With the long awaited arrival of summer, you’ll have something else to look forward to besides warm weather, summer vacation and the beach. Summer weather means it’s finally a good time for you to bring out your hottest feet pieces.
For those “sneakerheads,” or sneaker enthusiasts, who have been quietly stocking up on the releases from the winter, the time has come. Feel free to break out and show off your purchases without worrying about the nasty weather and all the damage it could bring to your sneakers. Here is a list of some of the most anticipated sneaker releases of the summer. And if you’re curious how those “sneakerheads” will get their hands on them, check out this blog post.
1. Air Jordan 1 Shattered Backboard (Satin)
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With a satin finish, this shoe was specifically geared toward women, however the material did not stop men from lining up to secure a pair for themselves. Although this shoe had two previous colorways that released back in 2016 and 2017, this specific release was no different than the previous. Released on May 5 at a retail value of $160, this sneaker quickly sold out across the nation.
Initially released in 2015, the Air Jordan 1 Shattered Backboard (a never-before-seen colorway inspired by an exhibition game in Italy) became an instant classic. This 2018 version of the shoe uses the same tumbled sail leather on the mid-panel matched with new starfish satin blocking and a translucent outsole. This shoe also includes black leather overlays, an embroidered black Swoosh and a sail midsole.
2. Nike Air Max 270 Flyknit Crimson Pulse
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Nike’s Air Max collection is know for their insane comfort and signature air pocket. This shoe lives directly up to the standards it has set. Covered in a breathable white flyknit material on the back portion of the shoe, this specific Air Max 270 also has a crimson flare on the front half of the shoe and medial side panels. Released on May 15, at a retail price of $170, this shoe practically screams summer.
3. Air Jordan 2 Melo
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This will not be the first time we see the white, varsity maize and university blue colorway on a sneaker. With its vibrant summer feel, this shoe can be purchased starting on June 9 for a retail price of $190. The Air Jordan 2 Melo sneaker joins a family of successful Air Jordan 2’s including, the red/white, iron purple and nightshade colorways.
4. Yeezy 500 Utility Black
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Kanye West has been getting a lot of negative feedback over the past month. However, for those fans who still remain, you may be anticipating his latest sneaker.
The Adidas Yezzy 500 Utility Black is essentially covered in a tonal grey/blackish hue. It’s comprised of multiple materials including suede, mesh and leather. Will you be one the few to secure a pair for yourself? The shoe can be purchased starting July 7 at retailers for a whopping $200.
5. Nike Kobe AD NXT 360 Yellow Strike
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Although Kobe Bryant has retired, this halt in his basketball career has not stopped him from coming out with new shoes for his fans. On May 24, you will be able to get your hands on a pair of his latest shoes. The AD NXT 360 Yellow Strike will be available at retailers for $200.
This basketball sneaker resembles a few of his older models. Basically covered in a Los Angeles Lakers (NBA team in which Kobe spent his career competing for) inspired colorway, this shoe’s flyknit upper section is dipped in yellow and has purplish accents on the outsole and heel. If you are one of the lucky few to own a pair, be sure to show them off.
6. Air Jordan 11 Cap and Gown
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If you hate wearing dress shoes and would rather be in sneakers, you may want to try your best to secure a pair of these Air Jordan 11’s. Covered in black from top to bottom, the Cap and Gown colorway has a nubuck material on the upper portion of the sneaker to give it a more luxurious and professional look.
Leah Nagengast, a material designer who worked on the sneaker said, “We focused on using elevated materials for the occasion of graduation, including a premium full-grain nubuck, as well as a lace that ties back to the tassel on the cap.”
This Air Jordan 11 is the first all-black version of the beloved sneaker, and additional premium elements, such as the raised Jumpman logo and embroidered 23 on the heel serve to dress up the sneaker even further. This sneaker will be available to the general public on May 26, with a starting price of $220.
These are just a few of the sneakers that will be hitting stores in the coming months. Summer is prime time for sneaker releases and conventions, meaning people are willing to pay higher prices for sneakers because they will be able to wear them sooner rather than later.
If you one of the lucky few who will be able to get your hands on a pair of the above listed, be sure to show them off on Instagram while the weather is nice and give them the attention they deserve.
