TOP SNEAKER RELEASES WEEK 36

Cecilie Bahnsen and ASICS continue their collaboration, giving the futuristic Gel-Kinetic FR an especially dark look. The “Black Coffee” combines various shades of black and brown, blending ASICS’ technical running aesthetic with the Danish designer’s distinctly more experimental approach.

The combination of substantial GEL cushioning, a complex upper, and an almost entirely dark colorway makes this collaboration one of the more striking ASICS releases of the week. The Cecilie Bahnsen x ASICS Gel-Kinetic FR “Black Coffee” releases on September 1 for €200.

Nike is bringing back the Kobe 3 for the first time as a modernized low-top version. The “Pure Platinum” deliberately keeps things understated, combining a light Pure Platinum upper with subtle Armory Blue details. This allows the Kobe 3’s unusual construction to take center stage.

As with previous Protro releases, the original Kobe DNA is combined with modern performance technology. For Kobe fans, this makes the model one of the most interesting new basketball releases of the year. The Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro “Pure Platinum” drops on September 1 for €190.

Just a few days after the “Pure Platinum,” the next Kobe 3 Low Protro arrives – and this one is likely to attract considerably more attention. Nike combines Kobe Bryant’s basketball legacy with his well-known passion for FC Barcelona.

The upper starts in a bold Electro Purple and gradually transitions into black toward the heel. Metallic Gold accents on the Swoosh and logos reference Barça’s aesthetic. One of the standout details is the mismatched tongues: one features Kobe’s Sheath logo, while the other carries the FC Barcelona crest.

On the performance side, Nike combines a full-length Zoom Strobel unit with Cushlon 3.0 foam, bringing the Kobe 3 into a modern performance setup. The FC Barcelona x Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro releases on September 4 for €200.

Our highlight of the week is the Air Jordan 4 Retro Rare Air “Tour Yellow.” A full 20 years after its original release, the coveted colorway from Jordan Brand’s 2006 lifestyle series is returning for the first time as a retro.

The sneaker is built around premium white leather with matching mesh inserts. Black wings provide contrast, but the real highlight sits underneath: the bold Tour Yellow midsole with black speckles makes the colorway instantly recognizable and clearly sets it apart from more traditional Jordan 4 releases.

Things get even more interesting on the tongue. Thanks to the Rare Air construction, the Velcro patches can be swapped or flipped, revealing hidden details including “Jordan Rare Air” branding. Semi-translucent eyelets, a visible Air unit, and the classic AJ4 silhouette complete the design.

For us, this is one of the strongest Jordan retros of recent months and easily the most important release of Week 36. The Air Jordan 4 Retro Rare Air “Tour Yellow” releases on September 5 for €220.