Let’s be honest, there hasn’t been much to celebrate in 2020. But this week’s Hot Cakes lineup is about celebration because the happy moments help heal and bring us closer together. The Lakers are fresh off their 17th championship run and Nike will be celebrating the occasion with a special Kobe V Protro “5 Rings” colorway. Across two different oceans, ASICS celebrates the 30th anniversary of their GEL-LYTE III model in collaboration with British retailer END., who’s celebrating the brand’s 15th anniversary themselves. The delayed global release of the UNION x Air Jordan 4 also happens this week. Let’s jump right into it.

 

Nike Kobe V Protro “5 Rings”

The “5 Rings” colorway first released back in 2010 on the Kobe 5 model after Bryant led the Lakers to their 16th championship and his 5th with the franchise. The Kobe V Protro version will release exactly 10 years to the day from its predecessor and celebrates not only Kobe’s legacy but the Lakers’ 17th chip. These are a MUST HAVE for checking off all the boxes in terms of story, design and performance. They’ll be available through SNKRS app and select retailers.

 

Release Date: October 15, 2020
Retail: $180
Resell pre-release: $235 – $550

 

END. x ASICS GEL-LYTE III “Pearl”

These go so hard. Not only does this pair remind me of one of my favorite GL3 pairs of all-time – the collaboration done alongside solebox – but they offer joy and celebration and an amazing color combination. END. celebrates their 15th anniversary and ASICS celebrates the 30th anniversary of the GEL-LYTE III so a “Pearl” variation (pearls are traditionally given as a 30th wedding anniversary gift) is so fitting. I can’t get enough of the purple, lavender grey, pink and ivory on the suede and tumbled leather. These are a sure fire cop for me and you can enter the draw now via END. for a chance to purchase them.

 

Release Date: October 17, 2020
Retail: $160
Resell pre-release: N/A

 

Air Jordan 1 “Lucky Green”

Sometimes the ladies get better colorways than us and this is a prime example of that. This Air Jordan 1 colorway is said to have been inspired by the 63-point playoff game MJ had against Boston in 1986 but it really just reminds me of the Heineken SB more than anything. While the outside colors are reminiscent of Nike SB classic, the insoles on these AJ1s bring back the parquet floor vibes of the old days. These arrive in sizes for the entire family so I’m all for grabbing some for everyone to match together. Head over to SNKRS app and select retailers to purchase.

 

Release Date: October 14, 2020 (Today)
Retail: $170
Resell pre-release: $290 – $370

 

UNION LA x Air Jordan 4 “Off Noir”

Your second chance to purchase one of the top sneaker releases of the year is here. After being delayed, the global release of the “Off Noir” edition of UNION’s coveted AJ4 will hit SNKRS app via their draw system. Prices for these are holding steady and honestly I’ve waited for this chance to cop for retail before I turn to just paying resell. While the “Guava” UNION exclusive colorway is rarer, I feel like this pair is easier to wear daily and great for any style. Hard cop and rock for me on these. Good luck everyone!

 

Release Date: October 16, 2020
Retail: $250
Resell pre-release: $520 – $790

 

SBTG x Limited Edt x New Balance 327 “Urban Islander”

Singaporean artist Mark Ong, better known as SBTG, and Singaporean boutique Limited Edt have been tapped by New Balance to bring their homeland’s urban and paradise vibes to life. Utilizing the 327 silhouette, a favorite since it’s release, SBTG has added his signature camo designs onto one medial side while pineapples and “Urban Islander” make up the other. Both feature dark army olive suede covering the laterals. These will be available alongside matching sandals, apparel and accessories through Limited Edt CHAMBER, limitededt.com and sbtgsuprlus.com.

 

Release Date: October 15, 2020 (Singapore)
Retail: N/A
Resell pre-release: $240 – $600

 

Nike Air Force 1 Low “Wheat Mocha”

The Air Force 1’s “Wheat” variation has been reincarnated in many forms since 2001’s Air Force 1 Low B iteration. None of the previous versions, High or Low have come close in color to matching the original but this week’s “Wheat Mocha” just might. With a full suede upper, translucent midsole and dark brown outsole and sock liner, these are a must have for the OGs who want a pair that reminds them of the good old days but that won’t break on them the second they go onto feet. These will hit SNKRS app and various retailers soon.

 

Release Date: October 17, 2020
Retail: $130
Resell pre-release: $150 – $300 ($600 – $700 for size 16-18)

 

Photos via OVERKILL, Nike, END., New Balance