B/R Kicks: Top Releases of the Week

The revolving door of prominent sneaker releases never stops churning. Right when you think you've witnessed all a certain brand has to offer, it pulls the curtain back to reveal more dollar-inducing entities.

Our weekly look at what's dropping over the next seven days continues below, thanks to a brand-new Kevin Durant signature effort, a clean-cut retro Air Jordan and two Adidas runners. 

Check out all of the top releases, and let us know which ones you're feeling.

Nike Zoom KD 9 "Aunt Pearl"

Image courtesy of Nike

Everyone loves new products. It's why Nike's marketing strategy and current slew of releases have been focused on the LeBron 14 and Kyrie 3. But beneath those recent drops, Kevin Durant's line continues to serve as a standard bearer for the company.

The KD 9 has helped elevate Nike's signature sneaker experience into the future. In fact, LeBron James' line has even begun to mirror some of KD's best features.

Image courtesy of Nike

With each NBA season, Durant and Nike honor the passing of KD's Aunt Pearl. Commemorating her life, Durant's signature line is given the now-famous "Aunt Pearl" treatment.

This year the shoe has taken form with a black-and-red colorway, launched onto the KD 9 mold.

A pivotal difference between these kicks and previous KD 9 iterations is that the "Aunt Pearl" has been touched up with intricate details like the Kay Yow Cancer Fund inscription—where sneaker proceeds will go—pressed onto the insole.

Image courtesy of Nike

Releasing on January 28, the KD 9 "Aunt Pearl" will feature a $150 price tag and should be a tough sneaker to pick up, considering the exclusivity behind it.

Stick to Nike's SNKRS app for your chance to cop a pair.

Air Jordan VIII "Take Flight"

Image courtesy of Nike

Jordan Brand's "Take Flight" program debuts with the release of the Air Jordan VIII. Debuting on January 28, these kicks use an updated, tonal approach to a sneaker Michael first wore in 1993.

An olive overtone became the focal point for this shoe. Olive touches every component of the sneaker, including the iconic cross-strap—an element that, to this day, remains the one, true representation of the Air Jordan VIII. 

Image courtesy of Nike

The only hints of color arrive in the form of black and orange. Orange accents overlap the Jumpman logo, insole and forefoot, while black submerges the heel and tongue.

Jordan Brand's "Take Flight" VIII offers consumers the chance to land a retro model in a colorway that is rarely seen. The shoe has more of a fall look and feel to it, which is a dope reflection of where the "Take Flight" line is headed.

Image courtesy of Nike

Similar to plenty of other Air Jordan retros, the VIII "Take Flight" will have a lofty price point of $190.

Adidas EQT Support 93/17

Image courtesy of Adidas

Veering over to the Adidas side of things, one distinct runner releasing on January 26 is the Adidas EQT Support 93/17.

Part of a totalitarian Support pack—featuring various Adidas cuts—the EQT Support 93/17 takes the classic EQT 93 and adds elements of modernism throughout the shoe.

Image courtesy of Adidas

One example of this was the woven-knit upper. Rather than strictly pushing all their chips into the woven material, Adidas layered the upper with a nubuck material.

The sneaker itself is a beautiful continuation of Adidas' progress with runners. If Nike owns the basketball world, Adidas has its grips firmly placed over the running sector.

Image courtesy of Adidas

Adidas PureBoost "Black"

Don't be fooled by the design. This isn't an updated version of the Adidas Ultra Boost. It's actually a PureBoost model, constructed from super-lightweight materials.

Adidas' running takeover now carries over to the PureBoost family. Aside from the NMD and Ultra Boost, this version is worthy of rave reviews and showering praise.

One element the PureBoost features is a sophisticated, woven upper. Rather than serve as a lightweight add-on, this upper is a double-wrapped, almost free-forming, living element.

Add in a traditionally lush Boost sole and you have yourselves a prominent footwear masterpiece ready to be worn by footwear enthusiasts across the globe.

The aesthetics of the PureBoost tend to rival that of the Ultra Boost. For a sneaker that won't be accompanied with as much hype, this truly is a visually stimulating product.

Adidas plans the release for January 25, with a price tag of $140. It's a worthy adversary to the Ultra Boost, and for the dollars associated with it, the PureBoost might be a better bargain.

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