The New Balance 1300JP Makes Its Fabled Return in This Week’s Best Footwear Drops

As we approach the end of May, summer is nearly upon us. In anticipation of the warmer weather, sneaker brands are readying their offerings by emphasizing lightweight designs and breathable materials. This week’s most notable sneaker releases feature collaborations from Crocs, adidas, New Balance, Nike, PUMA, Jordan Brand, and Vans. To provide a summary of the key footwear news from the past week, let me first recap the top headlines in the industry.

According to a recent update, it appears that Nike is planning on increasing its product prices, both for retailers and wholesalers, over the next few months. This move could potentially cause a ripple effect throughout the industry. On a brighter note, there’s exciting news about a partnership between Hyein Seo and Nike, which showcases their new Ava Rover silhouette design. Additionally, we got an early peek at a joint project between Levi’s and Nike featuring the Air Max 95 shoe, accompanied by matching clothing items. Our team from TopMob recently had the opportunity to visit Nike’s main office and shared some exclusive sneak-peeks of the upcoming Air Jordan 11 “Rare Air” and an Air Jordan 4 “Rare Air” prototype. Lastly, there have been leaked images of a rumored collaboration between Nigel Sylvester and the Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Nitro.

In other areas related to sneakers, Jeremy Scott added his unique touch to the adidas Samba, while Sporty & Rich unveiled their upcoming collection with Three Stripes. Previews were given for future New Balance drops, such as an “Inkwell” colorway of the 990v6 by the MADE in USA line and a “Volt” variant of the 1906A. Tyler, the Creator introduced a new collaborative sneaker line with Converse, which also revealed the SHAI 001 “Hail Clay”. Meanwhile, ASICS shared leaked images of six collaborative sneakers with Kith and a new sandal version of the GT-2160. Lastly, Goods & Services closed things off by announcing their new hybrid model, blending the upper of a football shoe with the sole of a work boot.

Let’s switch gears now and explore the top 10 sneaker releases from last week that you might want to grab, beginning with an exciting new collaboration between G-SHOCK and Crocs. After checking out this list, remember to visit HBX to buy styles that are currently for sale.

After discussing the major news in the sneaker world from last week, let’s move on to 10 new releases you should consider buying, starting with a cool collaboration between G-SHOCK and Crocs. Once you’ve looked through the list, don’t forget to check out HBX for styles that are available right now.

G-SHOCK x Crocs Echo Wave

Launch Date: May 27th
Purchase Price: $200 USD
Where to Acquire: Crocs and G-SHOCK
Reason to Grab: Known for pushing boundaries in their choice of partners, Crocs has teamed up with the watch experts at G-SHOCK this week. The result is a unique glow-in-the-dark version of the Echo Wave, featuring a light beige base and contrasting green and pink accents on its strap. What makes this collaboration stand out is that it comes packaged with a co-branded timepiece which can either be worn as a watch or securely placed in the custom dock on the lateral rivet of each shoe.

Wales Bonner x adidas Karintha, Superstar Hi, & Adilette

Launch Date: May 28
Launch Price Range: Between $250 USD to $350 USD
Where to Purchase: adidas
Why It’s Worth Buying: The collaboration between Grace Wales Bonner and adidas Originals is back, delivering a new capsule collection. This duo has been behind many recent exciting footwear releases and this time, they have not only revamped existing designs but also introduced a brand-new model. The Karintha combines adidas’ distinctive features with Wales Bonner’s fashion-forward ideas, featuring a contrast grip-patterned, low-profile outsole with two stylish upper options. The first colorway boasts a sequined brown finish with satin accents, while the second offers a light brown suede. To round off the collection, there are also suede versions of the Superstar Hi that feature perforated Three Stripes and gold co-branding. Lastly, the Adilette slide is included, made of leather for both the footbed and its strap, which has been handwoven in Brazil.

Dragon Ball Z x Crocs Classic Clog “Frieza” & “Cell”

Launch Date: 28th May
Launch Price: $70 USD
Where to Purchase: Crocs Store
Why You Should Buy: A day after the G-SHOCK release, it’s time for Crocs and the Dragon Ball Z franchise to collaborate again. Earlier this year, they launched colorways inspired by Goku and Vegeta. This time, the villains Frieza and Cell take center stage on two Classic Clogs. The Frieza pair features a high-gloss purple with a subdued green, and includes five Jibbitz charms depicting Frieza and his forms. Similarly, Cell’s version boasts his signature green specks alongside high-gloss navy, with Jibbitz charms completing the design.

