April showers aren’t yet behind us, but there’s a lot to look forward to on the horizon.

THE END OF AN ERA?

On Monday, April 19th, NIKE, Inc. and Kobe Bryant‘s estate announced that they had not reached an agreement in renewing their partnership, marking the end of an 18-year-relationship. While it seems the door hasn’t permanently closed on the storied union, enthusiasts all over the world have contemplated what to do with their Nike Kobe sneakers, as it’s possible none will ever be produced again.

Fans may not want to accept it, but LeBron James‘ time in the NBA is coming to an end. Eventually. Before he retires, however, the “kid from Akron” will continue to deliver basketball sneakers with his NIKE, Inc. family. As part of this month’s #LeBronWatch release, James tapped Japan’s atmos for two impressive takes on the Nike LeBron 18 Low. Away from these collaborative efforts, the LeBron 18 also emerged accented by “University Gold” as a nod to the Los Angeles Lakers’ time in Minneapolis.

Zion Williamson is no longer the most exciting rookie to watch, but he’s gradually becoming a force within the NBA. Although his signature Jordans had been rumored since September 2020, the Jordan Zion 1 was officially unveiled over the last week, with an inaugural launch today, April 23rd. As was the case with Williamson’s Player-Exclusive editions of the Air Jordan 35, the new basketball sneaker has been previewed in colorways nodding to important people, places and traits to the current New Orleans Pelican.

’85 ‘TIL INFINITY

Over the last three years, two of Peter Moore’s 36-year-old designs have skyrocketed in popularity. Although the Nike Dunk and Air Jordan 1 have become nearly-impossible to secure for retail, they continue to tantalize old and new fans alike with both heritage-rooted and refreshing modern styles. Newcomers the likes of “Laser Orange” and “Pollen” have landed on Moore’s classic designs, with the former following the blueprint of the original “Be True To Your School” options. Nike SB also teased a few upcoming projects, with the most-anticipated arguably being another Parra collaboration. Needless to write, all propositions will undoubtedly sell out.

Elsewhere, more new Jordans surfaced throughout the week, with the previously-rumored Air Jordan 3 “Racer Blue” garnering a notable amount of attention. While free of any “NIKE AIR” branding on the feel, the forthcoming retro blends heritage and new flair perfectly, making for a familiar, but new take on a decades-old design. Another Air Jordan 4 by Union Los Angeles emerged as part of the boutique’s 30th anniversary. While not as immediately divisive as the shop’s collaborations from 2020, the pair’s “Taupe Haze” colorway has led countless spectators to eagerly wait for a backstory.

THESE THE (NEW) “RED OCTOBERS”…

Kanye West’s Yeezy imprint has gotten busy since the start of spring, releasing and previewing handfuls of adidas-backed footwear. One of the most mesmerizing pairs to emerge in the last few months from Mr. West’s empire has been the Yeezy Foam Runner “Vermilion,” effectively dubbed the first “Red October” proposition from ‘ye since 2014. New styles of the Yeezy Slides and Yeezy Boost 700 also emerged throughout the week, which further suggest Yeezy season is in full-effect.

For a look at all that and more, including new New Balance 550 colorways, check out our top headlines from April 16th to April 23rd here below.

Kobe Bryant’s Nike Deal Has Ended; Future Unclear
An 18-year partnership.
READ MORE: Nike Kobe Deal

Zion Williamson’s First Signature Shoe Is Unveiled
Formerly known as the “Jordan Z Code”.
READ MORE: Jordan Zion 1 Release
READ MORE: Jordan Zion 1 ZNA
READ MORE: Jordan Zion 1 Marion

Official Images Of The “Electro Orange” And “Pollen” Air Jordan 1s
Summer-ready.
READ MORE: Jordan 1 Electro Orange
READ MORE: Jordan 1 Pollen
READ MORE: Jordan 1 Mid Brushstroke
READ MORE: Kids Jordan 1 Low Multicolor

The Air Jordan 3 “Racer Blue” Captures The Hearts Of Jordan Fanatics
Not “True Blue,” but still good.
READ MORE: Jordan 3 Racer Blue
READ MORE: Union Jordan 4 Taupe Haze
READ MORE: Luka Doncic Jordan 35 Low
READ MORE: Jordan 5 Low Wings
READ MORE: Travis Scott Khaki Jordan 6

Another Nike SB Dunk Won’t Make It To The U.S. For Unknown Reasons
As if there was ever a chance to catch a ‘W’ anyways…
READ MORE: FTC SB Dunk Low
READ MORE: TV Static SB Dunk
READ MORE: Parra Nike SB Dunk

Nike Gets Creative With Dunk Low Designs
A couple “Sneaker of the Year” contenders.
READ MORE: Rooted In Peace Dunk
READ MORE: N7 Dunk Low
READ MORE: Giraffe Nike Dunk
READ MORE: Yellow Strike Nike Dunk
READ MORE: Kids Pink Nike Dunk Low

The College-Style Dunk Continues Gaining Steam
Understandable.
READ MORE: Navy White Nike Dunk High
READ MORE: Georgetown Dunk Low
READ MORE: Kids Pink Nike Dunk
READ MORE: Kids Orange Blue Nike Dunk High
READ MORE: University Blue Dunk Low
READ MORE: Laser Orange Dunk Low
READ MORE: Black White Nike Dunk High
READ MORE: Crimson Tint Nike Dunk

The First-Ever All-Red adidas Yeezy Is Coming In October
Possibly the first of many.
READ MORE: Red Yeezy Foam Runner
READ MORE: Yeezy Slides April
READ MORE: Yeezy Quantum Onyx
READ MORE: Yeezy 500 Enflame

LeBron James and atmos Deliver For This Month’s LeBron Watch
A double-header.
READ MORE: LeBron 18 Low Sakura
READ MORE: LeBron 18 Low Viotech
READ MORE: LeBron 18 ACG Terra
READ MORE: LeBron 18 MPLS LA

New Balance Continues To Push The 550 In Team Varsity Colors
All-in on the ’80s sensibilities.
READ MORE: Navy Yellow New Balance 550
READ MORE: Green Yellow New Balance 550
READ MORE: Red Blue New Balance 550

“The Great Unity” Covers This Eastern-Inspired Air Force 1
A utopian vision.
READ MORE: The Great Unity Air Force 1
READ MORE: Air Force 1 Bred
READ MORE: UV Light Air Force 1
READ MORE: Air Force 1 Black White

BAPE’s ABC Camo Is Back In A Big Way
It’s like to early 2000s again.
READ MORE: BAPE adidas Superstar
READ MORE: BAPE STA ABC Camo