The new year might just be the biggest one in terms of high-profile drops
It’s proving to be a packed year, with the Air Jordan 1 Low OG ‘Year of the Dragon’ making its debut, and Travis Scott possibly bringing two all-new drops in 2024.
Air Jordan 1 Low OG ‘Year of the Dragon’
After the ‘Year of the Rabbit,’ 2024 brings in the ‘Year of the Dragon’ and with it is supposed to come the all-new Nike Air Jordan 1 Low OG ‘Year of the Dragon.’ Teaser images show a low-top silhouette with a white leather base along with what appears to be a green snakeskin-ish overlay, complemented by the swoosh, the tongue, and the laces coloured in burgundy. The highlight of the piece, though, is the golden heel tag, which is supposed to represent power, wealth, longevity, and more in Chinese culture.
Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low “Black Olive”
Travis Scott and the Air Jordan 1 Low have formed an unparalleled partnership in the world of sneakers, ever since their collaboration in 2019. While a part of the community feels the pair peaked with their “Medium Olive” drop in April, the new “Black Olive” and “Canary” pieces do present a counter to that argument. While the Black Olive shoe doesn’t stray too far away from La Flame’s preference for earth tones, the Canary Colorway adds much-needed contrast to bright colours like yellow, blue, and white.
Travis Scott x Jordan Jumpman Jack
After 2022 and 2023, Travis Scott will attempt to maintain his influence on the current sneaker culture this year, with the highly-anticipated collab with the Jordan brand. La Flame is said to be introducing his first signature shoe to the world in the form of the – Jordan Jumpman Jack, which combines the artist’s signature motifs like the reverse swoosh, street-ready aesthetics and unique colour compositions.
Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’
For many, the wait for a “Military Blue” Air Jordan 4 has been longer than anticipated. Although the “Military Blue” might not be everyone’s top choice among the initial Air Jordan 4 colourways, it is still considered to be an important shoe by critics. Especially considering the updates Jordan Brand has done to its other silhouettes in the past. And who knows, perhaps the success of 2022’s “Military Black” could ignite the popularity of the classic colour this year.
Korn x Adidas Part 2
We’re getting more of the Korn x Adidas collaboration if reports are to be believed. After the success of last year’s collaboration, which entailed a range of footwear and apparel, the brands are now rumoured to drop not one, but two collections this year, as per Complex. One might debut in spring/summer while the other might drop during the 30th anniversary of the metal band’s self-titled debut album from 1994.
Action Bronson x New Balance 1906R
The Action Bronson x New Balance collab is set to keep on giving this year as well, with the rapper apparently moving from the 990v6 to the 1906R silhouette for 2024. As per reports, there are said to be three pieces in the work – A women’s aerobics-inspired “Rosewater” is joined by an orange and yellow “Scorpius” and blue “Medusa Azul” to round out the rather colourful lineup.
Louis Vuitton Footprint Boot
The Louis Vuitton Footprint boot unmistakably reflects today’s trend-driven footwear landscape, for better or for worse. Designed for maximum impact in the era of viral fashion, the exaggerated construction of its “Footprint Boot” is what will get all the headlines this year. However, it has to be said that even though the design is a bit out there, it still exudes a sense of sophistication and luxury you associate with LV.
Air Jordan 1 High OG “Black Toe Reimagined”
Take this with a grain of salt, but ever since rumours of the return of the Air Jordan 1 High “Black Toe” started circulating in 2022, sneakerheads have already started breaking their piggy banks in hopes of securing the pair. While no images or information have been shared by the Jordan brand yet, the rumour mill does suggest a possible release date around the Holiday season this year.
Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Venice Beach”
Adding to the nostalgic wave in the 2024 sneaker releases is the Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Venice Beach,” honouring the legacy of the Black Mamba. This retro design pays homage to the eclectic California neighbourhood with a lively blend of grey, blue, yellow, and orange hues, creating a court-ready aesthetic. For those seeking fresh options, additional colourways such as “Radiant Emerald,” “Court Purple,” and “Mambacita” are also slated to hit shelves throughout the year.
JJJJound x Adidas Samba
As the Adidas Samba marks its 75th anniversary this year, the Three Stripes is determined to keep this iconic model in the spotlight. Adding to the celebration is a long-rumoured collaboration with JJJJound on the retro football sneaker, forming just one of the many projects planned for the Samba series.
Balenciaga Sock Sneaker
There’s a lot of drama associated with this pair and not just in terms of its design. Blurring the lines between a sneaker and a sock, the Balenciaga Sock Sneaker is the brand’s latest venture into the realm of minimalistic footwear. In the ongoing creative rivalry between the Gvasalia brothers, with Guram leading VETEMENTS and Demna heading Balenciaga, tensions rose when Guram expressed dissatisfaction with Demna’s work. Posting on Instagram, Guram declared, “Accept no imitations #NothingBeatsTheOriginal,” following the release of Ye’s YZY Pods and Balenciaga’s unveiling of its Sock Sneaker. Whether you’re taking sides in the Gvasalia brotherly feud or simply enjoying the spectacle from the sidelines, the Sock Sneaker Saga promises to be an entertaining story to witness.