As the decade draws to a close, we’ve had more than our fair share of excitement in the sneaker industry. Kanye West left Nike for adidas, Nike dropped the Nike Air Mag (both the lacing and auto-lacing versions), Virgil Abloh created some of the most sought after sneakers in history with his Off-White™ x Nike and adidas reshaped the future of comfort with its Ultra Boost technology.
To say that we haven’t been treated to some of the craziest sneakers over the last 10 years is an understatement. With only a week or so left of the 2010’s, we’re now looking forward to what is to come at the start of the new decade. The likes of Dior x Air Jordan, more Yeezys and even more Off-White™ sneakers are already expected to come, getting fans excited already.
With shoe releases in 2020 already being discussed in the sneaker community, we wanted to take a look at some of the most exciting drops for the new year. You better start marking your sneaker release calendar as a lot of heat will be coming out! Without further delay, let’s get excited over some of the sneakers already expected to drop in 2020.
Sacai x Nike LDWaffle Runner
After being debuted at Sacai’s SS20 show earlier this year, Sacai is remixing its popular sneaker once again for the new year. Using the same award-winning formula, Chitose Abe and her team are replacing the traditional mesh with nylon and leather for a simple monochromatic update.
Currently, only two colourways have been seen, black/white and white/grey, but due to the hype that this shoe created in 2019, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a few more colourways drop next year. This will be one of the biggest sneaker drops of 2020 so make sure you check back to KLEKTIVE where we’ll have more info nearer the time!
Date: March 2020
Price: £140/€160
adidas Yeezy 350 Boost V3
Although many thought that the adidas Yeezy 380 Boost would be the V3, adidas and Kanye revealed that it would, in fact, be a new model. Given the success of Kanye West’s adidas Yeezy 350 line, we can expect to see the latest iteration drop.
Having already released a number of colourways in 2019, and with the sneaker now getting dropped almost every week, we should expect to see the V3 version of the shoe finally release. As upcoming sneaker releases go, this will be a big one.
Date: 2020
Price: Unknown
Tom Sachs x NikeCraft Mars Yard
One of the decades most creative sneakers is without a doubt the Tom Sachs x NikeCraft Mars Yard. Originally dropping in 2012 at an exclusive Space Camp experience in New York City, the shoe was re-released again in 2017 in limited numbers.
The vintage-inspired look blends together beige and cream, with distinctive red accents on the tabs and the Swoosh. The 2017 pairs sell for upwards of €4,000 even today, meaning they aren’t cheap. Now, images have surfaced online that show new production dates on the classic sneaker. According to early reports, the shoes are expected to next year and, with only 8,000 pairs produced, you can expect these to sell out quickly.
Given the hype around the Tom Sachs x NikeCraft line, you’ll want to pay attention to the release of these limited edition shoes.
Date: 2020
Price: £155/€200
Air Jordan 5 ‘Fire Red’
It’s a year of big birthdays in the Jordan Brand family, with the Air Jordan 5 turning 30 next year. The distinctive sneaker had quite an impact on the early sneaker community when it dropped in February 1990.
Originally made as a PE for Michael Jordan, the ‘Fire Red’ Air Jordan 5 is now expected to make a return next year. Whilst previous versions of the shoe have dropped, with the 2013 iteration having 23 stitched on the heel and a questionable low top version also releasing, this is the first time the shoe is being restored in all its OG glory.
Considering the hype around this shoe, you can expect this shoe to release sooner rather than later.
Date: February 2020
Price: £170/€220
Air Jordan 1 ‘Pine Green’
A big year of Air Jordan 1s is looking likely, with Nike and Jordan Brand turning up the heat for the shoes 35th birthday celebrations. One of the most eye-catching colourways of the classic silhouette is this alternate ‘Pine Green’ colourway.
Similar to the ‘Pine Green’ Jordan 1 that dropped earlier this year, a simple twist helps to dramatically change this sneaker. The use of a premium tumbled leather throughout is merged together with a black upper, green accents and white midsole.
These will make your friends green with envy if you cop, that’s for sure.
Date: February 2020
Price: £135/€160
Air Jordan 6 ‘DMP’
It’s safe to say that Jordan Brand is turning up the heat for the start of the new decade. Some of the most classic colourways are now making a comeback, with the Air Jordan 6 ‘Defining Moments Pack’ returning.
Originally dropping in 2006 alongside the Air Jordan 11, the Jordan 6 DMP is comprised of a simple black and gold colourway. The shoe quickly became one of the most sought after pairs of the mid-2000s and has since gone on hiatus.
Now, fans can get excited as the shoe is expected to make a return next year, with early reports suggesting it could be as early as January 25th, 2020.
Date: January 25th, 2020
Price: £165/€200
Air Jordan 1 WMNS ‘UNC to Chicago’
One of the most popular sneakers of the recent “Fearless” pack was the UNC to Chicago Air Jordan 1. Celebrating Michael Jordan’s journey from the UNC Tar Heels to the Chicago Bulls, the shoe merged two colourways that are important to Jordan Brand’s history with a patent finish.
Images surfaced earlier this year that showed an exclusive colourway for all the ladies. Taking the same design premise as the previous iteration, a much more subtle approach finds its way to this AJ1. A soft tumbled leather brings together the red of the Bulls with the powder blue of the Tar Heels.
Early reports suggest that the shoe could be released on Valentines Day next year, making them the perfect gift.
Date: February 14th, 2020
Price: £125/€150
adidas Yeezy 451
One of the most interesting sneakers to have been revealed in Kanye West x adidas’ new line is without a doubt the Yeezy 51. Originally supposed to drop towards the end of 2019, a few tweaks have since been made which have put the sneaker design back once again.
