As the year draws to a close, sneakerheads are in for a treat with a flurry of holiday drops from top brands like New Balance, Nike, Salomon, adidas, and Jordan Brand. But here's the kicker: some of these releases are so exclusive, they might just spark a debate about who deserves to cop them. Before we dive into this week's hottest launches, let’s take a quick look back at the highlights from last week, which included some major announcements and collaborations that had the sneaker community buzzing.
Last Week’s Highlights:
- Hypebeast100 revealed its annual cohort, with Levi’s snagging the coveted Collaborator of the Year award. Meanwhile, we got a sneak peek at the diverse sneaker collection of Steph Curry, who’s been making waves in the sneaker free agency scene.
- UNDEFEATED kept the Nike Air Max 95 anniversary celebration alive with a city-exclusive pack, while rumors swirled about a One Piece x Nike Air Max Plus “Devil Fruits” collection and an Air Jordan 4 “Pink Thunder” colorway. And this is the part most people miss: Jordan Brand also had a rumored leak of the Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Banned,” which has fans divided over its potential release.
- Jerry Lorenzo confirmed the end of the Fear of God x adidas partnership, while Hartcopy brought polka dots to the adidas EVO SL in an F&F-exclusive drop. New Balance dropped a “Protection Pack” for the 2002R, featuring GORE-TEX, and CNCPTS teamed up with Birkenstock for a Boston “Felt” collection. But here's where it gets controversial: Avirex and Timberland collaborated to rework each other’s iconic designs, leaving some fans questioning whether the classics should remain untouched.
This Week’s Must-Cop Drops:
1. Rich Paul x New Balance ABZORB 2010 (December 17, $180 USD)
Rich Paul, LeBron James’ agent and founder of Klutch Sports Group, teams up with New Balance for a premium take on the ABZORB 2010. The “Plum Brown” and “Burgundy” colorways, paired with sturdy leather and diamond mesh, make this a must-have for both style and substance.
Palace x Nike Air Max Dn8 (December 17, $200 USD)
Palace’s Air Max Dn8s are back on SNKRS, featuring a lightning motif and “Safety Orange” accents. But here's the twist: the re-release includes the “Safety Orange and Particle Grey” and “Black and Safety Orange” pairs, with subtle Palace branding that’s sure to turn heads.See Also2025: The Rise of the Luxury VIC - How Brands Are Catering to the Ultra-WealthyHartcopy x adidas Adizero EVO SL F&F: Polka Dot Revolution in Running Shoes!River Island vs Marc Jacobs: The Ultimate Tote Bag Comparison | Affordable Designer DupesLast 2025 Pennies Sell for Millions: Rare Coin Auction Highlights!Carhartt WIP x Salomon X-ALP (December 18, $200 USD)
Carhartt WIP and Salomon join forces for a sneaker that’s as functional as it is stylish. The X-ALP, built for city and trail life, features a black-dominated palette with duck camo accents and co-branded details. But is this collaboration a match made in heaven, or a missed opportunity? Let us know in the comments.New Balance RC56 “Ice Wine” (December 18, $165 USD)
Following the success of the Aimé Leon Dore co-designed RC56, New Balance drops a new “Ice Wine” colorway. The monochromatic mix of gray, white, silver, and black gives this sneaker a sleek, understated look that’s perfect for any occasion.Brain Dead x adidas Taekwondo, Techwondo, & Climacool 2 (December 18, $140-$180 USD)
Brain Dead and adidas continue their playful partnership with new takes on the Taekwondo and Climacool 2. The “Techwondo” pair, inspired by the adidas Micropacer, features a tech-based tongue shroud, while the Climacool 2 sports a retro-inspired green, yellow, silver, and black design. But the real question is: Are these designs too eccentric, or just the right amount of bold?Chase B x Jordan Jumpman Jack (December 19, $200 USD)
Travis Scott’s Jordan Jumpman Jack gets its first collaborator in DJ Chase B. The black and light gray upper, accented with pink and 3M detailing, is paired with a glow-in-the-dark green outsole. But here's the debate: Does this collaboration live up to the hype, or is it just another overpriced drop?.SWOOSH x Nike ReactX Rejuven8 Slide “Touch Grass” Pack (December 19, $75-$85 USD)
Nike’s gaming-oriented platform, .SWOOSH, takes a literal approach to the phrase “touch grass” with this slide pack. One pair features a shaggy “Kelly Green” exterior, while the other sports a dead grass print. But is this a clever commentary on our screen-obsessed culture, or just a gimmick?A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 4 “Dark Mocha” (December 19, $225 USD)
A Ma Maniére and Jordan Brand close out the year with the Air Jordan 4 “Dark Mocha.” Part of the “Built For This” story, this sneaker features a fine nubuck upper, refined netting, and AMM’s signature quilted interior. But with a $225 price tag, is this drop worth the investment?Nike GT Future “Metallic Silver” (December 20, $200 USD)
Nike’s GT Future, first revealed at NBA All-Star Weekend, gets a “Metallic Silver” treatment. The shiny finish, paired with gray and black detailing, makes this sneaker a standout choice for both performance and style.Air Jordan 8 “Bugs Bunny” (December 20, $215 USD)
Jordan Brand brings back the Air Jordan 8 “Bugs Bunny,” a ’90s throwback that pays homage to Michael Jordan’s Space Jam co-star. The white leather upper, accented with black and “True Red,” is a nostalgic nod to the past. But with so many retro releases, is this one a must-cop, or just another trip down memory lane?
Final Thoughts:
This week’s drops are a mix of bold collaborations, retro throwbacks, and innovative designs. But the real question is: Which of these sneakers will you be copping, and which ones will you be skipping? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to check out HBX for more styles available today!
