B/R Kicks: Top Releases of the Week

Prepare yourself for another hearty dose of sneaker goodness, because Bleacher Report’s top releases of the week is back in full effect.

If you missed out on the debut installment last go-around, don’t stress. Essentially what we’re doing here is listing and naming five of the best sneaker drops over the next seven days and telling you more about what makes them special.

As we veer off into holiday territory, this is a perfect time to cop as many sneakers as you possibly can. Analyzing and reviewing everything that’s slated to drop, here are five choices curated for your footwear habits.

Rihanna X Puma ‘Creeper Velvet’

Sneaker: Rihanna x Puma “Creeper Velvet”

Release Date: Thursday

Rihanna’s work with Puma might go largely unnoticed in the athletic space, but it’s certainly out here making noise in the footwear industry.

The sneaker is a collaborative, casual effort that pits punk-rock style from the 1980s—notice the extra-chunky sole—with a vintage, velvety Puma cut. With Rihanna stamping her name across the kicks, the popularity of this reimagined silhouette has soared, giving women a chance to make men across the sneaker spectrum jealous.

It’s a shoe that has sold out during most restock efforts, per Amy Sciarretto of Bustle. This go-around shouldn’t be any different. Priced at $150, look out on Thursday for the Rihanna x Puma “Creeper Velvet.”

Nike Kyrie 2 'What The?'

Image courtesy of Nike

Sneaker: Nike Kyrie 2 “What The?”

Release Date: Monday

The end is near for the Kyrie 2. Not in terms of wearability—it will live on for a long time in that vein. It’s mainly because the Kyrie 3 is getting ready for its own close-up on Dec. 31, according to Sneaker Bar Detroit.

Before we get extra weepy, let’s focus on the “What The?” model. Perhaps the most important edition of the Kyrie 2, this shoe tells the story of Irving’s amazing 2015-16 NBA season. 

From his elevated level of play alongside LeBron James to winning an NBA title, the “What The?” Kyrie 2s mark the end of an era for this sneaker.

These shoes will cost $120 to secure a pair. If you missed out on this model at all, now’s the perfect time to shell out some cash and enjoy the final chapter.

Nike LunarCharge Essential 'Black'

Image courtesy of Nike

Sneaker: Nike LunarCharge Essential “Black”

Release Date: Friday

We’ve politicked back and forth about this issue before but the result of the narrative remains the same: Great sneakers aren’t solely determined by hype. A perfect example of this comes by way of the Nike LunarCharge Essential “Black,” releasing on Friday.

It’s a shoe that leans heavily on a robust construction process in order to thrive, rather than celebrity co-signs. Selecting elements from past Nike models like the Air Max 90, Air Flow and Air Presto—among others—the LunarCharge gives consumers a platform to embrace progress.

With Adidas pushing the limits in terms of a “simple is better" philosophy, the LunarCharge Essential has become an answer to that ongoing battle. This sneaker is a comfort-driven, hyperadaptive piece of footwear that looks and feels exemplary.

Air Jordan XI 'Space Jam'

Image courtesy of Nike

Sneaker: Air Jordan XI “Space Jam”

Release Date: Saturday

Everybody get up and get ready for the “Space Jams.” See what we did there? Anyway, Jordan Brand’s holiday blessings continue with the Air Jordan XI “Space Jam” on Saturday.

We already touched on how important this release is for consumers, as Jordan Brand went all in with the concept of originality. The result was a unique Concord purple colorway that should garner plenty of attention on release day.

Those looking to procure a pair from the digital shelves—or trek out in person—should expect to pay $220 for the “Space Jam” XIs.

Nike Flyknit Racer 'Earth Tones'

Image courtesy of Nike

Sneaker: Nike Flyknit Racer "Earth Tones"

Release Date: Friday

Nike continues to deliver with its Flyknit Racer series. On Friday, the Swoosh empire set to unleash another home run.

This "Earth Tones" Racer was constructed on the basis of using as much Flyknit material as possible. Utilizing rich yet muted colors, Nike is giving fans of the product a systematic, "tough to damage" sneaker to prod around in during the winter.

When we talk about tough-to-damage shoes, the conversation pivots toward tonal patterns built to withstand the elements. A sequoia and olive blend creates this effect on the "Earth Tones" Flyknit Racer, turning those grueling winter months—for those who experience them—into a pleasure.

Friday has been set as the arrival date. The Nike Flyknit Racer “Earth Tones” comes equipped with a $150 price tag.

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