So I went 0-for-7 on last week’s Hot Cakes list, which doesn’t surprise me. You take more L’s in this game than W’s – that’s what makes a win so sweet and satisfying. But like an elephant, I forget about it quickly and move on. That brings me to this week’s pairs, which range from new school basketball silhouettes to innovative takes on old school runners. Let’s jump right into it.

 

Air Jordan 35 “Greatest Gift”

If you watch the NBA regularly, you’ll know that Jayson Tatum loves the AJ35 silhouette. A special colorway crafted for him to celebrate the women in his life, this “Greatest Gift” pair looks like a pair straight out of Toy Story with its color scheme – but actually composed of his family’s favorite colors (Blue Fury, Green Spark, University Red and Purple Nebula). The *98 hand-drawn graphic above the plate references Tatum’s birth year while “Women in Power” runs across the lace locks. Hit up SNKRS app to grab these.

 

Release Date: March 19, 2021
Retail: $180
Resell pre-release: $205 – $325

 

Kim Jones x Nike Air Max 95 “Total Orange” & “Volt”

Dior Men’s Artistic Director Kim Jones should need no introduction at this point. Teaming up with Nike, who he’s been working with since 2016, he’s taken iconic OG Air Max 95 colorways – “Neon” and “Safety Orange” – and added his own design twists to them. Paying homage to many beloved Air Max 1’s of the past, he’s added the mini Swoosh onto the toe cap while incorporating a perforated upper inspired by the Air Max 360. The eyestays have also been given a modern makeover with Nexkin, a translucent and stretch-woven material. I love that this is dropping right before the annual Air Max Day celebration (March 26). “Total Orange” will be available in the U.S. on SNKRS and globally alongside the apparel collection while the “Volt” iteration and matching collection is a UK exclusive, so hit up retailers like END. to enter the raffle.

 

Release Date: March 19, 2021
Retail: $220
Resell pre-release: $270 – $300 (Total Orange), $1,000 – $1,700 (Volt)

 

adidas YZY QNTM “Sea Teal”

The signature basketball sneaker from the mind of Kanye West gets another color update this weekend. I personally have not been able to get my hands on a pair yet to try them out – on or off the court – but I’ve heard rave reviews from friends and colleagues. Staying with the black upper panel and grey heel cross panel, the rest of the sneaker gets your attention with a mix of blue hues, reminding you of ocean waves. I like gums soles a lot, so these are a win in my book. Hit up the adidas Confirmed app to cop.

 

Release Date: March 19, 2021
Retail: $250
Resell pre-release: N/A

 

adidas x Pharrell Williams 0 to 60 Shoes “Core Black”

Part of a “Triple Black” collection that Pharrell is dropping this week is the 0 to 60 Shoes. Designed to be off-court basketball sneakers inspired by the heavy influence of hip-hop on the sport, the design is covered in premium black leather and has a crossing zipper on the upper that is hidden under the “HUMANRACE” fastener. BOOST technology makes sure that you’re comfy all day long. adidas.com will drop these along with the rest of the collection this weekend so get ready to treat yourself to some sleek new Three Stripes swag from the mind of Skateboard P.

 

Release Date: March 19, 2021
Retail: $180
Resell pre-release: $175

 

Air Jordan 3 “Midnight Navy”

March Madness is upon us and Jordan Brand is ready to drop a colorway that’ll make Georgetown Hoya fans lose it – without breaking the bank. The cement grey on the sockliner and tongue perfectly complements the midnight navy leather that runs across the entire upper and sits above the cement elephant print. These will be available via SNKRS app and I’m pretty sure the DMV area is gonna go ham for them.

 

Release Date: March 20, 2021
Retail: $190
Resell pre-release: $245 – $400

 

adidas YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 “Ash Pearl”

At the end of last month, we got “Ash Blue” and “Ash Stone” regional exclusive colorways of the 350 V2. Now, adidas has readied an “Ash Pearl” iteration for the entire family. Leave it to Kanye to give names to all different shades and hues of beige and earth tones. Basically split into three color zones, the translucent and gum outside hide the BOOST while a greyish black adorns the middle of the Primeknit before giving way to the earthy red on the Stripe and upper collar. I always enjoy family size runs on sneakers so hit up the Confirmed app to cop for everyone.

 

Release Date: March 20, 2021
Retail: $220 (Adults), $160 (Kids), $140 (Infants)
Resell pre-release: $320 – $410

 

WACKO MARIA x Vans Vault OG Authentic LX “Lilac Sachet,” “Iced Aqua” & “Classic White”

WACKO MARIA and Vault by Vans have come together to celebrate music and the culture around vinyl records with their latest collaboration. With three colors to choose from, these are staples for anyone that reminisces about the old school days of dropping the needle on a vinyl and scratching to their own tune. Personally the “Lilac Sachet” is the go-to move out of the trio as it’s a statement piece by itself and can be mixed and matched with a wide range of styles. Vans Vault dealers like Feature will be dropping these.

 

Release Date: March 20, 2021
Retail: $80
Resell pre-release: N/A

 

Photos via Nike, END., adidas, Feature