We’re a week out from Thanksgiving and brands have really kicked it into the next gear for the final push of this indescribable year. As always, storytelling holds a special place when it comes to sneakers and getting your hands on these pairs will no doubt create fond memories for the future. A dose of nostalgia and new school design await you in this week’s Hot Cakes. Let’s jump right into it.

 

Nike Dunk Low “Ceramic”

This is the third and final colorway from 2001’s “Ugly Duckling” pack that has retroed for fans this year – following the “Veneer” release last week and the “Plum” release from February. I am a sucker for great suede on any sneaker and these have it all over the upper in that beautiful ceramic orange that it derives its nickname from and in black and nori green for contrast. Completing sets is a must for me so I’ll be copping and rocking these from SNKRS app without a doubt.

 

Release Date: November 19, 2020
Retail: $100
Resell pre-release: $250 – $600

 

Concepts x Nike SB Dunk High “Mallard” aka “Turdunken”

Concepts took off with the idea of a turducken – chicken stuffed inside a duck stuffed inside a turkey – and created a Thanksgiving friendly sneaker out of it. Mostly focusing on the male mallard duck, this sneaker is covered with a plush leather quarter panel to give off a feather effect and fuzzy material on the heel to imitate down. Blue covers the Swoosh on the lateral and green on the medial. An iridescent leather tongue and toile print on the insole and liner bring a beautiful design together. These will spark the Thanksgiving conversations for sure this year – virtually of course. Hit up SNKRS app to cop.

 

Release Date: November 21, 2020
Retail: $120
Resell pre-release: $450 – $1,000

 

Cactus Plant Flea Market x Swarovski x Nike Dunk Low “Platinum”

If you’re about being loud, this is as loud as it gets, holidays or not. Cactus Plant Flea Market has taken the silhouette of the year – Nike’s Dunk Low – and given it the most glamorous reimagining. Covered in Swarovski crystals from top to bottom, left to right, these have been teased on Instagram for weeks now and will finally see the light of day. This pair is way too much for me but I appreciate CPFM’s approach and adding the fat tongue, oversized Swoosh logo and detachable double lace flaps. CPFM’s website will exclusively release these so be quick.

 

Release Date: November 18, 2020 (Today)
Retail: $550
Resell pre-release: $1,500 – $2,400

 

Casablanca x New Balance 327 “Cream/White”

Like many brands this year, French-Moroccan label Casablanca has taken New Balance’s 327 and elevated it with their personal touch. For their second drop, a “Cream/White” colorway is hitting shelves and I’m all about their vibes. Simply adding in a little cream and light pink to the white upper and a green trim to the “N” logo brings this sneaker to life. You also can’t forget about the gold lace tips which make you feel super classy. These are a must cop for me so hit up your local retailers ASAP to secure raffles and get info.

 

Release Date: November 20, 2020
Retail: $150
Resell pre-release: $250 – $660

 

Pharrell Williams x adidas Originals HU NMD “Black”

With a tonal yellow variation in the rear mirror, adidas Originals and Pharrell have prepared another rendition of the HU NMD sneaker. This time, Chinese characters that say “Human Race” run down the sneaker’s Primeknit upper in a slightly lighter shade so that you can see it. Contrasting white laces are the move for sure on these. You can grab a pair via adidas.com/pharrell and through their Confirmed app.

 

Release Date: November 19, 2020
Retail: $220
Resell pre-release: $310 – $700

 

LQQK Studio x Vault by Vans OG Chukka LX “Circle V”

Creative studio and printing shop LQQK Studio is home grown. Based out of Brooklyn, the collective has previously worked with Vault by Vans and once again brings their creative vision onto a capsule collection. While an OG Style 17 Mule LX arrives in three colorways too, I’m a huge fan of the OG Chukka LX and these are what I’ll be after. The mid-cut on these and the beautiful Circle V that is embossed into the upper make these a hard cop for me. Head over to select Vault by Vans dealers and lqqkstudio.com to cop.

 

Release Date: November 21, 2020
Retail: N/A
Resell pre-release: N/A

 

Photo via @hidelover, Concepts, @yoon_ambush, Casablanca, adidas, Vans/LQQK Studio