Awake NY Is Dropping The Free The Youth x Air Jordan 16 On August 8th

So sick.

Andrew Rizzo August 5th, 2026 (updated)

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Updated August 5th, 2026: Awake NY has announced its launch event for the Free the Youth x Air Jordan 16, happening August 8th from 12:00 PM – 5 PM. A larger global launch is still expected for August 15th.

: @awakenewyorkclothing

: @awakenewyorkclothing

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Original article published June 17th, 2026:

These past 24 hours are shaping up to be some of the most significant of the year for sneaker headlines. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is jumping from Converse to Nike, Caitlin Clark just debuted her first signature shoe, and for our purposes, we’re also getting a first look at what might go down as the best Jordan collaboration of 2026.

Enter the Free The Youth x Air Jordan 16, the first-ever Jordan collaboration by the Ghanaian collective and the first Jordan 16 release we’ve seen in a hot minute. If feeling “fresh” is a qualifying factor for SOTY candidates, an opinion held by many, this checks that box in every way possible. Beyond coming from a new collaborator on a relatively unexplored model, these things are also rich in storytelling and, to put it simply, just plain dope-looking.

Two detachable shrouds are included, one in silver to match the forefoot, and another featuring colorful graphics representing the wings of the Tawny Eagle, Ghana’s national bird and a symbol of strength, courage, and focus. Below sits black netting and multicolor underlays, making for three clean options no matter how you choose to style them. Free The Youth marks appear in multiple areas, namely a debossed motif on the lateral heel, while orange hits on the outsole and back half of the shrouds stand out as the most notable color pop.

The Free The Youth x Air Jordan 16 releases July 16th for $255 via Nike SNKRS. See detailed pics below and hit our Jordan releases page for more.

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WHERE TO BUY

Mens Free The Youth x Air Jordan 16

SKU: IV7638-001

RETAIL PRICE: $255

RELEASE DATE: Aug 15, 2026

US 08/15/2026 Saturday

Retailer	Release type	Status
Nike SNKRS	Standard	Check Site
Sneaker Politics	Standard	Check Site
Extra Butter	EQL	EQL
BSTN	Raffle	Check Site
KITH	App Only	Check App

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Additional Images

: @joey_lit

: @joey_lit

: @joey_lit

: @joey_lit

: @joey_lit

: @joey_lit

: @joey_lit

: @joey_lit

: @joey_lit

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Written by

Andrew Rizzo, Junior Editor

Andrew Rizzo is an editor at Sneaker News based out of New York City. His primary interests include Air Jordan, Nike ACG, Nike Air Max, and New Balance footwear. Prior to joining Sneaker News, Andrew covered youth sports for several outlets and worked at one of the world’s top performance marketing agencies. He hails from Astoria, Queens and is a huge New York sports fan, particularly when it comes to the Knicks and Yankees.