NICE PICKS: This Week’s Top Sneaker Releases

As sneaker releases have transitioned from retail to digital, purchasing sneakers has never been easier. Out are the day-long mall campouts; rather an instantaneous “Place Order”/”Pay Now” click has simplified the once tedious process. As seamless as these virtual releases are, such accessibility has also resulted in more (like a lot more) pairs being released. With so many choices, it can be difficult to discern which pairs are worth shelling out for.

Through my new column entitled Nice Picks, I’ve sifted through the noise to answer that question. Each week, you can find out which releases are worth copping, along with additional information about each pair and where to purchase it. From hype to in-line, all pairs will be on the table.

With the above in mind, it’s only right to kick off the New Year with a new sneaker purchase. Below, the Nice Kicks team has selected their favorite drops occurring this week.

7. adidas D Rose 11 “Chinese New Year”

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The adidas D Rose line has consistently churned out great performance sneakers, and the 11th model is no different. Unwavering traction, a flexible upper, and light-weight construction have made this inexpensive sneaker a fan-favorite. A classic “Chinese New Year” makeup only enhances the silhouette. If you’re a fan of the Pistons player, this is a great addition for the collection.

6. WMNS Air Jordan 4 “Starfish”

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Colorway: Sail/Black-Starfish-Light Smoke Grey
Style #: CW7183-100
Release Date: January 21, 2020
Price:$200

Is orange the new black? Well the “Starfish” colored pair assumes so, combining both hues on this ladies’ exclusive Air Jordan 4. The upper features black mesh with gradient accents, while a rustic orange bottom finishes the astronomy-inspired sneaker. With the silhouette coming off a hot year, the “Starfish” iteration looks to continue that trend.

5. Air Jordan 5 Low “Chinese New Year”

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Colorway: Sail/Chile Red/Opti Yellow/Pearl White
Style #: DD2240-100
Release Date: January 23, 2021
Price: $215

With the cultural Chinese holiday around the corner, it’s no surprise that another “Chinese New Year” themed sneaker has appeared on this week’s best releases, this time in the form of an Air Jordan 5 Low. Neutral beige tones cover the tear-away canvas, while a colorful pattern design lies dormant underneath. Hits of “Chile Red” bring the sneaker full circle.

4. adidas Yeezy Boost 700 V1 “Sun”

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Colorway: TBA
Style #: GZ6984
Release Date: January 23, 2021
Price: $240

The adidas Yeezy Boost 700 V1 finally returns, this time in a remixed colorway entitled “Sun.” Bright yellow and orange tones mark the upper, while a “Wave Runner” inspired mid-foot culminates the design. One of Yeezy’s most interesting colorways, this looks to be a sleeper that will gain its recognition down the line.

3. Nike Air Max 1 “Obsidian”

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Colorway: White/Obsidian-Wolf Grey-Black
Style #: DH4059-100
Release Date: January 22, 2021
Price: $140

The Nike Air Max 1 is no stranger to fanfare, and this upcoming “Obsidian” colorway is prepared to step into the spotlight. The dark blue hue runs across various overlays and Swoosh branding, while other neutral leathers comprise the sneaker’s foundation. For fans of the classic silhouette, there is all the hype as it joins its counterparts this week on January 22.

2. Notre x Nike Dunk High “Midnight Navy”

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Colorway: Pearl White/Blue Void-Grand Purple
Style #: CW3092-400
Release Date: January 21, 2021 (Notre), January 23 (SNKRS)
Price: $150

Chicago-based retailer Notre has added their own twist to the Nike Dunk High, and the fruits of their labor will be available this week. While the “Light Orewood Brown” pair is dropping only as a Notre exclusive, the “Midnight Navy” pair has prepared itself for a January 23 retail release. This pair fuses unique details, premium construction, a tonal colorway, and name-brand notoriety, elevating itself to a must-cop.

1. Nike SB Dunk Low Pro “Street Hawker”

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Colorway: Metallic Copper/Light Silver-Pueblo Brown-Metallic Silver
Style #: CV1628-800
Release Date: January 22, 2021
Price:$110

Starting off the year hot, one of the most unique Dunks of all-time is dropping on January 22. The pair celebrates Chinese cuisine, with each panel alluding to a different type of food. Over a dozen cultural dishes are displayed. Other Chinese characters are found on the mismatched pair, adding to the multitude of details seen. There’s a reason the Nike SB Dunk Low did well in 2020, and designs like this display why the pair will continue its historic resurgence in 2021. Expect this to be a contender for SB Dunk of the year.

That caps off this week’s top 7 sneaker releases. Which ones are your list? Will you be copping any of the above? Let us know on social media and be sure to keep it locked to Nice Kicks for next week’s choices.