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Queens brand and retailer, Aimé Leon Dore is continuing their fan-favorited partnership with New Balance to bring forth yet another basketball-centric project. We've seen the brands take their swing at the NB 550 to much fanfare and apparel that further ties together the basketball theme. New to the family is the ALD x NB 650R. The high-top version of the 550 features a clean white leather color blocking with accents of grey, red, navy and green; just as we've seen with the 550s before them. The familiar look comes with a crackled and aged 'N' logo prominently on the quarter and Aimé Leon Dore branding across the tongue tag and stamped on the left heel. Release is available via the draw online at ALD and runs through Tuesday, April 19th at 11:59 ET. All sales are final, limit one colorway per customer. Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance 650R 4. 19. 22. $165

Coming out of a transitional period for the iconic brand. It has been quite the tumultuous and uncertain last few years for the Reebok brand. Founded 127 years ago in 1895, the brand has fallen on hard times and with the completed sale of ownership from adidas to Authentic Brands Group as of March 1st – so much in a state of flux from the brand, and the announcement of Kerby Jean-Raymond's departure from the company as its Creative Director, where does the brand go from here? What should the philosophy be under new ownership and new creative direction to bring back that feeling of generations past? Let's explore: History of Reebok The adage is as true and tried as time itself; in order to know where you're headed – you have to know where you've been. Reebok was founded by Joseph William Foster and when the brand was first established, it set up camp in England. Now over time, operations. have migrated to Boston, Massachusetts. Reebok was once a thriving company, seemingly on the cutting edge of aerobics, thanks largely to the Reebok Freestyle model which was extremely popular after its advent in 1982. Being released only in women's sizing exclusively, the brand went on to earn $13 million in sales the following year. And from that began Reebok's expansion into fitness, tennis and basketball – the latter where the brand perhaps made its greatest strides. By 1985, Reebok now fully an American based company went public on the New York Stock Exchange and began to endorse professional athletes in the mid-'80s in both football and basketball. It was around this time that Reebok touched close to $1 billion in sales and then widened their scope to include collegiate and professional sports. At the time, the brand's largest endorsement came in the form of an ultra-charismatic, seven-foot tall, No. 1 overall draft pick from LSU – Shaquille O'Neal. And from that partnership birthed a run of signature models which all but helped carry the momentum of 1989's Reebok Pump. The technology and marketing was genius and simply perfect for its time. Between the Omni Pump Lite and the iconic "pumping up" of the shoes before Dee Brown's no-look dunk in the 1991 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Reebok could do no wrong. Reebok continued their share of their marketplace in aerobics and had a fresh new face to carry the torch on the hardwood. Meanwhile on the gridiron, Emmitt Smith was tearing up the NFL and helping the Dallas Cowboys become the team of the '90s. And where Smith was holding down the football end of the spectrum, Frank Thomas was in baseball with his "Big Hurt" signature. All this led to the moment where Reebok's fortunes would forever change and its popularity would take another leap – when a six-foot guard from Georgetown was wrestled away from the clutches of Nike and was a Reebok athlete. The 1996 launch of the Reebok Question, Allen Iverson's first signature with the brand would be the genesis of what is today, a lifetime contract with the brand. From 2000 onward, Reebok would become a major player in tennis, thanks to Venus Williams who won the Wimbledon crown that year and Olympic gold in Sydney in both singles and doubles competition. Reebok then became the official outfitter for the NFL until 2012 and simultaneously carried outfitting duties for the NBA until their parent company adidas acquired them in 2005. 2010 – Reebok went the crossfit route and jumped on the bandwagon of the emerging full-body, intensity workout. And after failed attempts to continue in the performance basketball space, the brand stopped after the failure of Zig tech and doubled down in the crossfit space. The brand would resurface in the public eye after securing the UFC contract to outfit fighters in 2017. All which led to 2021 and the sale of Reebok to Authentic Brands Group after financial troubles and diminished buy-in from adidas. "Product has always been at the forefront of Reebok, and we are committed to upholding the standard that our brand fans and consumers have come to expect." – Matt O’Toole, President, Reebok Design Group Recapturing the Glory Years x Looking Forward In order for Reebok to truly thrive moving forward, the brand must do two things – (1) recapture the glory years; bottle their nostalgia and reconnect with their audience that made them formidable and (2) have a clear direction of who and what Reebok is in 2022 and connecting with today's consumer. And the brand recognizes this, as the press release stated; an essential pillar of Authentic Brands Group approach and strategy to Reebok is preserving the brand's DNA. "Under new ownership, we have an exciting opportunity to reclaim our place in the market and take Reebok to even greater heights." – O'Toole The brand's DNA is deep and rich, and we truly only see a fraction of what the brand has to offer. Under Kerby Jean-Raymond's direction, we've seen the refresh of the "Life Is Not a Spectator's Sport" campaign and tagline. The foresight moves the brand into the future while being true to its past and utilizing a today's generation voice to achieve connectivity. So here is how Reebok can expand upon that: Reebok's current roster includes (a lifetime deal) with Allen Iverson, Cleveland Browns defensive stalwart, Myles Garrett, Cardi B and Victoria Beckham – as detailed by the brand's site. However, recapturing the glory years extend beyond re-releases of the Reebok Question across the full spectrum of the color wheel. While the storytelling aspect has grown with "The Answer's" signature line, it often feels the Question and other Answer signatures are becoming simply a run-on sentence at this stage. How can the brand leverage Iverson to center and ground the Hall of Famer's signature line. Perhaps a phone call to Jadakiss could be in order. Myles Garrett can leverage the brand's presence in the NFL and in football. Resurrecting the Pump Pro Pitbull cleat would instantly turn back the clock and thrust the brand into a conversation starter. Garrett being a defensive player could prove lucrative for the brand opposite Emmitt Smith, creating a story based on the game of inches within the trenches. The perspective is fresh, it's unique. It places the brand's current face in football with the Hall of Fame running back and serves as an entry point to a re-release of the Reebok Scrimmage and Reebok ES22 Hexalite. Cardi B can continue to push forward the lifestyle aspect of Reebok, bringing in a mega collaboration with Victoria Beckham can serve as a call of women's empowerment in a pivotal time in our society. While also furthering Beckham's fitness arc within the brand's ecosystem. Utilizing the workout models that have become lifestyle staples for the brand can play front-and-center. Couple that with additional collaborators we've seen in 2022 alone; iconic streetwear brand, BAPE; the luxurious, Maison Margiela. Reebok is firmly established in footwear lore, it is simply making the brand potent in 2022. Crowd sourcing may be another method by which Reebok can establish the brand's place within the 2022 footwear sphere. Just as Reebok worked with Pyer Moss, the executives in the C-suite have to think, "who is the next Pyer Moss?". The next brand that be partnered with where both parties benefit from the collaborative efforts and grow in stature, ideas, perspective, reach. Who is the next figure that can organically tie themselves to Reebok. Not simply and exclusively push product, but who grew up with Reebok, who is inspired by Reebok designs and product of yesteryear. Who can mine the brand's vault and reintroduce product, retool and remaster product that excites the consumer. Those are the questions Reebok should be asking, in order to speak in a today's generation voice, but who can also bridge the gap to the brand's heritage. Who can take up the aforementioned, Jean-Raymond's mantle? Extremely large shoes to fill as he served as the brand's VP of Creative Direction, surely the brand would look for an experienced designer and creative to fill the role, but perhaps there is a by committee approach or even a burgeoning creative; including what his departure means for spring-summer 2023's collection that was led by Jean-Raymond. Conclusion As the consumer-facing questions loom for Reebok after the brand's sale, one thing is certain – heritage will be at the forefront. And that it is 100% the correct call. For a company that is a century-plus old, it has demonstrated the sustainability needed to survive and thrive for as long as it has. The new regime at ABG understand this and is keen to what has been missing from Reebok since adidas pursued the sale of the brand. "[Reebok] Its position at the intersection of fashion, sports and culture allows Reebok to be elastic while staying true to its celebrated ethos and unmistakable DNA," – Nick Woodhouse, President and CMO, Authentic Brands Group. Time will ultimately be the determining factor as to when we'll see what Reebok develops under new leadership with a renewed focus on heritage and brand DNA, but what we can hope is that it will be met with exuberance and continue to push the historic brand forward.

