The world of sneaker drops can be a tricky place to navigate. The sneaker market is valued at over $131.1 billion, with projections suggesting the space will reach a valuation of $215.6 billion by 2031. If you thought 2022 was a big year for sneakers, 2023 promises to be an exciting year for sneakerheads, with new collaborations and the reimagination of a few classics. For 2023, there are three key trends; modern-day iterations, retro runners, and futuristic kicks. The former is lean and minimalist in silhouette and colour, retro runners are inspired by ’90s minimalism or alternatively boldly coloured ’80s-inspired high-top sneakers. And finally, futuristic kicks are having a moment as new meets old. We’ve rounded up the most eagerly awaited sneaker releases for the year. Ahead we look at the most anticipated sneaker drops for the year.
Nike x Tiffany & Co.
Photo Courtesy: Nike
Earlier this month two luxury giants announced their second collaboration — Tiffany-edition Air Force 1. Yes, after the long wait, the Nike x Tiffany & Co. Air Force 1 1837 is finally here in black suede with a blue swoosh and silver heel detail. The sneaker is set to be released on 7, March. The kicks are being produced in honour of the 40th anniversary of Nike’s Air Force 1 1837 and will be priced at $400.
The box contains a few surprises along with the shoes; sterling silver badges affixed to each heel, an entire kit of sterling sneakerhead essentials, too: a shoehorn, a shoe brush, a whistle, and a dubrae (that metal shoelace ornament thing commonly found on AF1s). The shoes will be available at two Tiffany & Co. stores in New York City and at select Nike stores in North America, as well as globally through Nike’s Sneakers App.
Nike Ja 1
Photo Courtesy: Nike
Ja Morant’s debut signature sneaker in 2023 gives us a lot to be excited about. Marking a collaboration with the brightest young star who is helping usher in the next era of NBA basketball. The first Gen Z signature athletes’ sneaker is launching in a light blue colourway with mesh side panels and a pink and yellow sole. A rainbow ombre swish is featured alongside a stylized JA which is inspired by the verticality, speed, and sharpness of Morant’s skills on the court. A stamp details the name of Morant’s daughter, Kaari. The Ja 1 will also enter the market with a budget-friendly price tag of $110.
Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low OG Olive
Photo Courtesy: Nike
The Travis Scott Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Olive” boasts the signature oversized reverse Swoosh logo coloured in with the olive-green shade. While the upper is a predominant white leather and black suede build, you can find red touches on the tongue label. Adding a personalized touch, you can find a Jumpman insole logo, and Travis Scott insignia on the heels, while the insoles are decorated with a variety of decals reflecting Cactus Jack motifs. The inclusion of the green hue not only references Jordan Brand’s heritage but also aligns the shoe with an outdoorsy aesthetic. What also makes this release particularly unique is that it’s said to be available exclusively in women’s sizing—a first for a Travis collaboration. However, a release date is yet to be disclosed.
Run the Jewels x Nike SB
Photo Courtesy: Nike
The hip-hop scene and Nike Dunk have a special bond. From its popularity on the hip-hop scene’s hottest rappers’ feet to its legendary 2000’s collaborations with De La Soul, Madlib, and MF DOOM. The most recent group in the brand’s low-cut design are Killer Mike and El-P of Run the Jewels.
The colourway of the SB Dunk High captures the unmatched energy of Run the Jewels by combining a black tumbled leather base with exotic fuchsia pony hair overlays. Another exterior accent is a Nike swoosh in gold with jewels resting atop pink laces. The group’s famous “hand sign” graphic is embroidered across the heels instead of standard Nike SB branding. The new edition of Nike SB is set to drop on 20th April, adding to the brand’s long history of 4/20 drops.
Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 Low
Photo Courtesy: Nike
The late Virgil Abloh was known for pushing boundaries with many of his designs. And like any Abloh x Nike project, these won’t be easy to acquire. His new Nike Air Force 1 Low has used three different formulas with varying degrees of design tweaks. Some of the most coveted pairs are the exclusive releases tied to his travelling Figures of Speech Museum exhibit. Ironically, these pairs are also the most simplistic executions. They feature classic all-leather uppers with minimal accents like metallic silver Swooshes, medial Off-White x Nike branding stamp, and AI” written on the midsole in Abloh’s signature type. Expect the all-grey Paris colourway of this series, which will be a Paris exclusive.
Puma Stewie 1 Re-Introduce
Photo Courtesy: Puma
The Puma Stewie 1 silhouette will continue its expansion in 2023 with the Stewie 1 ‘Re-Introduce’ in the lighter shade of tonal white with Breanna’s logo atop the tongue and a matching mesh sock liner, while the underfoot, a white NITRO-foam cushioned midsole, is paired with a two-tone gum-and-yellow rubber outsole. Stewart added a small, recycled emoji to the photo’s caption, possibly suggesting that the sneaker is made of recycled materials, which would fit with the shoe’s speckled design.
Jeremy Scott x Adidas Forum Hi Wings 4.0
Photo Courtesy: Adidas
The wings are set to make a comeback yet again in 2023. Designer Jeremy Scott is bringing every bit of shine to his collaboration with Adidas with two new colour options of his popular Adidas Forum Wings 4.0 sneakers. The ‘Triple Black’ and ‘Triple White’ editions released in 2022 are getting a glossy makeover in patent leather with an iridescent finish and an opal-inspired heel clip. The aesthetic is completed with a set of insoles with a co-branded design and distinctive packaging. These iterations of the revolutionary sneakers by Jeremy Scott are set to release on 22 February 2023 for $220.
