stays, laces, tongue, inner lining and glossy Swooshes to perfectly offset the vivid tone, while the model is detailed with its signature carbon fiber shank on the midsole.
Priced at $230, you can purchase this forthcoming pair at select Nike stockists on August 26th.
NikeLab Goes High Fashion Once Again, Collaborating With Balmain Creative Director
By SoleInsider
Collaborating with the likes of Ricardo Tisci, sacai, and Acronym in recent history, NikeLab is no stranger to teaming up with some of the greatest minds of the fashion industry for unique capsule collections. The next designer to join the elite list of NikeLab collaborators is Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing, who introduces his Football Nouveau collection this summer. Inspired by his love of soccer since childhood, Rousteing has created his own take on three of Nike’s most popular football-inspired lifestyle silhouettes, the Footscape Magista, Free Mercurial Flyknit, and Free Hypervenom 2, along with his own creation, the Roshe Tiempo which blends a classic football boot aesthetic with a Roshe sole unit. Along with a matching apparel collection, each model features an elegant black and gold colorway. Preview the entire Football Nouveau collection here along with a short video featuring Rousteing, and expect it all at NikeLab retail locations and online at Nike.com on June 2nd.
The Best Nike SB Shoe Ever That Isnt A Dunk Is Releasing Again
By SoleInsider
Digi-Floral Janoskis are making a comeback this summer. In the lineage of Nike Skateboarding releases, the Nike SB Janoski “Digi Floral” colorway could perhaps be the most notable to ever hit retailers outside of the Dunk series. The creative graphic combined militaristic digital camouflage with pixilated pink and red roses atop a canvas base for a lifestyle aesthetic that perfected the simple silhouette. It’s been only a few years since this Janoski debuted but we couldn’t be happier to see it return for the warmer months ahead. Right now we’ve yet to pinpoint a stateside release date, but know that this iconic Nike SB pair is already available internationally at spots like atmos.
This Nike LeBron 13 Elite Is Built For The NBA Finals
By SoleInsider
Say what you will about the last Cavaliers’ outing, but LeBron’s play has been nothing short of elite this postseason. It’s fitting then, that Nike Basketball ready LeBron for what already seems inevitable despite a lackluster showing by the Cavs in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals – a historic sixth straight trip to the NBA Finals where LBJ is ‘Ready To Battle’. The latest Nike LeBron 13 Elite colorway boasts a business-as-usual Black and Reflect Silver upper. Gone are the supportive posite overlays, replaced with a flexible Kurim upper while a hidden Dynamic Flywire support system adds a lockdown fit. The forefoot Swoosh shines in an iridescent silver sheen while an icy outsole adds a clean finish. The LeBron 13 Elite “Ready To Battle” will be available on May 26th for $200 USD. Check out more detailed photos below and let us know if you plan on grabbing LeBron’s latest Elite variety by taking your thoughts to the comments section.
Following its stateside release in Beta Blue, the popular Nike Air Huarache is introduced in a more traditional colorway for Spring/Summer 2016.
This time utilizing timeless hues, white is predominant across its mesh and leather upper, while shimmering wolf grey is implemented for its neoprene bootie construction. Further accentuated with tonal black on its signature heel cage system, the sneaker is topped off with matching white laces and a full-length rubber sole unit.
Retailing for $110, you can purchase a pair at select Nike accounts nationwide now.
NBA Kicks On Fire: Kevin Durant Debuts Nike KD 9 Cool Grey Preheat In A Dominating Win
By SoleInsider
After a tense first round that went to the Thunder and a convincing win by the Warriors in the second, the third round of this likely to be seven round match went to OKC in dominating fashion with a 133-105 win. Kevin Durant would lead the way with 33 points and a brand new pair of kicks for all of us to watch over in the form of the Nike KD 9. Wait, what?
That’s right, KD just couldn’t wait for the summertime to debut his new signature shoes and he picked the right time to have his first really good game of the series so far. Wearing the Cool Grey Preheat colorway, which will drop on June 20th for $150 (that’s right, Nike with the rare price drop there), the Flyknit-based kicks got the proper spotlight and a whole lot of people talking. Mission accomplished, Nike, well done…
Photos courtesy of Layne Murdoch, Ronald Martinez and J Pat Carter of Getty Images/NBA, Sarah Phipps of The Oklahoman and Nike.
With the Optic Yellow and Olympic pairs still on the way, the next colorway of the popular Nike Air Foamposite One is revealed, as it’ll be offered in a new Maroon finish.
Essentially covering the sneaker’s distinctive foamposite upper, the defining hue is complemented with tonal black accents on the eye stays, tongue, laces and inner lining, while a classic gum outsole caps off the palette to round out the aesthetically pleasing color scheme.
This model is suggested to arrive at select Nike accounts during Holiday 2016, for a retail price tag of $230.