If you missed the shock drop in December, you'll be in luck as the 'Geode' adidas Yeezy 700 MNVN because; you guessed it ... it's restocking! Continuing to run through the litany of adidas x Yeezy silhouettes and colorways, the Three Stripes brings a family size run to the table for the mid-April relaunch. Dropping in adult, kids and infants sizings, the neutral 'Geode' shade is met with an italicized 700 across the lateral quarter walls in a contrasting white typeface. Release is confirmed for Tuesday, April 19th and dropping on Yeezy Supply and via the adidas Confirmed app. Are you looking to add this Yeezy drop to your collection? Scroll for official imagery across the family size run. adidas Yeezy 700 MNVN "Geode" Geode/Black 4. 19. 22 $140 (Infants) $160 (Kids) $220 (Adult)

Nike's continued mission to be environmentally friendly and conscious carries on in a way you may not have anticipated. You know when you receive your online order and the exercise of opening the shipping box and then the shoe box begins ... well, Nike is taking the double box and throwing it out the window (not literally – that would be littering. Littering is bad for the planet ♻️) Utilizing "One Box", there is a 51% percent reduction in waste from a single order. Think about that. Extrapolate that when you think of a sizable general release. The box is very discreet; plain and unassuming – most will appreciate this after the JUST DO IT. branding seemingly made orders a target for theft and received backlash from customers. It also eliminates the need for tape, as there is a primary adhesive strip and secondary for returns. Additionally, the graphics will not smudge to the touch.

