Our Most Anticipated Sneaker Drops of 2021

Okay, so 2020 wasn’t our jam. But it still delivered some very memorable sneaker drops. (You can catch a few of them in our top 5 sneaker moments of the year round-up).

That said, a new year calls for a new collection. From Jordan Brand to Nike SB and Yeezy, the 2021 sneaker release schedule is already making this year look a lot better than the last. Between big re-releases and fresh colourways, here are our team’s most anticipated sneaker drops of 2021. ‍

Air Jordan 1 High '85 “Neutral Grey”

When the OG Air Jordan 1 hit shelves in 1985, it featured a wide selection of colourways. A few became classics, while others went into hiding. White and grey is one of the only original colourways that has never been re-released - until now. 

Set to drop early this year, “Neutral Grey” features leather white uppers, a light grey swoosh, and classic logo hits. ‍

Supreme x Nike SB Dunk Low “Stars”

Nike and Supreme have been an SB Dunk duo since 2002. But in recent years, their partnership has lacked the buzz it used to attract. Turns out all they needed was to go back to the basics. 

The upcoming “Stars” collection is a nod to the 2003 Dunk High collab. Featuring textured leather uppers and gold stars sprinkled across the side panelling, Supreme and Nike are to set to drop this retro in four fresh colourways: black, green, brick red, and royal blue. Following last year’s Dunk renaissance, we’re expecting this early 2021 release to be a sneakerhead must-have. ‍

Air Jordan 5 Retro “Raging Bull”

In 2009, Jordan Brand dropped the OG “Raging Bull” double pack, inspired by MJ’s iconic run with the Chicago Bulls. Re-releasing as a solo version in April of this year, we’re expecting the second time to be a charm. 

Featuring all-red premium suede uppers, a mesh cutaway, and Jordan’s signature 23 stitched near the heel, this AJ might end up being one of our favourite retros of the year. 

Adidas Yeezy 451

Kanye hinted at the 451 back in 2018 when he teased a ton of other unreleased samples. He promised a 2019 launch, but it never happened. Fans also anticipated a launch in March 2020, but once again, no dice. 

Rumour has it the 451 is finally hitting shelves in February 2021, just in time for the NBA All-Star Weekend. In collaboration with designer Steven Smith, the 451 silhouette sports a monochromatic white and grey colourway with matching laces.

Carpet Company x Nike SB Dunk High 

Blue is back. Partnering with Baltimore-based skate label Carpet Company, Nike is set to release one of the most anticipated Dunk High’s of 2021.

Characterized by Carpet Company’s signature bold graphics, the silhouette has white leather uppers with bleached blue overlays. With gum rubber outsoles and Arabic writing on the insoles, this collab is rumoured to drop sometime in February. 

Nike Lebron 8 “South Beach”

Inspired by Lebron’s move to Miami in 2010, the original “South Beach” 8’s were his most successful sneaker. In fact, they might have been one of the most successful basketball sneakers of all time. Fans lined up for days just for a shot at bringing a pair home. 

It’s no surprise that the 2021 re-release is expected to have a similar effect. Featuring the classic colourway, modelled after Miami Vice and the neon lights at Lebron’s South Beach home, these Nike high top retros are set to launch in the spring. ‍

Nike SB Dunk Low “Pink Pig”

All pink everything. They might seem inspired by a certain farm animal, but these Dunk Low’s are actually a nod to the 1971 Porche race car. 

Covered in dark pink premium suede uppers, “Pink Pig” features ruby red accents on the stitching, heel tab, and tongue. Supported by white midsoles and black outsoles, we have a feeling these Swoosh’s are soon to be signatures.

Sacai x Nike VaporWaffle “Sesame”

If 2020 was all about vibrant colour-blocking, this Sacai x Nike collab brings a more subtle blocking style into the new year. 

The sesame, blue, and white colourway features a layered, semi-translucent swoosh and intertwined double laces. In classic VaporWaffle style, the extended midsole parts from the outsole at the heel. With a blend of suede and leather panelling, Nike’s 2021 partnership with the Japanese streetwear giant is sure to satisfy.