It’s time to leave 2023 behind and start looking forward to the new year which looks set up to be full of great releases, new trends and cultural talking points already. Below are some of the most anticipated sneaker releases that we know about so far.
Trophy Room x Air Jordan 1 Low
Trophy Room is set to make waves with its upcoming release, the Air Jordan 1 Low. This latest release holds significance for Trophy Room as it marks the store's first high-profile shoe since the Air Jordan 1 High debacle. The intervening year saw the lukewarm reception of the Air Jordan 7 in 2022, leaving fans curious about the store's next move.
The Air Jordan 1 Low release comprises two distinct pairs: a Trophy Room exclusive and a wider release, drawing inspiration from Michael Jordan’s iconic Fleer rookie card. The choice of narrative aligns with Marcus Jordan's approach to design, showcasing his work at its best when paying homage to his father's legacy as the greatest of all time. Yet, as the community eagerly anticipates the drop, questions linger. Will these shoes live up to the hype surrounding releases from the Jordan legacy? The answer, in all likelihood, is a resounding "yes." The connection to Michael Jordan's Fleer rookie card alone is enough to capture the attention and admiration of fans and collectors alike. These are supposedly set for a February release, most likely around NBA All-Star Weekend.
Action Bronson x New Balance 1906R
Last year's dual release of his custom 990v6s showcased Bronson's commitment to authenticity and his desire to break away from convention with his vibrant colour schemes. The departure from New Balance's traditional grey palette was a refreshing move, with the artist opting for unique colourways inspired by the allure of Mediterranean pastries and stones from heaven.
Building on the success of his previous collaborations, Bronson is gearing up for another exciting year with the imminent release of his "Rosewater" 1906R. Leaked photos have surfaced, giving us a sneak peek into one of three colourways slated for 2024, as confirmed by the man himself. However, rather than leaving the unveiling to chance, Bronson took matters into his own hands, offering fans an exclusive on-foot photo and a glimpse into the inspiration behind the captivating colour scheme.
The "Rosewater" 1906R draws inspiration from some of Bronson's favourite women's-exclusive colour schemes throughout sneaker history. The details feature a distinctive pink heel counter and eye-catching lime green rope laces. Bronson's artistic touch, combined with a nod to iconic designs, promises a unique sneaker that stands out in a crowded market.
Bronson's journey with New Balance in 2023 saw him sporting blue and fluorescent yellow make-up, which felt like a natural evolution from his 990v6s. However, it's the "Rosewater" leak that has sparked heightened excitement among everyone. Dropping multiple sneakers in a single calendar year is no small feat, and Bronson's ability to do so speaks volumes about his creative prowess and resonance within the sneaker community.
Air Jordan 4 “Bred” Reimagined
More than six months ago, rumours circulated about the Air Jordan 4 undergoing a transformation called the "Bred Reimagined," coinciding with the release of the Air Jordan 3 "White Cement Reimagined." Now, an early glimpse of the highly awaited AJ4 has emerged, accompanied by fresh details on its release. The 2019 "Bred" colour scheme is reintroduced, featuring a predominantly black upper adorned with premium leather. The “Nike Air” heel branding, the AJ4 “Bred” will make its return in new form for the first time since 2019.
The Air Jordan 4 "Bred," an iconic OG colourway, has seen the least number of reissues, despite its memorable status. It returned in retro form in 2012, albeit with a silhouette shape that wasn't as refined as the original and included the Jumpman logo on the heel. Nevertheless, the significance of the shoe's reappearance after a 23-year hiatus outweighed concerns about deviating from the original design specifications for consumers.
This reimagined release is one of the most anticipated releases in recent memory.
Travis Scott’s Signature Shoe
The spotlight on Travis Scott's sneaker influence is set to intensify in 2024 as fans eagerly await the retail debut of his first all-new signature silhouette. Throughout the past year, variations of the yet-to-be-named model have made appearances on Laflame’s feet, with its on-foot debut at the Cannes Film Festival last May sparking significant interest. Despite the steady buildup surrounding this upcoming release, details about the signature silhouette remain sparse, adding an element of mystery to the already heightened anticipation. The question that looms is whether this new model will not only meet but potentially exceed the bar set by Scott's most popular Air Jordans. It's an ambitious standard, considering the immense success of previous collaborations, but the premise of a dedicated Travis Scott sneaker model is undeniably exciting. The sneaker community is on the edge of its collective seat, ready to witness how this new chapter in Travis Scott's sneaker legacy unfolds. The prospect of a signature silhouette offers a canvas for the rapper's creative vision to fully manifest, promising a design that goes beyond the confines of existing models. As the release date approaches, the industry is buzzing with speculation and curiosity, eager to see how Scott's unique style translates into a standalone sneaker model.
Futura x Nike SB Dunk Low
Futura's impact on the sneaker scene dates back to 2003 when he introduced the world to the namesake SB Dunk Low, a design that quickly became a coveted gem in the world of streetwear. His collaboration legacy continued with the release of the highly sought-after "FLOM" SB Dunk Highs, Decades later, Nike SB is revisiting its storied history by tapping Futura for yet another significant release. This announcement is particularly noteworthy, especially considering that Futura's recent collaboration with the late Virgil Abloh was confined to limited auction releases. The anticipation surrounding this collaboration lies not only in Futura's historical significance but also in the prospect of witnessing a colourful variation of his iconic artwork gracing the overlays of the upcoming sneaker. While little has been revealed about the shoe itself, leaked images suggest that the design will stay true to Futura's artistic ethos. His signature and the distinctive Futura Laboratories logo will be prominently featured on the side panels, tongue, and outsole, adding a personal touch to the collaboration. Importantly, the design avoids simply riffing on Futura's past work, opting for an authentic representation that pays homage to his legacy while forging new ground.
