Union LA Combines Two Classic Air Jordan 1s in This Week’s Best Footwear Drops

As we approach the final week of February 2025, it seems brands have returned with renewed energy! Nike, Vans, Jordan Brand, adidas, New Balance, and ANTA are all gearing up for significant releases this coming week. Before we dive into specific pairs you might want to grab, let’s take a moment to recap the most captivating sneaker news from the past seven days.

Last week, Nike caught people’s attention with two fresh designs: Wale showcased the GT Future during NBA All-Star Weekend, and Nike revealed its new $100 USD Air Max Fire sneaker. At the same event, we got a closer look at both the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 “Navy” and its limited edition version in “Varsity Red.” Meanwhile, Supreme’s Spring/Summer 25 collection unveiled a new Air Max 1 ’87 design, and there was talk about five potential UNDEFEATED Air Max 95 releases.

It appears that the team behind Jordan Brand hasn’t overlooked the 35th anniversary of the Air Jordan 5. Previews of Awake NY’s “Arctic Pink” colorway and the returning “Fire Red” have been spotted, as well as news that Paris Saint-Germain will be releasing its own AJ5, along with a matching Air Jordan 4 RM. Additionally, Converse has given us a sneak peek at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s upcoming SHAI 001 shoe.

In other parts of the shoe industry, Salehe Bembury unveiled a sneak peek of his upcoming New Balance 991v2 “Colors Be The Palette”, following an early pair’s leak. Additionally, we got our first glimpse at a new Kith x New Balance collaboration from 2010. Meanwhile, Adidas had a stellar week with Damian Lillard showcasing the adidas Dame X and Donovan Mitchell giving us a sneak peek of the adidas D.O.N. Issue #7. We also got a preview of Bad Bunny’s new adidas Ballerina design in “Bold Gold”.

After getting caught up on the recent happenings in the sneaker market, let’s examine the significant releases we can expect this week, starting with the latest from Nike’s .SWOOSH collection. Don’t forget to check out HBX for immediate access to styles that are currently in stock.

Nike Air Max 1 Low Poly “Adventure”

Launch Date: February 26
Purchase Price: $150 USD
Where to Acquire: .SWOOSH platform
Why You Should Grab One: Nike is once again blending the real and digital worlds through its web3-focused .SWOOSH platform. Last year, it introduced a “Low Poly” version of the Air Max 1, and this time around, it’s reintroducing a retro gaming-inspired version of the shoe with a Tomb Raider-themed color scheme known as the “Adventure” colorway. To acquire a pair, members of .SWOOSH must complete a digital challenge to gain access to the sneaker upon its release this week.

Nicole McLaughlin x Vans Slip-On RS

Release Dates: February 26th and 27th
Release Price: $130 USD
Where to Purchase: Nicole McLaughlin and Vans stores
Why You Might Want to Buy: Designer Nicole McLaughlin has reinvented Vans’ classic Slip-On design, incorporating a pocket in the toe box that resembles a rucksack. The sneaker also comes with adjustable nylon straps, allowing for customization. The sole features a lugged tread pattern for excellent traction, and it is available in color combinations of off-white and gray, adding versatility to your wardrobe.

Air Jordan 4 NET “Triple Black”

Launch Date: 26th of February
Purchase Price: $210 USD
Where to Get Them: SNKRS
Why You Might Want to Buy: Last year, the Air Jordan 4 was a hot topic as Jordan Brand celebrated its 35th anniversary. Two new versions were introduced: the Air Jordan 4 RM and Air Jordan 4 NET. The former came out in multiple colorways, while the latter was only available in an all-white version at the end of the year. Now, this women’s exclusive model is back, but this time in a “Triple Black” edition that flips the color scheme and replaces golden charms with silver ones.

Union LA x Air Jordan 1 High OG “Varsity Red”

Launch Date: 27th February
Launch Price: $200 USD
Where can I Purchase: Union LA
Why You Should Consider Buying: When reminiscing about the standout sneaker releases of the 2010s, the two Frankenstein-inspired Air Jordan 1 High OGs from Union LA are certainly worth mentioning. This innovative design approach involved merging the collar of one original colorway onto another, and it’s making a comeback with this new “Varsity Red” edition. This version of the concept marries the popular “Chicago” color scheme with the collar of the “Shadow” style, resulting in a unique design that showcases blue contrast stitching and Union LA co-branding.

Sporty & Rich x adidas Handball Spezial

Date of Launch: February 27

Price at Launch: $130 USD

Where to Purchase: adidas

Reason to Buy: Emily Oberg’s Sporty & Rich collaboration with adidas has been on a roll since late 2022, releasing multiple sneaker collaborations. Now they’ve revisited the Handball Spezial, offering it in three fresh colorways – “Dark Green,” “Night Indigo,” and “Shadow Red” – that are poised to be popular this season. The uppers combine a sleek suede finish with leather accents, while each pair features a gum sole, Sporty & Rich branding on the tongue tag, and gold-toned Three Stripes above the white lateral side.

Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 992 “Aged Well”

Release Date: February 28th
Release Price: $220 USD
Where to Buy: New Balance
Why You Should Consider Buying: If you missed out on the previous launch, the Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 992 “Aged Well” is back for a second chance. This pair, marking five years of partnership between Freshgoods and New Balance, sold out rapidly last time and is expected to do so again. The shoe’s color scheme of salmon, pink, orange, and brown includes weathered details and distinctive co-branding on both the sneaker and its packaging.

ANTA KAI 2 “Artist on Court”

* Launch Date: February 28th
* Launch Price: $140 USD
* Where to Purchase: ANTA
* Reason to Buy: Following an impressive first year collaboration between ANTA and Kyrie Irving, they are back with the ANTA KAI 2. Inspired by Irving’s artistic personality, this new model highlights his individuality and will be available in various themed colorways, starting with the “Artist on Court” edition. The updated version of ANTA’s logo can be found at the lateral midfoot, while a new textured velvet lace system provides a flexible fit thanks to its dual-lace construction.

Pharrell x adidas Superstar 92

Launch Date: March 1
Launch Price: $200 USD
Where Can You Purchase: adidas
Why You Might Want to Buy: It’s time for Pharrell’s two distinct versions of the adidas Superstar 92, colloquially known as “Double Wide,” to go global. These oversized adaptations of the Superstar highlight its distinctive design, with the colorways of “Core White” and “Core Black” referencing the sneaker’s most recognized color schemes. Vibrant lacing options in pink and yellow offer a pop of color for each pair, while a nod to Pharrell’s home state, Virginia, is visible on the tongue branding.

Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game”

Launch Date: March 1
Launch Price: $210 USD
Where to Purchase: SNKRS
Why You Should Get Them: On June 11, 1997, Michael Jordan, despite being ill (later diagnosed as food poisoning), scored 38 points in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz. He wore the Air Jordan 12 in this black and red colorway, now famously known as the “Flu Game” pair. After last appearing in 2016, these shoes are back again this week.

Fear of God Athletics II Basketball “Putty Beige”

Launch Date: March 1
Launch Price Range: Between $180 USD and $200 USD
Where to Purchase: adidas
Why You Should Consider Buying: The Fear of God Athletics II Basketball sneaker, a collaboration between Fear of God and adidas, is being re-released for its second drop at the end of 2024. Both mid and high-top versions are available in a fresh “Putty Beige” colorway, featuring an upper primarily in a rich taupe tone. The sole unit showcases semi-translucent milky white material, contrasted by black Fear of God branding at the heel of the midsole. Lastly, the upper part of the heel exhibits adidas branding in a gum brown hue.

2025-02-25 21:26