B/R Kicks: Top Releases of the Week
NBA All-Star Weekend has put the sneaker world on notice, unleashing a glittering array of kicks just in time for all the festivities.
All of the top retailers are out here attempting to capitalize on the star-studded event with a series of rare and compelling drops.
Let's explore a handful of releases slated for All-Star Weekend in greater detail.
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Nike Air Zoom Generation "Vachetta Tan"
The second retro release of LeBron James' signature line with Nike is set to descend upon retailers on February 18.
Nicknamed the "Vachetta Tan" Air Zoom Generation, these kicks come directly on the heels of the "First Game" edition, which was dropped in a limited capacity on January 25.
Brendan Dunne of Sole Collector explained how the "First Game" Air Zoom Generation's were restricted to around 500 total pairs—as a reference, that's fewer than any Yeezy Boost 350 V2 model to date.
The "Vachetta Tan" Air Zoom Generation should supersede those original numbers, as Nike retailers, including the SNKRS app, are expected to maintain inventory, per Renz Ofiaza of Kicks on Fire.
Priced at $200, the "Vachetta Tan" Air Zoom Generation comes equipped with a traditional Zoom Air cushioning system, a faux chrome heel, rose gold accents and leather laces.
Rather than try its hand as an on-court performer and off-the-court asset, this Air Zoom Generation was created as a fashionable endeavor. The rich leather base, crispy laces and stern sole join forces and create a heavier wearing experience than most of LeBron's signature kicks.
Be on the lookout February 18 for your chance to enjoy a pair. Despite having more of an inventory than the "First Game," they still should create quite the buzz during All-Star Weekend.
Brandblack Future Legend Pack
Brandblack returns to the forefront of sneakers on All-Star Weekend with fresh colorways of their Future Legend model.
Don't let the shoe's 2001: A Space Odyssey look play you for a fool. The Future Legend is a basketball-ready sneaker. Lightweight and bound together with a Jacquard knit upper, the Future Legend plays off Brandblack's vision.
Lightweight and bound together with a Jacquard knit upper, the Future Legend plays off Brandblack's unusual vision.
Unlike their mainstream competitors, one strength of Brandblack is how they lean on European influence for product design. If consumers are interested in that type of approach, Brandblack and the Future Legend model present an intriguing alternative to some of the other stuff currently out there.
The Future Legend comes readily available in three distinct colors and will release February 17 for $120.
Air Jordan XII "OVO"
Drake's working relationship with Jordan Brand has helped elevate the taste levels of the company. Not only do consumers receive countless retro colorways of their favorite models on what feels like a quarterly basis, but now with Drake—and brands like Public School—the Air Jordan line has been given a high-fashion restart.
After the success of the Air Jordan X "OVO" in 2015, Drake finally returns to the shoe game with an "OVO" XII. Releasing on February 18, the blackout version will retail for $225.
Quality materials reign supreme here. The premium leather base and durabuck overlay supply the kicks with a much-needed facelift, turning the price tag into a feasible selling point.
For those who were able to get their hands on the Air Jordan "OVO" X, you know what this sneaker is about. The shoe is built to shine.
Good luck procuring a pair. Like the "OVO" Xs, these Drake-inspired kicks are guaranteed to evaporate from shelves.
Nike Special Field Air Force 1 "Desert Camo"
Nike truly and unequivocally outdid themselves with the reintroduction of the Air Force 1. Rather than lean on the side of history and continue to pound away with new colorways and dynamic schemes, the Swoosh Machine totally rebuilt the sneaker with an "urban assault" look and feel.
The Special Field Air Force One presents itself as tough yet alarmingly beautiful. Constructed as an extra high-top, these kicks manage to dance between the world of boots and sneakers without turning people off.
On February 17, the "Desert Camo" edition continues to conquer the marketplace. A light tan tumbled leather upper and camo heel creates a distinct look that has already veered off into unforgettable terrain.
With a $180 price tag, copping a pair should remain a problem for any supporter of the product.
Air Jordan I "Gotta Shine"
The Air Jordan I "Gotta Shine" completes All-Star Weekend when it showcases on February 19 from the Nike regime.
It's a familiar formula for the Air Jordan I line, but one that never seems to get tiresome. The heel is adjusted with a distinct colorway, while the toe box follows suit.
With the "Gotta Shine" I, Jordan Brand used a metallic green hue to paint both primal areas. Topped off with an iridescent coating and sole, this sneaker truly fits in with NBA All-Star Weekend and all of the glitz and glamor that surrounds it.
You won't get any advanced technological leaps with the "Gotta Shine" Jordan I. Conceptually, it remains a classic tribute to the 1985 release. It's a shoe that, though productive at the time of its initial descent, doesn't stack up to all of the Flyknit, Primeknit and Boost options readily available to consumers.
Priced out at $175, the "Gotta Shine" Air Jordan I represents a lovely way to end your All-Star Weekend spending spree—especially for Jordan Brand zealots.
Additional All-Star Weekend Releases
- Under Armour Curry 3 "Brass Band" February 17
- Air Jordan VI "All-Star," February 17
- Nike Special Field Air Force 1 "Dust," February 17
- Adidas Dame 3 "Lights Out," February 17
- Air Jordan XIII "OG," February 18
All production information and release dates via Nike News, unless noted otherwise.
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