Happy new year everyone! Since it’s a fresh year, that means you have the perfect excuse to spend some paper on fresh kicks. It’s with open arms (from a safe six foot distance) that we welcome you back to our weekly column Hot Cakes for some of this week’s freshest drops. We won’t waste anymore time, let’s jump right into it.

 

Nike Dunk Low Women’s “UNC”

While this colorway of the Nike Dunk Low is a women’s specific release, it’s not going to stop a bunch of us from trying. As a UNC fan, this colorway screams Tar Heels all the way for me. As the Dunk was originally created for the game of basketball, it’s perfect that the resurgence of the model is coming along with school’s team colors. Retailers like Extra Butter will be dropping these and they’ll be a welcome sight during the big dance in March.

 

Release Date: January 7, 2021
Retail: $100
Resell pre-release:  N/A

 

Nike Dunk Low “Panda”

The “Panda” colorway on Nike sneakers have always referenced the black and white 50/50 color scheme similar to the beloved cute animals their nickname alludes to. As a native New Yorker, black is my wardrobe color of choice, so these will be perfect with any outfit and have just the right amount of white that I won’t feel like it’s too much. Select retailers like Extra Butter will carry these in full size runs for the entire family so get ready to shell out for wifey and the kids too.

 

Release Date: January 7, 2021
Retail: $100
Resell pre-release:  $300 – $680

 

Nike Overbreak “College Grey”

I really like this new silhouette from Nike. The React outsole tooling used from the Overreact silhouette works wonders combined with the faux-suede and leather on the upper. I especially enjoy the use of large rounded laces as well to bring together a street look, running look and outdoor hiking aesthetic all into one piece of footwear. And we all know, that Fossil vibe is strong right now. These are a cop for me from SNKRS app and select retailers.

 

Release Date: January 8, 2021
Retail: $140
Resell pre-release:  $240 – $380

 

UNDEFEATED x Nike Air Max 97 “White”

UNDEFEATED and Nike dropped off a duo of Air Max 97’s in Militia Green/Orange and Black/Volt before the end of 2020. Now a third colorway is joining the party. Arriving in UCLA-inspired white, blue and yellow, the super clean aero blue makes its way onto the tongue logo, heel tab and along the entire shoe with “UNDEFEATED” wording in white. The midwest gold provides further accents in the same spots and the gum sole is the perfect finishing touch. These will be available from SNKRS app.

 

Release Date: January 8, 2021
Retail: $180
Resell pre-release:  $480 – $1,000

 

adidas Originals ZX 8000 “Vieux Lyon” 

As part of their A-ZX campaign, adidas Originals has looked towards the French town of Vieux Lyon or “Old Lyon” for inspiration. While a mix of suede and mesh are used, the standout on this pair is clearly the jacquard that’s used in both the pink and purple section of the sneaker as well as the white and grey area. Jacquard weaving was invented in Vieux Lyon and therefore these are a homage to that history. Add in neon-trimmed Three Stripes and a translucent outsole with the French flag underneath and these are a must-have for fashionistas. Retailers like Feature and END. are selling these through draws and raffles so enter quickly.

 

Release Date: January 8, 2021
Retail: $140
Resell pre-release:  N/A

 

Air Jordan 1 “Volt Gold”

Tri-tonal coloring isn’t new and the Air Jordan 1 is exploring a bright new possibility in 2021. With volt dominating the wings on the model and university gold bursting from the heel panel and tongue, the only way to complete the look is with the black and white leather upper and sail highlighting along the midsole and laces. A pre-distressed look on a new colorway is just the way to go to start off the year. Hit up SNKRS app and select retailers for these.

 

Release Date: January 9, 2021
Retail: $170
Resell pre-release:  $225 – $600

 

New Balance M5740LA & M5740LB

New Balance‘s 574 silhouette has been holding it down for over 30 years and now it’s the basis for a redesign that will bring it into the modern era. A lot sleeker than its counterpart, the 5740 adds in ridges and groves along the midsole while keeping the same DNA in the heel cap, large “N” logo and toe box panel. I really like both the M5740LA (white) and M5740LB (black) color palettes because they remind me of Apple designs from the ’80s. Grab yourself a pair from retailers like Bodega before they’re all gone.

 

Release Date: January 9, 2021
Retail: $100
Resell pre-release:  N/A

 

Photos via Extra Butter, Nike, Feature, Bodega