Back to school season is in full swing, and the sneaker world is starting to heat up in preparation for the holiday rush. With that being said, the past month hasn’t exactly been slow in terms of headlines and big events in the sneaker world. We got a preview of what was coming in terms of the aforementioned holiday rush in the Air Jordan “Ultimate Gift of Flight” pack, a two-sneaker set which should help conjure up the standard Jordan 11 hysteria for December. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg in terms of sneaker headlines to remember from this past September.
This month was particularly dense with the sort of behind-the-scenes moves that have broader potential for change than any singular shoe release. We’re talking Kevin Durant finally inking a new deal with Nike after all that Under Armour speculation. We’re talking about adidas bringing three top Nike designers to their side and setting up a new design studio in Brooklyn for them to work out of. Lest we spoil the whole group for you, continue reading to get up on the rest of the biggest sneaker headlines to remember from this past month.
Jordan “Ultimate Gift Of Flight”
Another two-pair Pack from Jordan Brand is on the way. It includes the Air Jordan 11 “Pantone” and the Air Jordan XX9 “UNC”, and packaged together they will be labeled as the “Ultimate Gift Of Flight”. The release is rumored to happen in December with a retail price of $500.
Read More: Air Jordan “Ultimate Gift Of Flight”
Kevin Durant sticks with Nike
The tug-of-war between Nike and Under Armour is officially over as KD chooses to stick with the brand in Beaverton. The final numbers were never publicized, but it’s in the ballpark of $30 million a year with some royalties on top.
Read More: Kevin Durant Stays With Nike
adidas Lures Three Notable Nike Designers
Marc Dolce, Denis Dekovic, and Mark Miner surprised the sneaker industry by announcing their allegiance with adidas, which is to begin sometime in 2015. This is quite the jump for adidas, which has struggled in U.S. sales.
Read More: Dolce, Dekovic, and Miner Leave For adidas
Nike Unveils the LeBron 12 at the WHQ
A group of select media were invited out to the World Headquarters in Beaverton, OR to get a first official look at LeBron James’ latest sneaker. Seven colorways and release dates were confirmed.
Read More: Nike LeBron 12
A First Look at the Air Jordan 4Lab1
The Air Jordan Elements series went on a bit of a break, but it’s confirmed to continue as the next mash-up was revealed. The sneaker is the 4Lab1, which blends the AJ1 silhouette with elements of the Air Jordan 4. A release date has not been set.
Read More: Air Jordan 4Lab1
Jordan Brand Immortalizes Derek Jeter on the Air Jordan 1
A final bid farewell to the brand’s longest-tenured athlete. Jordan Brand released the Air Jordan 1 and Flight Flex Trainer in special Jeter-inspired colorways.
Read More: Air Jordan 1 “Jeter”
First Look at the Nike Air Pippen 6
Marc Dolce’s final hurrah before leaving for adidas? Scottie’s signature shoe line, which remained dormant for quite a while, has been revived and will continue on with the Air Pippen 6.
Read More: Nike Air Pippen 6
Kobe 9 High “Snakeskin”
Replacing Flyknit is a snakeskin material on the Kobe 9 High. This pair seems to go the EXT route like the Mid-top pair that released not long ago. Thoughts?
Read More: Nike Kobe 9 High “Snakeskin”
Reebok Reintroduces the Original Pump
The original Pump model by Reebok was re-thrust into the sneaker scene by way of store collaborations. atmos, Footpatrol, Burn Rubber, and many more already dropped their collaborations this month.
Read More: Reebok Pump 25
LAIKA Studios Teams Up With Nike Again
We predicted Nike to hook up with LAIKA to help promote The Boxtrolls. As it turns out, we were right, and the Roshe Run Sneakerboot was revealed to be this year’s must-have.
Read More: The Boxtrolls x Nike Roshe Run “Trollstrikes”