Did you know that the sneaker industry is worth around $80 billion? While sneakers have been popular for decades, it seems that they’ve taken on a new life in just the past few years.
Thanks to hype beasts, sneakerheads, and pent-up demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic, it seems that everyone is after the hottest new set of kicks.
By knowing when the latest sneakers are being released, you can be more prepared to get your hands on them before someone else does. Luckily for you, we’re here to help with just that.
So if you’d like to learn more, then keep on reading and we’ll take you through the top sneaker release dates for this year that you need to know about!
Air Jordan 1 Retro Hi ’85 “Georgetown” – April 2
The next Air Jordan 1 Hi ’85 was released on April 2nd, 2022. Over the past two years, the Air Jordan 1 has boomed in popularity. It seems that each new release sells out almost instantly and past drops have done extremely well on the aftermarket.
The rich blue and gray colors of these shoes are not new to Nike sneakers. They showed up in 1985 on the first Nike Dunk High collection. Since that time, the color pairing has shown up on other popular shoes like the Nike Air Jordan 11 Low.
What’s so cool about these shoes is that they harken back to the brand’s “Be True To Your School” campaign. Compared to the other Nike Air Jordans, this drop is the closest to the original pair that’s currently available.
With colors taken from Georgetown University, this shoe features high-quality leather in deep gray and blue tones. You get a vintage aesthetic with nylon tongues that are a bit yellow.
Similar to the original Air Jordan sneakers, the size information will be stamped right on the inner collar as opposed to being on the tag. This is bound to be one of the best sneakers in 2022.
The Air Sunder Max – April 22
COMME des GARCONS HOMME PLUS has partnered up with Nike to deliver many classic sneakers. This Japanese group has brought us the Foamposite and the Air Carnivore.
Now, they’re back to bring us the coolest iteration of the Air Sunder Max yet. This collaboration features a timeless aesthetic that is even simpler than the original style.
Over each of the three colorways, the upper builds are a smooth and shiny nylon. This shell is overlaid with leather and is parallel to the mini Swoosh on the side. It also comes with a simple and lovely zipper construction.
Thankfully, the classic sole is still here and comes in the same build as the past versions.
Air Jordan 6 “University Blue” – March 5
Since University Blue first appeared on the Air Jordan 1, its popularity has only grown. Now that the Air Jordan 6 is joining up with UNC, it makes sense that this is one of the most anticipated shoes of 2022.
Compared to the other Nikes that are in University Blue, this version is a lot more subtle. Running along the nuanced cameos at the tongue and pull tab, the shell dresses the forefoot’s suede panels.
Parts of the shoe are also in black which adds another dimension to the shoe.
Prada x Adidas Re-Nylon Forum Low and High – January 13
After A$AP Rocky exploded onto the hip-hop charts around a decade ago, he has openly worked with a variety of brands. Adidas is among those brands.
After getting his own colorway with Jeremy Scott’s Wings sneakers, the famed rapper has now been part of the new Prada x Adidas Forum Low.
Similar to the first collaboration between these two European fashion companies, the collaborative pair provides an arrangement that is surprisingly simple.
The Adidas Originals silhouette makes use of an all-white color scheme. At the top of the tongue, you get the classic PRADA branding. This replaces the common trefoil Adidas logo.
However, the most noticeable detail of this product is a detachable pouch featured on the laces. This is similar to the sets of gloves that Prada features in their Fall/Winter 2021 runway show. The company modified the basketball shoes with a heavy-zippered attachment and includes Prada’s silver triangular logo.
The Adidas Forum and the pouch are both made with leather of the highest quality. This is definitely one of the main reasons why the prices for these limited edition shoes are so high.
Nike Air Max Penny 1 Retro – August 1
As you might know already, the Air Max Penny 1 was the first signature sneaker from Penny Hardaway when it was first released in 1996. The shoe is now set to make a comeback in the near future and several original colorways will be part of the release.
We haven’t gotten an Air Max Penny 1 re-issue for nearly a decade, so this is a moment to celebrate. And now we will be getting more than just the original Orlando colorway.
The Air Max Penny first came out in a royal/white/black color scheme and was debuted at the 1996 All-Star game. It was very popular and featured a big Air unit on the heel and a large Swoosh jewel on the top.
The match between Nike and Penny proved to be successful but short-lived. Thankfully, the legacy will continue to live on.
Adidas Yeezy 1050 – December 30
What could be a better way to end 2022 than with a new set of Yeezy’s? While these shoes have not been as popular as the 700 or 350 v2, these boot silhouettes have taken on a cult following.
Now, after setting up his own headquarters in his favorite state of Wyoming Kanye West is reinventing his shoes with the release of the Yeezy 1050 v3.
These shoes come in a military-style shell treated to the classic Yeezy neutral colors. With this sneaker, the upper is colored in a dark and subtle green-gray. It gets lighter as it touches the laces and tongue.
