Now that we are re-entering the world, at full stride, or just one step at a time, it’s time to start thinking about shoes again. And by shoes, of course, we mean fresh kicks.
It’s been an absolutely crazy year, but all the while, the sneakers have not stopped dropping. And maybe that’s a good thing—for us collectors and sneakerheads out there, it’s a little slice of hope. Good design will always be as soothing as it is aspirational.
We digress. Here are six sneakers dropping this month that we think will look pretty good in your collection.
Nike Space Hippie
RELEASE DATE: 11 JUNE, 8PM
This radical design from the legends at Nike is definitely on my list of good things to come out of 2020 (trying to make this a thing). Due to drop Thursday 11 June, the Space Hippie is made from “space junk”, transformed factory and post-consumer waste. That’s 85 to 90 percent recycled polyester “Space Waste Yarn”, recycled Nike ZoomX foam and “Crater Foam”, a blend of standard Nike foams and Nike Grind Rubber.
The Space Hippie is the hallmark of Nike’s sustainably-minded "Move to Zero" initiative and, in my opinion, totally one of the most exciting designs to come out of the iconic brand. Space Hippie comes in four silhouettes, but my favourite has to be the boot like "03" (pictured above).
Nike Dunk Low University Red
RELEASE DATE: 12 JUNE, 8PM
That cherry red! These almost look like the product of a Nike x Supreme collab—but, they are not. This limited edition colourway is a part of the Dunk's 35th-anniversary celebrations, and is one of the first-ever Dunks released as a colour-coordinated shoe for university basketball programmes. Basically, it's a lil' slice of Dunk history you need to own.
Reebok ZIG Kinetica
RELEASE DATE: AVAILABLE NOW
Whether or not you're a Conor McGregor fan, these statement kicks from Reebok are a vibe. The "energy web" outer sole provides athletes with a zigzag smack of kinetic energy and is inspired by a heat map of kinetic energy flow.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37
RELEASE DATE: AVAILABLE NOW
This one is for all you fresh runners out there. Because while you might have started your new iso running habit in the kicks you typically hit the gym in, it’s time to add some serious feet gear to your daily trot around the neighbourhood. The Pegasus was intro’d back in 1983 as “the shoe for every runner” and these days it’s the shoe of choice for both recreational joggers to elite marathon runners.
Following suit with other kicks in the Nike running family (like the now-iconic React Infinity Run), the new Peg features a thicker sole and a forefoot zoom airbag twice as thick as its predecessor, which gives it a sweet feather-like shape.
Nike Air Jordan Retro Low
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 30
Been vibing Michael Jordan’s epic 90s style in The Last Dance? Us too. This kind of stylish, low profile Jordan in the must-have Chicago Bulls colourway also features shiny black mudguards and clean white upper layers.
Nike Air Jordan 6 Retro "Hare"
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 12
Speaking of his Airness, you'll probably also want to pay attention to the latest from Michael Jordan's signature sneaker line. This "Hare" is an homage to the OG Hare with a Space Jam twist. The orange and green carrot-themed lace lock is a little nod to Bugs Bunny, and we dig it.
Source: Preston, S. 2020, Look sharp, here are 6 sneakers being released in June that you need to own, Urban List, viewed 10 June 2010, <https://www.theurbanlist.com/a-list/sneaker-release-dates>
Image credit: Nike, Nike, Nike, Reebok, Nike, Subtype, Subtype