While 2017 saw strong competition between many of the world’s leading sneaker brands and streetwear influences, the exciting collaborations, new releases, and launch of creative innovations paved the way for an exciting future for sneakerheads, collectors, athletes and style gurus. With an emphasis on female exclusive models, to OG interpretations well received and more widely released, the growing significance of the sneaker in the closets of people around the world shows no sign of slowing down.
Check out our ongoing list of 2018’s most highly anticipated sneaker releases for the next couple months.
January
Nike Air Max 97 Metallic Hematite – Jan 6
Following in the success of the highly sought after Air Max 97 colorways, these Metallic Hematite 97’s combine black, anthracite and dark grey hues worked into the mesh and leather uppers for the perfect murdered out look. Complete with 3M details and a matching sole, there are also minor hints of red to compliment the overall design.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG All Star Los Angeles – Jan 10
These Jordan’s feature a black tumbled leather that’s super luxe, complete with contrasting gold details on the swoosh, Wings logo, and Air branding on the tongue. The metallic scheme is softened by a white midsole and icy translucent blue outsole, completed by a map of Los Angeles on the insole.
Nike Air Force 1 Low CR7 Golden Patchwork – Jan 11
Paying homage to one of the world’s most celebrated athletes, the Nike Air Force 1 Low CR7 Golden Patchwork features gold accents on the classic white silhouette in an attempt to elevate and honour Portuguese football player Cristiano Ronaldo. As a child, Ronaldo had two pairs of shoes – one for school, one for play, and his mother would patch them up whenever they began to wear.
Nike WMNS Air Max 97 Ultra 17 Particle Rose – Jan 11
This new Air Max 97 colorway will be released exclusively in women’s sizing and is dubbed the Ultra 17 Particle Rose. Featuring both suede and synthetic material, this silhouette sits atop a cream-white ultra sole and translucent pink outsole.
Nike SB Dunk Low Pro Decon Light Bone – Jan 11
Focusing on a completely deconstructed interpretation of the SB Dunk Low, the debut colorway is built with premium leather inside and out, offering a clean, natural fit that’s durable yet soft touch. While the Light Bone is used throughout, the premium leather upper make this a strong initial offering on a classic streetwear model.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High Flyknit Shadow – Jan 13
Following in the footsteps of the Air Jordan 1 High Flyknit Bred and Royals, the Shadow will be the third OG colorway of the Air Jordan 1 to get the Flyknit features. Mirroring the same color scheme and blocking as an OG leather Jordan 1, the shoe is instead constructed out of a Flyknit material making them perfect for spring.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Gold Toe – Jan 15
This highly sought after release resembles the popularized Air Jordan 1 Gold Top 3, however the silhouette is somewhat different. While the same colorway is used on both models, this time the toe box is covered in gold, finished with a black outsole.
Levi’s x Air Jordan 4 Denim – Jan 17
This rare collaboration between Levi’s and Jordan Brand is probably one of the most coveted releases of 2018 yet. Featuring different denim washes throughout joined by contrast stitching, an airbag surrounded by frayed denim and a gum sole, perhaps the most distinct element is the tag on the tongue, inspired by one you usually find on the back of a pair of Levi’s jeans.
Tyler, The Creator x Converse One Star Golf Le FLEUR Pink – Jan 18
After releasing a total of 7 unique interpretations of the GOLF Le Fleur in 2017, Tyler, The Creator is back again with another signature flower design, this time in a pink suede offset by a red flower used on previous models.
Nike HyperAdapt 1.0 – Jan 18
While there are limited details surrounding Nike’s plans for the HyperAdapt 1.0 in 2018, seven new self-lacing models have surfaced online with a decidedly louder design and ever forward thinking innovation. Individual models are expected to retail for $720, expected to feature of course a self lacing system, graphic detailing and perhaps the ability to glow.
Nike Zoom Fly Neutral Indigo – Jan 20
After gaining success over the past year due to its lightweight form and breathable stretch-woven upper, the Nike Zoom Fly is expected to be released in a number of new colorways this year. This time, the shoe combines Neutral Indigo and Total Crimson on the upper and includes running-focused graphics on the tongue, upper and midsole.
Air Jordan 10 Cool Grey – Jan 27
The Air Jordan 10 Cool Grey sports a cool grey across the entire model complimented by a multicolor/rainbow detail that can be found along the outsole. While the design is quite clean the contrast details make it an instat classic.
Kendrick Lamar x Nike Cortez “DAMN.” – Jan 28
With only a brief preview made available as a tease to the public, the Nike Cortez Kenny 1 is expected to debut at the 60th annual Grammy Awards. The first collaboration between Nike and rapper Kendrick Lamar features an all white construction with red contrast stitching, black tongue, and side panels with rapper’s latest album “DAMN.” stitched across.
February
Nike HyperAdapt 1.0 – Feb 01
Again, more HyperAdapt are set to release this month, this time expect to flashier colorways like the red seen above as well as an olive/orange peel, a white/pure platinum, and black/white.
COMME des GARCONS x Nike Air Max 180 – Feb 01
After making their debut at the COMME des Garcons Homme Plus Spring 2018 menswear show during Paris Fashion Week, the Nike Air Max 180 were hard to miss with their Laser Pink/Solar Red-Black vibrant colors. The unique interpretation maintains Tinker’s original design devoid of any noticeable CDG branding. Like other CDG collaborations, this one is likely to sell out quickly.
Nike WMNS Air More Uptempo Chrome – Feb 02
In one of the year’s first releases, exclusive to women, Nike is emphasizing fine details like the use of chrome finishes, 3M reflective outlining, visible air cushioning and icy translucent outsoles on this Air More Uptempo.
Adidas EQT Support ADV Mid Sub Green – Feb 08
Similar to the widely released Adidas EQT, this new release is characterized by added height on the ankle for a snug fit. The OG colorway features striped detailing throughout playing off the three stripes branding, carried on with embroidered details along the side heel portion of the silhouette.
Adidas YEEZY Powerphase Black – Feb 17
The much hyped next release from Yeezy, seen here in a sleek all black construction has sadly been delayed till Spring 2018. Keep you eyes out for it when it does drop, as it’s sure to sell out.
Air Jordan 3 Retro OG Black Cement 2018 – Feb 17
The Air Jordan 3 is expected to be one of the season’s hottest releases featuring classic Black tumbled leather, elephant leather accents, cement grey tongue, inner liner, ankle and outsole, and fire red accents on the eyelets and Jumpman logo.
Pharrell x Adidas NMD HU Trail Blank Canvas Black/Canvas Cream – Feb 23
Due to their overwhelming popularity, it should come as no surprise that more colorways of the Pharrell x Adidas NMD Hu Trail are expected to be released throughout the year. Dropping as as series of four pairs, the Blank Canvas Black and Canvas Cream will be followed by three more styles make up the “Holi” collection, paying homage to the spiritual Holi festival that celebrates color and love in India.
OFF-WHITE X Air Jordan 1 White – Feb 27
Rumors swirled that Nike and OFF-WHITE designer Virgil Abloh wouldn’t be limiting their collabroation to only TEN unique interpretations of Nike’s most popular and classic models. Similar to the Chicago inspired pair of Jordan 1s, the all white colorway is deconstructed including subtle pops of orange and blue that give off a vintage vibe.
March
Pharrell x Adidas NMD HU Holi Chalk Coral/Pink Glow – Mar 02
The Holi Trail collection of two different models finishes off the total of four sneakers expected to be released alongside the Blank Canvas Black and Canvas Cream versions of Pharrell’s popular NMD. Both of the pairs feature a light pink flow and chalk coral blend that are both bold, colorful and inviting.