LOOKING AHEAD

Although brands the world over use words like “game-changing,” “futuristic” and “innovative” in marketing campaign for their sneakers, few truly change the footwear space in enduring fashion. Two companies currently occupied with the “next” thing are NIKE, Inc. and adidas YEEZY, who’ve been unveiling projects years in the making throughout 2021.

Sure, the Swoosh conglomerate often gets criticized for “lazy” design, especially in regards to some of its older Air Jordan propositions, but the North American institution has never been one to only rest on its laurels. To this front, it’s unveiled the LeBron James Innovation Center, a new sports research facility in the center of the Nike World Headquarters. NIKE, Inc. had dozens of names to choose from, as it’s worked hand-in-hand with iconic athletes over the years on industry-pushing products, but “the kid from Akron” ultimately bested his colleagues. A lot of talk about LeBron James‘ time left in professional sports has surrounded the impending 2021-22 NBA season, but one thing’s certain: the Cleveland-native has already left an impactful-enough mark on the world to serve as a reminder of the innovation at the core of the biggest brand in sportswear.

While yet to boast a decades-old campus, Kanye West’s YEEZY empire has shaken up the world of footwear in the eight years it’s been running with the support of adidas. Mr. West has had his fair share of naysayers throughout his career in the public eye, but that criticism has seemingly reached new heights due to his propositions under the YZY label. Yet, ‘ye has constantly proven that he’s thinking about the future, and one multiple occasions, the world has caught up to the vision he’s had for it. Styles like the Grey Fog Jordan 1 and newly-surfaced YZY BSKTBL KNIT 3D demonstrate the “DONDA” creator’s penchant for “different,” as both have quickly been considered just that (perhaps in more “colorful” terms).

LEGACY

Too many sneaker offerings have emerged since the segment’s popularity outside of sports began to grow. Some designs, however, have lasted the test of time, going on to inspire new generations of products and consumers. Among them, creations the likes of the Travis Scott x Jordan Jumpman Jack, Volt Jordan 1 and adidas Forum come to mind. Savvy and casual collectors are still drawn to original colorways of these and similar sneakers, but they’ve also been treated to modified versions of these heritage-rich designs. Whether its through color palettes, collaborations or technical modifications, footwear that’s been unafraid to demonstrate how willing it is to not rest on its laurels have endured in the face of fast-fashion and other developments that have forced some options to oblivion.

For a look at all that and more, check out our top headlines from October 2nd to October 8th ahead.

Volt Jordan 13 “Navy” Set For 2022 Arrival
Inspired by the 1998 low-top.
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This Week In Volt Jordan 1 Mids
They’re selling.
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Another adidas YZY BSKTBL Shoe Is Revealed
Anthony Edwards Shoes.
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READ MORE: Strawberry Cough Nike SB Dunks Are Finally Dropping
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“Strawberry Cough” Nike SB Dunks Are Finally Dropping
Puff, puff, cop.
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Nikes Halloween 2021 Collection Revealed
Inspired by Halo.
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This Week In Nike Dunks
whove been unveiling projects years in the making throughout 2021.
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Nike’s Halloween 2021 Collection Revealed
Treats.
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UNDEFEATED And Feng Chen Wang Headline This Week’s Converse Collaborations
Dunk High Sail Brown.
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READ MORE: whove been unveiling projects years in the making throughout 2021

This Week In Travis Scott x Jordan Jumpman Jacks
Ahead of the model’s 40th anniversary.
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READ MORE: Strawberry Cough Nike SB Dunks Are Finally Dropping
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For a look at all that and more, check out our top headlines from October 2nd to October 8th ahead
Simple and clean.
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Tour The LeBron James Innovation Center At Nike’s World HQ
Fitting.
READ MORE: LeBron James Innovation Center