Although it may look like something out of a Venom film, the shoe features the same Primeknit upper as its predecessors, with a sole that’s reminiscent of a venus fly trap. A few colourways of the sneaker were featured in Kanye’s interview with Forbes and has since sparked excitement that the shoe is close to release.
Whilst there is no official confirmation from adidas or Yeezus, you can expect these shoes to drop in 2020.
Date: 2020
Price: Unknown
Air Jordan 3 ‘UNC’
When Jordan Brand kitted out its sponsored teams in some exclusive Air Jordan 3s, many sneakerheads around the world were jealous. Although this sneaker may have been at the centre of a scandal which involved players selling PEs, it looks as though the rest of us could finally get lucky.
Using the classic AJ3 silhouette, the UNC colours adorn this familiar shoe. White tumbled leather, elephant print on the mudguard and heel as well as a Jumpman on the heel give this shoe its classic look, with UNC powder blue making up the accents. Finally, a large UNC logo replaces the Jumpman on the tongue, giving this shoe it’s player exclusive vibe.
Early reports suggest that this shoe is set to release around the 7th of March 2020.
Date: March 7th, 2020
Price: £170/€220
Travis Scott x Air Jordan 6
Travis Scott had a stellar year for sneaker releases in 2019. Working together with Nike, Cactus Jack dropped an Air Jordan 1 High and Low, two Nike Air Force 1s and an Air Jordan 6. Having been premiered by his good friend Offset, the yellow iteration of the AJ6 is expected to drop next year.
Using the same nubuck upper, the shoe features all the same details as its olive predecessor. The secret stash pocket on replaces the traditional ankle support, with a translucent heel tab and tongue also making a return. Nike Air and Cactus Jack branding can be found on the heels and subtle details such as the Cactus Jack emblem and glow in the dark sole.
Although no confirmation has come from Travis or Nike, these are more than likely to drop next year.
Date: 2020
Price: £210/€250
adidas Yeezy Basketball ‘Quantum’
Since it first debuted back in 2018, the Yeezy basketball sneaker has been one that many have kept their eye on. Although whispers began circulating that the sneaker would not be suitable on the NBA court due to the reflective heel, it looks as the shoe could be releasing in on and off-court options soon.
Taking design influences from a number of adidas Yeezy models, including the adidas Yeezy 350 and 700 Boost, the sneaker marks the first time that Kanye West’s adidas sneakers will be hitting the athletic basketball court. The same Primeknit construction can be found throughout the upper, with a semi-translucent sole and reflective detailing making its way to the silhouette.
Although no exact confirmation has been given by adidas or Kanye as of yet, the fact that Kim Kardashian was seen wearing a pair recently gives hope that a release will be happening sooner rather than later.
Date: 2020
Price: TBC
Off-White™ x Air Jordan 5
Virgil Abloh’s work alongside Nike has created one of the most iconic sneaker lines in history. The Chicago native grew up in a time when Jordan was still playing for the Bulls, meaning that he saw His Airness rocking his signature sneakers.
Building upon the already successful Off-White™ x Air Jordan selection, Abloh is rumoured to be working on an Air Jordan 5 for the shoes 30th anniversary. Featuring an almost translucent upper, the shoe has circles placed throughout, a reference to the Off-White™ “Meteor” collection. Jordan’s jersey number ‘23’ can be spotted on the heel and the medial text makes a reappearance and yellow detailing can be found on the sole.
Abloh himself did make quite a big suggestion on Twitter recently that the shoes would be released, although no price or finer details have yet emerged. With All-Star Weekend one of the biggest for drops, it would be no surprise to see them make an appearance.
Date: February 2020
Price: TBC
Air Jordan 4 ‘Black Cat’
All black sneakers are a winner, let’s face it. In 2006, Jordan Brand dropped the ‘Black Cat’ 4s, a sneaker that has remained sought after even close to 15 years later. After much speculation, the AJ4 ‘Black Cat’ is set to release again next year, much to the delight of sneakerheads.
Using the same all-black nubuck construction, the shoe features an all-black midsole, air unit, mesh, laces and tongue. A semi-gloss black Jumpman can be found on the heel and the traditional Jumpman flight logo can be found on the tongue.
Considering these have not retroed since they first released, these will create a huge level of excitement when they finally drop.
Date: January 2020
Price: £160/€200
Dior x Air Jordan 1 ‘Air Dior’
This is going to be the most hyped sneaker of 2020, period. After rumours began circulating in November that the two would be working together, it was not until the day of the Dior show that the rumours became reality. Under Kim Jones, the man behind Supreme x Louis Vuitton, Dior has seamlessly blended art with streetwear, creating a number of high-end fashion silhouettes with a streetwear feel.
Comprised of white and Dior Grey, the ‘Air Dior’ sneaker will be made of Dior’s luxury leather materials and feature unique details. A Dior Oblique motif Swoosh, “AIR DIOR” on replacing the traditional Wings logo and a Dior oblique motif on the tongue. Subtle details include a translucent sole with “DIOR” on the sole and monogrammed on the insole.
There are rumours that there will be anywhere from 1,000-8,500 pairs produced although no exact figures have yet been confirmed. Retail prices are set to be around €2,000 and a release date of April 2020 has been confirmed by Nike and Dior.
Date: April 2020
Price: £1,700/€2,000
Final Thoughts
Whilst we might only be six days into the new decade, we can already see that a whole host of big releases are lined up for this year. As always, head back to KLEKTIVE to find out the latest news, stories and information about these upcoming drops.
