Midweek Roundup 9.3

This week has been a heavy one for us all. Fighting for black lives, loss at every turn, boycotts, protest… so much is happening, that your focus and wellbeing is tested daily. Sneaker shop closures happened this week and Adidas decided to push back releases, in support of the protest. With everything going on, it is good to have an outlet at times to get away from all that is in front of us. Sneakers is that outlet for many of us. Buying, trading, the talks, the debates, the pictures, the culture – all give you a moment to step back and enjoy.

Jordan Brand hit us with another dope collaboration with Union. The Jordan Union collection dropped on Saturday, August 29th, including a Jordan Retro IV in two new colorways. The entire collections sold out in minutes, but some got lucky and got through, to have a great Saturday. The Jordan Retro 3 “Denim” also hit stateside this week. Coming to us in an all-white upper, the iconic elephant print, along with the black and red accents – these didn’t sit long. Unfortunately, we didn’t get Japanese heel branding but these are still a must for Jordan heads.

Medicom Toy and Nike brought back one of the original BE@RBRICK SB Dunks this week and we are here for it! During the height of the SB era, these were one of the most sought after and this re-release does not disappoint. The upper features the same two-toned black denim with the BE@RBRICK logo on the tongue. The Air Max 1 is one of the first models from famed sneaker designer, Tinker Hatfield, and this week, we got a chance to pick up the Air Max 1 “Evergreen”. This classic colorway is one of the cleanest out. Perfect for the fall season that is right around the corner.

Mamba week kicked off and it was emotional for us all. With special commercials, ads, celebrity testimony, and everything in between, we were reminded of the Mamba Mentality and Kobe Bryant’s influence in both leagues. Players pulled out PEs and exclusive colorways in just about every Kobe model and we were here for it. During this iconic week, we got releases on the Kobe 5 Big Stage/ Parade Protro, Kobe Protro 5 “LA”, Kobe 5 Protro “EYBL”, and Undefeated releases the Kobe 5 x Undefeated “What If” package, and all are pure gold, as well as a must. Kobe fans celebrated with showing off collections, wearing their favorite sneakers, and showing up and showing out.

Jerry Lorenzo has been in the collab game for a while and Fear Of God has been one of the top brands over the past few years. This week, FOG and Converse brought us the FOG essentials x Converse Skid Grip. Selling out in minutes and being a head-turner, these maintain the mold for all of the FOG collaborations. Also, in his collab bag, Jayden Smith has teamed up with New Balance for another colorway in the Vision Racer. This time, coming in a nicely clean navy and white, these give you the look of a high-fashion sneaker, with the comfort of a classic New Balance.

Remember, take some time to recharge and refuel. We all need a break and don’t be ashamed to unplug when necessary. Sneakers are a great escape, but your peace is the goal. As always, “rise, grind, and buy sneakers!”