TOP SNEAKER RELEASES WEEK 39

To mark Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, adidas has transformed the classic Superstar into a tribute to Charizard. The model is part of an extensive anniversary collection that combines various fan favourites with iconic adidas silhouettes.

The orange suede upper features a scale-like texture, whilst green accents on the padded collar echo the Fire-type Pokémon’s signature colour scheme. The highlight is the detachable wing attachments above the laces, which clearly set the Superstar apart from a standard character colourway. The classic shell toe remains intact. The Pokémon x adidas Superstar ‘Charizard’ is set to be released on 22 September and is currently priced from €180.

With the Nike Mind 001 ‘Summit White’, Nike is launching not a classic performance trainer, but an unusual pre-game mule. The open slip-on design is intended to help athletes focus and connect their body and mind before a competition.

The focus is on the sole developed by Nike’s Mind Science Department. A total of 22 movable elements apply targeted pressure to the foot whilst walking, thereby activating sensory areas of the brain. Soft foam provides cushioning, whilst a flexible and perforated construction enhances comfort. Summit White, Phantom and Light Orewood Brown give this futuristic model a clean look. The Nike Mind 001 “Summit White” is due to be released on 22 September and is currently priced from €110.

New Balance is getting the 990v4 Made in USA ready for the cooler months with the ‘Monarch Burgundy’ colourway. Introduced in 2016, the silhouette combines its signature technical running look with a warm blend of burgundy, brown and black.

Monarch Burgundy covers the mesh and large sections of the nubuck overlays, whilst dark pumpernickel accents feature on the side ‘N’ logos and the midsole, amongst other places. Reflective details on the toe box and heel add a touch of contrast to the tonal design. Beneath the upper, a supportive ENCAP midsole combines with ABZORB cushioning in the heel and forefoot areas. The New Balance 990v4 Made in USA “Monarch Burgundy” is due to be released on 24 September and is currently priced from €240.

Our highlight of the week is the One Piece x Nike Air Max Plus ‘Gomu Gomu’. For this collaboration, Nike has brought Monkey D. Luffy’s legendary Devil Fruit to the Air Max Plus, giving the iconic TN silhouette a completely redesigned upper.

Spiral patterns in various shades of purple are reminiscent of the surface of the Gomu Gomu no Mi. Bright green and yellow accents provide contrast, whilst the familiar caging has been organically integrated into the design. A reimagined Jolly Roger logo on the tongue establishes a direct link to the manga and anime series. The Tuned Air construction remains beneath the eye-catching upper. The One Piece x Nike Air Max Plus “Gomu Gomu” launches on 25 September and is currently priced from €175.

With the Air Jordan 1 Low OG ‘Last Dance At The Garden’, Jordan Brand commemorates Michael Jordan’s final appearance in a Chicago jersey at Madison Square Garden. Although the Air Jordan 13 was already his current signature model at the time, MJ took to the court once more in the Air Jordan 1 ‘Chicago’, symbolically bringing things full circle back to his beginnings.

The low-top features the classic colours of black, white and red, but combines them with high-quality materials, metallic gold accents and floral details. Orange and blue elements on the inside also pay homage to New York, whilst special packaging rounds off the story behind the release. The Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG “Last Dance At The Garden” is set to be released on 26 September for around €160.