It’s hard to fathom that we’ve spent half this year in quarantine and that it’ll continue to be the norm moving forward into September and the rest of this year. In order to help with any seasonal depression that may be starting to rear its head, this week’s Hot Cakes feature both bright and colorful selections to prolong your summer but also some darker essentials for the days you want to dress down and not be too loud. Let’s jump right into it.

Air Jordan 1 “Baroque Brown aka Bio Hack”

Jordan Brand says this colorway is inspired by the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Looking at it, I see a lot of similarities between the colorway and the 2005 UNDEFEATED x Nike Dunk High NL (no liner) in terms of color palette. I love that the darker shades of suede around the upper gives way to the neon green midsole, teal toe box, orange tongue and pick sockliner. The added embroidered tongue tab is a nice addition along with the silver Swoosh. These are a hard rock for me – the perfect seasonal transition AJ1. You can pick them up at select boutiques like Feature and via SNKRS app. – Matt

This highly (and I mean highly) anticipated Air Jordan model is finally expected to be released this week, and from the looks of it, we’re not sure we’ll be able to snag a pair before they disappear. Rumor has it that this release may be limited to only 5,000 pairs. This pair, taking on inspiration and similar aesthetics of the 2005 UNDEFEATED x Nike Dunk High NL, is skillfully and carefully crafted from a variety of color panels (similar to the pair previously mentioned) such as “Laser Orange,” and “Baroque Brown.” This look also comes with a mint green midsole that is as lovely as it is enticing, and a pink liner. The uppers are constructed from suede and leather, as well as nylon. The inspiration behind this release, as well as its flawless execution, make it a memorable, important, and exciting release. You may want to rock it or flip it, I leave that up to you, but I’d definitely rock this one. – Sahar

Release Date: September 4, 2020
Retail: $170
Resell pre-release: $300 – $400, $1,000+ for size 16-18

Moncler x fragment design x Converse Chuck 70 Ox (White/Black)

There’s something about all-white sneakers with just the right mix of black that does it for me. The Converse Chuck 70 Ox is one of those timeless silhouettes I feel like everyone should have in their rotation – you can dress it along the entire range of fashion styles. Continuing their long standing relationship, Hiroshi Fujiwara’s fragment design label adds a design code along the lateral midsole and their signature thunderbolt logo to the heel alongside Moncler. These are rock and stock for me. You can pick them up via converse.com and boutiques like Feature. They’re also offered in a contrasting Black/White colorway. – Matt

Release Date: September 3, 2020
Retail: $135
Resell pre-release: $230 – $400

Nike SB Dunk Low Pro “Chicago”

It seems like every week we’re here talking about a Nike SB Dunk release and honestly, I love it. I’m glad that a new generation of sneakerheads can finally appreciate the silhouette and that Nike SB is dropping gems constantly. The “Chicago” Dunk Low Pro draws its nickname and colors obviously from the Bulls but also continues the lineage of the “JPack (Jordan Pack)” which started in 2005 with the original “JPack Royal” inspired by the Air Jordan 1 colorway. If you need some quick cash, these are a great flip but as someone who loves these colors, I’d personally like to rock. These have dropped in Europe, hopefully they arrive stateside soon. – Matt

Release Date: September 1, 2020 (Released)
Retail: $95
Resell pre-release: $670 – $750, $1,500+ for size 13 – 14

Tokyo Design Studio (TDS) New Balance x snow peak Niobium Concept 1 MSNB1SA2

New Balance’s Tokyo Design Studio (TDS) is a concept-driven creative studio which basically means they get to make some really cool sh*t with really nice materials! Teaming up with outdoor specialists snow peak, the duo have come up with a 3-in-1 sneaker, slipper and boot. Its name is derived from Niobium, Nb, the 41st element in the periodic table. Built around the theme of fishing, the sneakers have a waterproof eVent liner, ballistic coating, weatherproof toe cap and the MT801 trail runner’s ABZORB outsole. To switch styles, a zipper releases the ankle collar and you can even hook gaiters, from the matching apparel collection, onto the boot. If you like to go outdoors, this is a must-have. You can grab these via snowpeak.com. – Matt

Release Date: September 4, 2020
Retail: $300 (Estimate)
Resell pre-release: N/A

Photos via: Feature, END., Shinichiro Shiraishi/New Balance/snow peak