B/R Kicks: Top Releases of the Week

Welcome to Bleacher Report's series on sneaker releases you should be on the lookout for in the next seven days.

We started this list off with five stunning footwear choices, all hitting retailers soon. Detailing what makes them special and when they're dropping, this list gives you a chance to prepare for what's coming next. 

Start the slideshow to find out what five kicks made our initial list.

Adidas Ultra Boost 'Triple Black'

Image courtesy of Adidas

Adidas has decided to leap back into the Ultra Boost game with a "Triple Black" rendition just in time for the holidays. The shoe, built using a traditional Ultra Boost platform, has become the most recognizable product for Team Adidas outside of Kanye West's line.

Now in the form of the "Triple Black" option, this pattern will be scuff-proof. Primeknit materials wrap the sneaker, leaving room for the traditional plastic cage and, of course, a Boost sole.

Similar to a good majority of the Ultra Boost releases in 2016, we are hedging our bets that this sneaker will become a hot commodity and should command significant volume in the resell space. In any event, December 1 is when the "Triple Black" Ultra Boost arrives. Stay on your toes for this release.

Air Jordan IX 'Black/Concord-White'

Image courtesy of Nike

On December 3, Jordan Brand will continue its retro line with the Air Jordan IX "Black/Concord-White." That's the technical name. You might recognize the shoe as the Air Jordan IX "Space Jam."

This crispy holiday drop is hitting retailers just in time for the 20th anniversary of Space Jam. If you're a fan of the Air Jordan IX, there's no reason not to love this model. Responsive air sole units are packed into the sneaker, allowing it to be playable in an on-court capacity, even by today's standards.

In typical Jordan Brand fashion, you can also expect the company to meld the shoe together using premium leather. This has been commonplace for retro products over the last two years.

When we talk about Jordan Brand around the holidays, retro models always come to mind. With the Air Jordan IX "Black/Concord-White," we've officially made the transition over to a laundry list of December kicks.

Nike Air Cruz 'Black Suede'

NFL athletes have tried their hands at the sneaker business before—shoutout to Deion Sanders. No one has done it quite as well as New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz.

Cruz turned his deal with Nike into a elite signature line dubbed the Air Cruz. After an initial successful series of drops in fall 2015, the sneaker returned on November 18 in a "Light Bone" colorway. On December 2, Cruz will follow that up with the "Black Suede" edition.

Nike has used Cruz's line to promote a stylish cross-trainer shoe utilizing lush materials. And one year after it was launched, the Air Cruz continues to thrive.

Air Jordan I 'Black-Concord/White'

Image courtesy of Nike

Patent leather and the Air Jordan line. Or as we call it, two peas in a pod. The material has been seen on countless Jordan models, and that tradition continues with the  Air Jordan I "Black-Concord/White."

Another member of the Space Jam tribute band, these kicks take the timeless Air Jordan I silhouette and add an extended layer of height to the sneaker. It's a cool change of pace for the Jordan I—a shoe that has continually impressed.

The shoe doesn't focus strictly on patent leather. Woven textile also comes in handy, as it touches the upper and toe box of the "Black-Concord/White."

Overall, it's a really interesting sneaker that should be an easier cop than say the Nike Air Cruz or the Ultra Boost "Triple Black." The  Air Jordan I "Black-Concord/White" hits retailers on December 3.

Adidas Harden Vol. 1 'Pioneer'

December 3 brings us the first offering of James Harden's signature Adidas sneaker, the Vol. 1 "Pioneer." It marks a big opportunity for Adidas to make strides in the basketball market, which has historically been driven by Nike.

Matt Powell of the NPD Group reported Nike had a 53 percent share of the market last year, which shows the ladder Adidas will have to climb in order to get back into serious contention.

The Harden Vol. 1 "Pioneer" is a big step in righting that wrong. Aesthetically it's a crowd pleaser. The colored toe box and Primeknit layering creates a strong contrast.

With Harden as its biggest advertiser, the product should move well. On December 3, we're going to find out if that assumption is true.

All production information and release dates via Nike News and Adidas News, unless noted otherwise.