FLOM, Heineken, Paris – the gang's all here When the late Sandy Boedecker introduced the Swoosh to what would become Nike SB, the road initially was met with hesitancy. Given that Nike attempted prior to and the reception within the skateboard community was not as the company had hoped. But Boedecker's vision for how Nike could seamlessly and organically operate within the culture proved most valuable. And he was correct. Now twenty years later, two decades of Nike Skateboarding is encapsulated in a new Sotheby's curated auction. Currently open is a Nike SB's head's dream, with a selection complete with the ultra-rare 'Paris' SB Dunk Low, 'FLOM' SB Dunk High with matching skate deck and signed box, 'Tiffany' Dunks, Supreme Dunks, 'What the Dunk', 'Freddy Krueger' and so, so, so much more. Pairs within the collection are estimated to fetch anywhere from $5,000 to an astronomical $750,000! Yes you read that correctly. SEVEN-HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND. The auction closes Monday, April 25th at 10 HKT (10 pm ET) on Sotheby's website. Lots will close individually and closure times are subject to close. Which pair(s) would you love to have in your collection?

An exercise in Nike DNA For a quarter-century, the Nike Air Max 97 has captivated the hearts and minds of many sneakerheads across the globe. Christian Tresser's design and most beloved color scheme is sourced from mountain bikes, as well as a drop of water, causing a rippling wavy effect within a pond. But of course, the Japanese bullet train – providing the inspiration for the legendary 'Silver Bullet' colorway. Working in concert together, the Air Max 97 is as revolutionary as it is sleek, thanks also to it being the first model with a full length Air bag. This new color scheme of the model takes from past Nike Air Max looks (perhaps intentionally). With the body of the 'Silver Bullet', to the Chlorine palette of the 'Marina' colorway nestled in the Air bubble and Swooshes found about the silhouette. As you can expect, the Air Max 97 will be poised for a big year as the 25th anniversary lineup begins to take shape. Is this DNA blended AM97 for you? Nike Air Max 97 Metallic Silver/Chlorine Blue DM0028-001 (Mens) DQ9131-001 (Womens) xx. xx. 22.

Celebrating 40 years Nike's Swiss Army Knife also known as the Air Force 1 is turning the big 4-0 this year. And as we chronicled back in December, there are bound to be plenty of surprises surrounding the AF1, as we illuminated as one of the sneaker storylines to watch in 2022. This rendition of Bruce Kilgore's first basketball design is part past and present. Utilizing DNA from the original White and Neutral Grey motif, the AF1 is a crisp and clean white leather beauty with its high grey velcro ankle strap, but also features the OG NIKE AIR branding on the heel tab. But it is also part present, taking from the Air Force 1 Fontanka with its multilayered leather eyestay and stitched perforations outlining the upper. However, the true kicker might be the double stacked look that blends Air Force 1 Low and Air Force 1 High seamlessly together; perhaps a calling to its basketball roots but its Sportswear iconic status. All with an aged, stained Air midsole in the middle. This Air Force 1 High has yet to drop but official images suggest sooner than later. Stay with Sole-U for further details. Nike Air Force 1 High DV4245-101 xx. xx. 22.

For the working sneakerhead Union x Jordan Brand's partnership continues to blossom, just like the articulately crafted delivery boxes featuring the Air Jordan 2 collaborations to family and friends of the Los Angeles storefront. After tackling the Air Jordan 1 High Retro OG in 2018 and the Air Jordan 4 Retro for their 30th anniversary across a quartet of colorways, next on the ledger is the polarizing Air Jordan 2 Retro. Featured across two color schemes, 'Rattan' and 'Grey Fog', the initial launch took place last week at Union, in-store; but there is still the matter of the official images of the collaborations, which indicates a SNKRS launch. Donning an industrial look, comparable to the uniform of a factory worker, the look is perfectly LA. From the sunny 'Rattan' to the blue collar 'Grey Fog'. The stitched and embossed collar, which sports a "name tag" that also is a call to the project's original intended launch of holiday 2021 but the additional cutouts across the quarter and exposed tongue padding across the lining. Scroll through the official images of the two Union x Air Jordan 2 Retros after the jump. Release is expected to take place on Friday, April 15th on SNKRS. Stay tuned to Sole-U for more details as it relates to the subsequent drop. Union x Air Jordan 2 Retro Rattan/Siren Red-Beach-Orange Peel DN3802-200 4. 15. 22. $225 Union Air Jordan 2 Retro Grey Fog/Siren Red-Light Smoke Grey DN3802-001 4. 15. 22. $225