The toe caps sweep back to the heel in a brighter shade. The sole extends a bit farther out than typically would.
Acronym x Nike Blazer Low – February 10
During the height of Paris Fashion Week, back in October 2021, Errolson Hugh showed up in his latest collaboration, the ACRONYM x Nike Blazer Low. While it featured a classic colorway, the sneaker also had deconstructed elements that hadn’t been used before. All of the details are easier to spot on the second colorway, which was debuted by MMA fighterMax Holloway.
Lemon Venom and Crimson neons were some of the most obvious additions. They can be found along the Swoosh and the tongue, respectively. Also, the reinforced heel piece is colored with a bit of purple that helps to spotlight the Night Maroon that can be seen along the upper.
The lace unit stands out in a black neutral and the midsole is more of a slate shade.
Drake x NOCTA x Nike Hot Step Air Terra – March 3
In 2009, Drak was at the top of the charts and was being associated with a “fake” Air Jordan 5. For more than a decade now, Drake has received special sneakers from Nike and has pushed limited editions of MJ’s signature shoes.
Now, Drake is getting his very own sneakers in the form of the NOCTA x Nike Hot Step Air Terra.
First shown in Drake’s “Laugh Now Cry Later,” music video, which was basically also a Nike commercial, these shoes have been produced under the rapper’s NOCTA brand. The brand is inspired by the rapper’s nocturnal grind.
While Drake hasn’t given much insight into how the design of the shoes was inspired, we do know that the name of the sneaker is linked to the Nike ACG.
The midsole from the chunky Air Max is paired with a powerful tread pattern that gives the illusion of a seamless trail. The tumbled leather is partly perforated across the upper and follows a curved and layered arrangement.
You’ll find NOCTA logos on the sock-liner and the top of the tongue. You’ll also see G-TEK branding on the spine.
New Balance 990v6 – May 16
The storied 990v series from New Balance is about to get version number six this year. The shoe was revealed by the Aimé Leon Dore founder, Teddy Santis. He’s also the newly appointed Creative Director for New Balance’s Made In USA program.
These shoes are highlighted by the popular gray palette with reflective components that have been a trademark of the 990v shoe since it first debuted four decades ago.
The latest version of the 990v has the same multi-layered style. It is finely carved with ENCAP cushioning and sports the classic chunky aesthetic that’s come to define the classic dad shoe.
Compared to the previous iteration, the 990v5, this version of the shoe comes in a totally different package and it goes back to an underlay frame that is seen on other 99x shoes like the New Balance 992.
The N logo is large and tucked under the mudguard and the lace overlays.
It is obvious that the New Balance 990v6 will be a big part of the brand’s 2022 lineup and there will likely be plenty of collaborations to come.
JJJJound x A Bathing Ape BAPE STA – February 5
Everybody loves when JJJJound comes out with a new collab. Over the past year, the design studio has come up with a varied and colorful set of products including Danner boots, a New Balance 990v4, and Vans Sk8-Mids.
This year, the company is reaching new heights as they not only come out with a new 990v3 but also their own BAPE STA.
The company initially revealed the collaboration through a story on Instagram. While the collaboration isn’t as experimental or as colorful as some might expect, it is welcome in its simplicity. For starters, the leathers across the upper are off-white. This complements the lining, midsole, and laces.
On the sides, the STA logo deviates into a gray tone. It’s highlighted by the silver metallic tread, heel tab, lace tips, and branding. Also, the walls of the box are covered with a gray ABC camo and a gold “JJJJound” logo.
Air Jordan 3 “Fire Red” – August 6
The Air Jordan 3s are the third signature basketball sneakers from Michael Jordan. They are one of the most popular Jordan’s and are the first ones designed by Tinker Hatfield. The shoes first appeared on shelves in 1988.
These were the first Air Jordans to use visible Air units and Jumpman logos.
While the silhouette has been released in all kinds of colorways over the decades, the most popular versions come from the first makeups. These colorways include True Blue, White Cement, Black Cement, and Fire Red.
This shoe has come to use through collaborations ranging from Justin Timberlake to Vogue and even in player-exclusive versions with the University of Oregon.
They even came out with the Seoul colorway way back in 2018. The Air Jordan 3 is going to make several appearances in the year 2022.
We know that we’ll get an updated Fire Red colorway and can also expect ones in Desert and Dark Iris.
Of course, because shoes like these are hard to come by, you need to utilize a good online sneaker site.
Get the Latest Sneakers Today!
No matter who you are, you will likely need a pair of good sneakers to get around. So if you’re looking for a cool pair of shoes, you might as well get the best and latest sneakers around.
By knowing about the various release dates, you’ll be able to mark your calendars and increase your chances of getting the coolest sneaker drops around.
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