Collaborations are the minimum these days in the footwear game – and fashion in general. Whether you’re the lead director of a major fashion house, an established global brand, or even a culturally-focused boutique, you can get your message across on sneakers. All these creatives show us how. Let’s jump right into it.

 

Nike Air Max 96 II “White/Black/Midnight Navy”

The Air Max 96 II is an extremely busy sneaker – with multiple views of the visible Air unit as well as paneling and stitching that draws your attention all over. Highly underrated in the Air Max family, this is one of the most durable and comfortable pairs. If you’ve never owned one, now is your chance. The 25th anniversary means an OG colorway returns. There are numerous Air Max heads out there that have awaited pairs like this so expect them to get picked up rather quickly. You can enter raffles at retailers like Extra Butter now.

 

Release Date: April 8, 2021
Retail: $160
Resell pre-release: $195 – $260

 

 

Noah x Vans OG Style 24LX

After collaborating with adidas multiple times last year, Noah has turned to Vans for something that echoes the skate culture of Venice, California. Specifically, the duo drew inspiration from the curbs along the famous beach. The abstract camo on the white/green and black/pink pairs of OG Style 24LX sneakers would’ve been right at home on skaters’ feet in the late ’80s when they first released. Even if you don’t skate, these are great for everyday wear. Hit up Noah to cop.

 

Release Date: April 8, 2021
Retail: N/A
Resell pre-release: N/A

 

LEGO x adidas Ultraboost DNA

adidas and LEGO continue their partnership this week with another buildable/customizable sneaker. Following in the footsteps of last year’s ZX 8000 collaboration, the beloved Ultraboost silhouette will get block plates on the Three Stripes logo that can be built to your own liking. The toe box and insole also feature Brick-inspired prints – without the pain. adidas.com will drop these along with retailer raffles at shops like END. If you don’t want these for yourself, I’d cop and hold as a collectible for the future.

 

Release Date: April 8, 2021
Retail: $200
Resell pre-release: $510 – $1,950

 

Air Jordan 1 Centre Court “White/University Red”

Jordan Brand brings back the “defiant couture” red strip for its low-top AJ1 Centre Court in beautiful fashion. Adding that bright red detail around half of the otherwise all-white sneaker really highlights the full-grain leather and suede in the upper. It also highlights the stitched panels on the heel and brings out the unique shape of the tongue. I’m always interested in how JB changes up classic numbered Jordan pairs so I’ll probably try to grab these and hold them for a few years. The SNKRS app struggle will be real.

 

Release Date: April 8, 2021
Retail: $135
Resell pre-release: $145 – $195

 

Kim Jones x Converse Chuck 70 “Black/Egret” & “Natural Ivory”

One of the most versatile sneakers out there, the Chuck 70 has undergone so many transformations thanks to the minds of amazing designers throughout the world. To add some of its utilitarian DNA back in, Kim Jones has added the TPU cage overlay and speed-lace system. I love the added rigidity that this adds to the traditionally flimsy canvas upper. Wet-weather Chucks are definitely a gamechanger. You can find both the “Black/Egret” pair and “Natural Ivory” pair on SNKRS app and select retailers. I’d probably cop two pairs of each.

 

Release Date: April 8, 2021
Retail: $160
Resell pre-release: $265 – $530 (Black), $340 – $530 (Ivory)

 

Supreme x Dr. Martens 5-Eye Shoe

It seems like once or twice a month we’re hit with a Supreme footwear collab. I’m not about it at all though and this week’s selection is for anyone looking to mix up their usual rotation. A low-top boot by all accounts, the 5-Eye Shoe (8053) is a great canvas with its smooth leather upper. Black and orange have a nice shine for those who want to elevate their daily kicks. A third pair with pony hair in a Zebra print is meant for more adventurous outfits and personalities. These drop via Supreme locations so you know they’ll be hard to get.

 

Release Date: April 8, 2021
Retail: N/A
Resell pre-release: N/A

 

adidas ZX 8000 “Out There”

adidas isn’t playing around on their latest ZX 8000 model. Dubbed “Out There,” the sneaker clearly draws heavily on militaristic cues – with camo, heavy black canvas, rip-tape patches and a detachable pouch. The detachable pouch is without a doubt my favorite part of the sneaker as it houses hi-vis orange laces and can also be used as an accessory for other things. With military surplus stores serving a larger following by the day, these sneakers are great to flip instantly or hold if you don’t want to put them on feet. Hit up retailers like END. and Hanon now to enter raffles.

 

Release Date: April 9, 2021
Retail: $129
Resell pre-release: N/A

 

Air Jordan 5 “Toro Bravo”

12 years is a long time to wait for a retro release of a sneaker, or anything for that matter. So bringing back the bright University Red suede across the entire upper of the Air Jordan 5 along with the “23” on the heel and a translucent outsole understandably took a while. Now that it has returned, as a separate pair from the original Raging Bull Pack, don’t let this fiery color get away again. SNKRS app and select retailers will release this pair. It’s worth holding onto if you aren’t going to be rocking them or trying to flip instantly.

 

Release Date: April 10, 2021
Retail: $190
Resell pre-release: $275 – $400

 

Photos via Extra Butter, Noah, adidas, Nike, Supreme END.