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Footnotes: A fresh drop of sneaker news

Nike's new releases, hip-hop and anime collaborations, and tempting end of season sneaker sales

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Weekly updates


The last seven days have brought us massive news from Nike, with the release of the NikeLab Zoom Fly SP, and a release date for the much-anticipated Air VapourMax ‘Triple Black’ colourway. It has also been an exciting week for collaborations with Reebok co-signing Rae Sremmurd and Converse celebrating its 100-year anniversary with a special ‘One Piece’ Chuck Taylor design. Adidas has made news for its commitment to environmental sustainability, with a limited edition release of the Adidas x Parley collection just in time for World Ocean Day. Finally, SS17 is drawing to a close and the end of season sales are all too inviting.

  • Words: Ikumi Cooray

01. Adidas x Parley UltraBOOST makes a statement on sneaker sustainability

Adidas has announced its latest collaboration with Parley for the Oceans—a network of creators, thinkers, and leaders aiming to raise awareness of the increasing environmental threats to the ocean. Adidas has previously worked with Parley, but the new collection features a symbolic light blue and white colourway, as well as additional features that make reference to the ongoing coral-bleaching crisis. Parley for the Oceans founder Cyrill Gustsch explains that the colourway is a symbol for the way human actions “bring down the largest reefs” and “make them lose their colour as if they raise the white flag of surrender”. Each pair of shoes is made up of about 11 plastic bottles as well as recycled PET material. The sneakers are also embedded with an NFC Chip, allowing wearers to learn more about the Adidas x Parley partnership and more about the Parley A.I.R strategy. The limited edition collection includes Adidas’ UltraBOOST, UltraBOOST X and UltraBOOST Uncaged models, and will be released in line with World Ocean Day on June 8.

02. The NikeLab Zoom Fly SP is now available

NikeLab’s Breaking2 event took place last month in an ongoing innovation project by Nike to break the two-hour marathon barrier. Olympic gold medallist Eliud Kipchoge finished the marathon in Monza, Italy with a time of 2:00:25. In celebration, NikeLab has come out with the Zoom Fly SP– a sneaker that isn’t just aesthetically pleasing, but also has a number of unique features targeted towards marathon and long-distance runners. The digital clock graphic on the heel references Breaking2’s attempt to break the two-hour marathon barrier, the finish checker icon represents the flags at marathon finish lines, and the shoe even includes a space on the inside of the tongue where runners can note down the trial no., location, and time of their own fastest running attempts. The Zoom Fly SP will be available via select NikeLab stockists including Dover Street Market and End.

03. Nike Air VaporMax 'Triple Black' gets a release date

Since its announcement earlier this year, Nike has been releasing the Air VaporMax in a number of different colourways and variations. Last week saw a “Be True” release with a colourful rainbow sole and now in a complete opposite direction, Nike has just announced release info for a ‘Triple Black’. The sneaker was first released in late March for Nike’s Air Max Day celebrations, and was even given a limited edition rework by Comme Des Garcons. The new release isn’t entirely black, but sports subtle anthracite and deep-grey features, and is expected to be available online and at Nike stores on June 22.

04. It's sneaker sale season, at last

SS17 is wrapping up and retailers are desperately trying to move stock, which might be stressful for them but it’s wonderful news us. Sydney-based online store Subtype has heavily discounted Adidas, including NMD and Iniki Runner models in a choice of different colourways. There’s also plenty of Puma X Fenty to choose from including trainers, slides, sandals and apparel. UK store Size? has also listed over 100 discount sneaker models by Nike, Reebok, PUMA, Converse and many more. Sneakerboy’s home page also tempts us with up to 70% off last-chance sneakers and includes high-end brands like Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, and Alexander McQueen.

05. Rae Sremmurd are the new face of Reebok Classics

In a continued pattern of collaborations with hip-hop artists like Kendrick Lamar, Future, and Cam’Ron, Reebok has just announced its newest partnership with Mississippi rap duo Rae Sremmurd. The “Classic Leather” campaign will feature photography and cultural events attended by Rae Sremmurd. This includes sending out the Classic Leather truck to various locations throughout the year and hosting block parties with shoe customisation, giveaways, and an opportunity for fans to learn about the history of the Reebok Classic. The Reebok brand has always been about self-expression and the company backed its decision with praise for Swae and Jxmmi, expressing that “few artists so passionately embrace life and nonconformity like Rae Sremmurd”.

06. Converse celebrates 100 years of Chuck Taylor All Star’s with special edition 'One Piece' design

Eiichiro Oda’s ‘One Piece’ is one of the most popular anime series’ in Japan, so it’s no surprise that Converse Japan has chosen to mark its anniversary by releasing the classic high top sneakers with a collage design of ‘One Piece’ characters. Oda’s collaboration with Converse is one of many that he’s had with international brands like BAPE and Casio, as well as with local Japanese companies like La Foret, and even a lingerie collaboration with Peach John. Anime fans will have to hold out until August for the expected release, with no plans of a release outside of Japan announced just yet.