As we go through a cold stretch here in NYC, the one thing I know that keeps me warm is the thought of heat for my feet – which I probably won’t be wearing out anytime soon but I can still rock around the house. This week’s offerings are diverse and plentiful and while I hate saying “there’s something for everyone,” there truly is. So let’s jump right into it for this week’s edition of Hot Cakes.

 

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Crater “Black”

When you break it all down, no matter what, Chucks are classics you can dress down or dress up. The new Crater variation has been a long time coming and infuses Nike’s Space Hippie innovation of recycled materials into the icon. I personally think that the repurposed rubber used to make the outsole gives the shoe a dope look, especially in black. These will hit SNKRS app in three colorways and select retailers.

 

Release Date: January 27, 2021 (Today)
Retail: $95
Resell pre-release: $75 – $165

 

FACETASM x Jordan Why Not Zer0.4

This sneaker and matching apparel collection makes a lot of sense – Russell Westbrook loves fashion and FACETASM has been a leading Japanese label for over a decade. It’s dope to see Westbrook’s fourth signature sneaker silhouette draped in a variety of materials that contrast each other in texture and color. These will be available via SNKRS app and select retailers.

 

Release Date: January 27, 2021 (Today)
Retail: $150
Resell pre-release: $185 – $365

 

Nike Dunk Low “Firecracker”

Part of Nike‘s Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year collection for 2021, this iteration of the Dunk Low celebrates the holiday tradition of firecrackers. Following the DIY trend of late, the blue upper on this pair is crafted with tearaway material so it “explodes” like its namesake. Graphics warn of danger and a special packaging  makes us salty these aren’t dropping here. SNKRS app China will be releasing these.

 

Release Date: January 27, 2021 (Today)
Retail: $150
Resell pre-release: $370 – $800

 

Concepts x Converse “Southern Flame” Pack

Once again Concepts creates amazing footwear through their expert storytelling lens. Inspired by Dr. James Naismith and the game of basketball, this duo takes the peach basket – the first basket for the game – and crafts two colorways of sneakers that are tied to the roots of the game. The Chuck 70 and its orange suede represents the fuzzy exterior of the peach while the green All Star BB Evo references the color of the peach before it becomes ripe. This collection is a must-have for bball fans everywhere. Head over to Concepts stores in Boston and NYC, cncpts.com, converse.com and select retailers to purchase.

 

Release Date: January 28, 2021
Retail: $120 (Chuck 70), $140 (All Star BB Evo)
Resell pre-release: $210 – $500 (Chuck 70), $200 – $400 (All Star BB Evo)

 

Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 “Lookout & Wonderland”

Following the release of their AF1 duo with Nike at the end of last year, Stüssy returns with a new twist. Partnering with Lookout & Wonderland in LA, the brand has hand dyed the Air Force 1 into five different variations spanning from blue to green to yellow/orange. All five colorways were dyed with plant-based dyes that were harvested ethically and each color represents one of the world tour cities (NY, LA, Tokyo, London, Paris). These are absolute fire so good luck trying to grab the limited quantity via stussy.com.

 

Release Date: January 29, 2021
Retail: N/A
Resell pre-release: N/A

 

adidas Originals ZX 8000 “Frozen Lemonade”

Continuing their A-ZX series, adidas Originals has decided that F is for Frozen Lemonade. Not only does the sneaker remind us of how good it is to enjoy summer with a refreshing beverage, but the combination of yellow, cream and mint green just works seamlessly together. Like the lot of you, we’re also looking to enjoying summer days with friends and family once again so these will have to help for now. adidas.com and select retailers like Feature will carry these this weekend.

 

Release Date: January 29, 2021
Retail: $130
Resell pre-release: N/A

 

Air Jordan 1 Low “CNY”

Another early candidate for Sneaker of the Year honors, this Air Jordan 1 is also part of the CNY Pack like the Dunk Low “Firecracker” above. Extremely limited, the red, black and gold rendition celebrates the Year of the Ox on the Lunar calendar with beautifully patterned jacquard material as well as a golden tassel and special packaging that includes red envelopes and gold detailing. These aren’t confirmed for a stateside release but SNKRS app China will definitely have them for those abroad. Rumored to be limited to 8,500 pairs, these will command four digit prices for a long time.

 

Release Date: January 30, 2021
Retail: $170
Resell pre-release: $1,500 – $3,500

 

Photos via Nike, Concepts, Stüssy, adidas Originals