Eleven Can’t Miss Sneaker News Headlines from June 26th to July 2nd

Jovani Hernandez July 2, 2021

This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. The opinions and information provided on this site are original editorial content of Sneaker News.

2523

GLOBE-TROTTERS

The biggest players in the sneaker space continue to cater to their core, often regional clientele, but their businesses have transcended language, culture and borders. Although some have made conscious efforts to push certain products to markets outside of their domain, others have simply reveled in success organically cultivated by communities outside of their initial scope of concern.

NIKE, Inc. has been a huge benefactor of this very phenomenon, with handfuls of Nike Air Max silhouettes become parts of uniforms for youth in Italy, England and Australia. It, however, has also recognized opportunity, leading to partnerships enjoyed by local cultures and global audiences. Case in point: The Quai 54 series, which has recently unveiled an Air Jordan 35 Low, Air Jordan 1 Low and Air Jordan 5 decorated in both Parisian flair and West African patterns. Furthermore, the North American conglomerate has garnered such widespread presence and influence that it’s almost-by-default part of grand-scale conversations like those concerning the Olympic Games. With dozens of sponsored athletes competing for gold at the upcoming event in Tokyo, the Swoosh understands that rising to the occasion (and perhaps, stealing the show before the competition even starts) is crucial. To this end, it’s put together numerous footwear and apparel commemorating the Japan-held event. Among the former, four collaborations from Nike SB have caused a frenzy on social media. Running and skateboarding shoes have also appeared in a vibrant “Rawdacious” colorway made specifically for the Summer Olympics, demonstrating once again that Nike understood the assignment.

OLD IS NEW

Despite being committed to innovation, brands like adidas and New Balance are consistently digging through their archive in search of both inspiration and products that deserve a second life. Propositions like the original YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 and New Balance 990v2, then, are introduced to a new audience or diehard enthusiasts that had been calling for a reissue.

Design cues from older propositions also help inform new ones, as is the case on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Nike Zoom Freak 3. The Nike MetCon 7 is another example of an existing shoe being updated for a new year, utilizing previously-existing technology in a new way. Over at the Three Stripes, the adidas 4DFWD has done a similar thing.

Up until 2021, the words “Space Jam” would unquestionably be associated to the Michael Jordan-starring film from 1996, but LeBron James has added to the conversation via the “A New Legacy” movie. In honor of the film’s release on July 16th, NIKE, Inc. has prepared handfuls of commemorative sneakers – including the Air Force 1, Converse Chuck 70 and LeBron 18 Low – donning members of the Tune Squad as well as an animated version of “the kid from Akron.” It’s unlikely the Air Jordan 11 “Space Jam” will retro in honor of the new film, but it’s influence on the rollout of the upcoming movie is undeniable.

For a look at all that and more, check out our top headlines from June 26th to July 2nd here below.

Jovani Hernandez, Editor

Jovani Hernandez joined Sneaker News in December 2019. He’s covered breaking news about adidas Yeezy and interviewed Reebok CEO Todd Krinsky amongst his 5,800 posts. A sub-5-hour-marathoner, he now enjoys running sneakers the most, but fondly reminisces about Nike Basketball and Sportswear from 2007 to 2014.