New Balance MADE in USA 1300JP

Launch Date: 29th May
Launch Price: $330 USD
Where to Purchase: New Balance Store
Why You Should Consider Buying: The New Balance 1300JP model is quite rare in the sneaker market, as it only comes out every five years. This year, it’s back thanks to the MADE in USA line, celebrating the brand’s “Grey Days” month. Each pair emphasizes craftsmanship with light brown nubuck overlays on a blue mesh base. The design features white leather “N” logos at each side of the midfoot, complementing the white lining, heel tab, and ENCAP-equipped midsole.

Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Dodgers”

Launch Date: 30th May
Launch Price: $190 USD
Where to Purchase: SNKRS
Why You Might Want to Buy: If you missed the UNDEFEATED exclusive launch of the Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Dodgers” last month, here’s your chance! Nike is releasing their own version of this LA-themed sneaker. The shoe features a “Game Royal” blue upper with white and “University Red” accents, mirroring the colors of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who recently won the MLB World Series. If you’re a fan looking to show your support, Nike also offers a Kobe-themed baseball equipment collection that pairs well with these sneakers.

A$AP Rocky x PUMA Inhale, Mostro, & Mostro Gabbia Leather

Launch Date: May 30th
Launch Price Range: Between $130 USD and $250 USD
Where to Purchase: HBX (Inhale & Mostro) and PUMA stores
Why You Should Consider Buying: A$AP Rocky, in collaboration with PUMA, has been making waves in the fashion world for less than two years now. He’s revitalized their popular Mostro sneaker and is doing so again with two new Mostros and a collaborative Inhale on the horizon. The Inhale sports fiery overlays with a reflective gray base, subtly referencing A$AP Rocky at the tongue. The standard Mostro maintains its sleek design with a contrasting black and white color scheme, featuring croc skin-inspired leather. The Mostro Gabbia Leather is where things get interesting. Instead of the traditional strap system, it features a Disc unit and a removable cage that enhances the shoe’s edgy aesthetic.

Air Jordan 3 “Rare Air”

Launch Date: May 30
Launch Price: $210 USD
Where to Purchase: SNKRS
Why You Might Want to Acquire: For 2025, Jordan Brand is focusing on a theme called “Rare Air.” This concept takes inspiration from the flaws found in early samples of Air Jordan releases and uses them as symbols of rarity. The series started with two Air Jordan 1 High OGs last month, and it continues now with a unique twist on the Air Jordan 3. Key features include Nike Air branding at the heel, a mirrored logo on the right shoe, and gray suede instead of the usual elephant print. The upper is made of black leather, with bright blue accents and touches of off-white.

FDMTL x OTW by Vans Old Skool 36 and Half Cab 33

Release Date: Mark your calendars for May 30th
Release Price: Expect to spend between $135 USD and $140 USD
Where to Buy: You can grab a pair from HBX and Vans
Why I Can’t Wait to Cop: I’m thrilled about the fusion of Japanese denim and classic Vans designs in this FDMTL x OTW collaboration. They’ve teamed up before on mainline Vans releases, but these times they’re reimagining the Old Skool 36 and Half Cab 33. Unlike their previous projects, these shoes mimic the appearance of sashiko stitching using an engineered knit upper instead of actual denim. A burst of blues is complemented by off-white accents that match the plain OTW by Vans-branded sole unit.

WORKSOUT x Nike Air Max 95 “Uniform” & “Triple Black”

Launch Date: May 31
Launch Price: $200 USD
Where to Purchase: WORKSOUT
Why You Might Want to Buy: In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Air Max 95, South Korean boutique WORKSOUT has collaborated with Nike. They have created two distinctive colorways for the shoe: “Uniform” and “Triple Black”. The “Triple Black” version, which won’t be re-released next month, alters the traditional design of the upper. Instead of its usual wavy structure and anatomy-inspired stacking, it features smooth lines. A large Swoosh is prominently displayed on the lateral side. The “Uniform” edition has a military green upper, while the “Triple Black” version sports a completely black look. WORKSOUT’s branding can be found on the tongue tag and special packaging.

Air Jordan 1 High OG “Ruby”

Launch Date: May 31
Launch Price: $180 USD
Where to Purchase: SNKRS
Why You Might Want to Buy: The Air Jordan 1 line has consistently demonstrated the Jumpman team’s creativity, with both classic and modern colorways being reinvented. This week, the “Bred Toe” Air Jordan 1 High OG is given a new twist, becoming the “Ruby” colorway. The white, black, and red color blocking now features a glossy “Ruby” red thanks to a high-shine crackled leather. A black metal Wings logo adds an extra touch of elegance to this women’s-exclusive design.

2025-05-27 20:56