Happier Than Ever. When you're 20-year old music sensation Billie Eilish; at this stage you've nearly done it all. You've won seven Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, headlined festivals and become a megastar in the eyes of Generation Z and your influence is undeniable. That's one hell of a résumé before being able to legally drink. After collaborating with Jordan Brand on a retooled Air Jordan 15 Retro and eye-catching Air Jordan 1 KO; patented after her then-signature green hair style ... she now migrates within the partnership to the Swoosh. Taking the most versatile silhouette in the Nike archive and gathering inspiration from the Air Trainer III and Air Alpha Force Low respectively; the Billie Eilish x Nike Air Force 1 is heavy on the straps. Five velcro straps provide a unique appearance across a neutral 'Mushroom' motif. But the silhouette's higher calling comes in the form of its recycled content that comprises the modified AF1. The entire model is constructed from 18% post-consumer recycled content, a synthetic nubuck upper – utilizing 80% recycled materials and a completely recycled polyester detailing and underfoot thanks to Nike Grind. Additionally, a t-shirt, hoodie and sweatpant in the matching 'Mushroom' look will be available with a vertical Swoosh and Billie Eilish wordmarking. Release is scheduled for April 25th globally on SNKRS. Billie Eilish x Nike Air Force 1 Mushroom/Mushroom-Mushroom DM7926-200 4. 25. 22. $170 Billie Eilish x Nike Air Force 1 T-Shirt Mushroom/Mushroom-Mushroom DM7926-200 4. 25. 22. $45 Billie Eilish x Nike Air Force 1 Fleece Hoodie Mushroom/Mushroom-Black 4. 25. 22. $100 Billie Eilish x Nike Air Force 1 Fleece Pants Mushroom/Mushroom-Black 4. 25. 22. $100

"Joe Freshgoods looks to the natural conversations, verbal and non-verbal, happening in the Black community as a way to connect, reflect, and express shared thoughts and experiences." – New Balance Back in February, Joe Freshgoods announced that he had become the Creative Director at New Balance. Being the first CD role for the Chicago designer outside of his own brands, the partnership begins with the desire for healthy dialogue based in diversity, inclusion, equity and equality. Dubbed 'Conversations Amongst Us', the initial two silhouettes are set for a spring launch. The New Balance 2002R and 550 both take a beautiful, muted and neutral beige color pallet; enriched by supple material choices of leather and suede to articulate the conversation starters. The footwear is accompanied by a capsule collection complete with short and long sleeved tees, hooded sweatshirt, matching motif sweatpants. All NB Conversations Amongst Us branded. This project is a bit different for me. It isn't just an apparel and footwear collection. It's a timestamp and a deep dive into the importance of communication and community. – Joe Freshgoods (New Balance) The collection will release at select New Balance participating retailers on Friday, April 15th. Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 550 & 2002R "Conversations Amongst Us" 4. 15. 22. $120-130

Back from 1995 It's somewhat unfathomable to believe that nearly 30 years ago, Penny Hardaway's first Nike signature reached the market. And over the years, we've seen the relaunch of the fabled and fan favorite 'Orlando' color scheme, but never the 'Home'. Both are set to drop 27 years after their respective debuts. The release of the white-based Penny 1 will complete the retros of the OG trilogy, as the 'All-Star' colorway was retro'd in 2014. From its iconic contouring to its recognizable and equally as iconic tightly knitted pinstripe tongue, mirroring the Orlando Magic's classic inaugural uniforms, a beautiful series of Varsity Royal accents are aplenty across the silhouette and present on the Swooshes and 1 Cent logo etched into the heel. The retro's launch date has not been announced yet, but just as the 'Orlando', the surfacing of official images suggests soon! We'll keep you locked for all launch info. Update: The 'Home' Nike Air Max Penny 1 will release on August 1st, at select Nike Sportswear retailers. Nike Air Max Penny 1 "Home" White/Varsity Royal-Black DV0684-100 8. 1. 22. $170

Another trip to the zoo! The onslaught of Yeezy Boosts adidas Originals has been restocking and releasing is not slowing down anytime soon. One of the earlier 350 V2 colorways is set for yet another re-release. We surely hope that kid who traded everything for the Zebras isn't reading this (🥴), but nevertheless ... the 'Zebra' Yeezy Boost 350 V2 is restocking once again! Yes, that needed to be in bold. The white and black Primeknit constructed beauty is set for an early April re-release and from the looks of it, the restock will be somewhat widespread. (That poor kid 😭) Who's ready to do this release all over again? adidas Originals has yet to announce, however Finish Line will be a retailer as their calendar indicates. Original releases held a $220 price point, we'll see if that holds for the upcoming re-release. Stay with Sole-U for more info. adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 "Zebra" White/Core Black-Red CP9654-WBK 4. 9. 22.