B/R Kicks: Top Releases of the Week

A new year means a whole new slew of kicks. Bleacher Report's top sneaker releases of the week are back and ready to garner mass attention.

The coming days officially mark the start of 2017's footwear campaign. As you'll see on the list below, all of these kicks are worthy additions to one's collection.

Exploring the vast world of Jordan Brand and Nike, we were able to properly select five sneakers worth your time. Without further ado, here are the choices that made this week's list.

Air Jordan XV 'Black/Varsity Red'

Image courtesy of Nike

Sneaker: Air Jordan XV "Black/Varsity Red"

Release Date: January 7

Jordan Brand appears to be plotting a handful of grandiose ideas heading into the early stages of 2017. Kicking things off is the release of the Air Jordan XV "Black/Varsity Red."

Also dubbed the "Take Flight" or "Stealth" XV—due to the fact it's part of the company's "Take Flight" initiative—this shoe gained popularity in a post-Michael Jordan world.

Jordan himself never played in the XVs, instead opting for retirement. By the time he rekindled his basketball flame with the Washington Wizards, the shoe was already locked into the vault.

This release, designed with nothing but a sleek fit in mind, could garner attention from the current crop of NBA stars—especially those linked with Jordan Brand. 

Be on the lookout January 7 for the Air Jordan XV "Black/Varsity Red" if you're in need of a new pair of kicks.

Nike Air Force 1 Ultra Mid

Sneaker: Nike Air Force 1 Ultra Mid

Release Date: January 5—available now.

Unlike the other sneakers on this list, the Nike Air Force 1 Ultra Mid already hit retailers on January 5. However, we felt it was important to include the kicks because of the resurgence in popularity surrounding the Air Force 1 line, thanks to John Geiger and Nike.

Originally conceived by Bruce Kilgore during the early 1980s, this 2017 version takes the concept of originality and puts its own unique spin on things. For starters, the patented Air Force 1 strap has been ripped away. This gives the shoe a more conventional, "everyday" feel rather than leaning on tradition.

Releasing in three distinct colorways—"Red" for men, "Light Bone" for women and "Black" for both—the Nike Air Force 1 Ultra Mid is a shoe worth all of your dollars and cents.

Air Jordan XXXI 'Black Toe'

Image courtesy of Nike

Sneaker: Air Jordan XXXI "Black Toe"

Release Date: January 7

Continuing with its tribute to past Air Jordan models, the "Black Toe" XXXI is now set for a January 7 release.

What's dope about the Air Jordan XXXI is how it directly tips its cap to the Air Jordan I. Utilizing a similar upper, Jordan Brand used modern-day technology to strip the base and then fuse mesh lining into the ankle and the toe box.

Aside from traction elements on the sole—where the sneaker could use an upgrade—the Air Jordan XXXI was a genuine contender for sneaker of the year. It fits well, feels good and supports your every move. What more could you ask for?

If you're on the fence about securing a pair, perhaps the "Black Toe" will be enough to finally push you over the edge.

Nike Kobe A.D. 'Chrome'

Sneaker: Nike Kobe A.D. "Chrome"

Release Date: January 7

The Nike Kobe A.D. is important mainly because it officially marked a time when the Swoosh conglomerate decided to keep Kobe Bryant's signature line alive and well.

Released in 2016, this shoe hasn't been oversaturated, which has preserved its worth. On January 7, the Kobe A.D. returns with a "Chrome" treatment. Blurring the lines between white and silver, this sneaker has to be the cleanest drop of the week.

However, buyer beware. An all-white shoe is going to turn scuffing season into a reality. Keep these babies clean by making sure they stay on the court.

Nike Kyrie 3 'Samurai'

Sneaker: Nike Kyrie 3 "Samurai"

Release Date: January 7

You have to love everything about the Nike Kyrie 3. Not only does it mark another chapter in Kyrie Irving's popular signature line, but the shoe remains a fan favorite in terms of cost. A $120 price tag blows away rival sneakers, and we're very grateful for that.

With the Kyrie 3, Nike shifted its focus on enhancing the performance of the shoe. Stripping away the mid-foot strap used to secure the Kyrie 2, the 3 instead features more security near the toe and around the sole.

As the first official drop of the Kyrie 3 "Samurai"—released as part of Nike's mystery box concept on Christmas Day—there's a good chance it will vanish from shelves quickly.

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