New Year, New Kicks

Happy New year! I don’t know about you but my new year is starting in Feb, I needed a month to warm up. As we begin 2022, you already know new kicks are on the way. As I’ve been combing the net looking for some new heat I want to drop my pennies on, I’ve been surprised to see some new offerings from some brands that I haven’t seen in a minute. 

You already know there’s going to be some heat cooking up from Jordan Brand and of course Yeezy, but what about some of our unsung sneaker brands? From I’ve been seeing lately there’s definitely some heat on the way.

New Balance

For all those that know me, you ALREADY know I’m gonna talk about New Balance. Last year we saw some crazy heat from New Balance, and this year won’t be any different. I’m excited to see the NB 650  x Aime Leon Dore, that should be coming in the early spring months.  Also our fav Joe Freshgoods teased another collaboration coming this spring too. 

One shoe that had us all wishing we were in France, was the Paperboy x NB x All Gone 991 that dropped in January. To our disappointment we won’t be seeing a US release, but if that’s indication on what’s coming in the next few months I’m completely ready to empty out my bank account.

Saucony

One of the brands I’ve been seeing on the come up lately has been Saucony. The Pennsylvania-based brand has been around since 1912 and has historically been known as a running performance shoe. As the brand became more popular in the lifestyle and streetwear realm in the 90’s and early 2000’s with collabs with streetwear brand Bodega. Last year we saw some fire collars with END, Alife and Extra Butter. One of my favorite collabs last year was with Rapper and Sneaker Aficionado, Trinidad James.

Fast forward to this year, James has teased a new color way of his Jazz 81which I’m totally here for. I also was excited for the “Chocolate Chip” Shadow 6000 x Feature that dropped late January. The trio pack called the “Vegetable Tanned” is expected to drop sometime inFebruary which is comprised of three different silhouettes that boast a vegetable tanned leather.

Asics

Asics has always been one of those brands that has stood the test of time. The Japan based brand has been around since the 70;s as has always found a way to reinvent itself and remain one of the most popular brands around. Asics collaborations with the streetwear brand Kith, will always hold s special place in my heart as the cutting edge color ways were always sold out when they did a drop. Last year we saw some amazing collabs with Atmos, Brain Dead and of course a partnership with Kith. One my my personal favorites was the Awake NYC Kayano trainer release which came in two exclusive colorways.

2022 is going to be an interesting year for the brand for sure and I’m excited to see what this year will bring. In late 2021, Asics debuted the “Asics Collective” as a group of like minded industry mavens brought together by Awake New York’s founder, Angelo Baque.  This collective work together to bring new and exciting collaborations for the brand.

Puma

How excited we you when we saw that the impeccable June Ambrose became the Creative Director for Women’s Hoops for Puma? I know I was. Fashion stylist, image maker and overall amazing, Ambrose joined the team last year to help bring a fresh look to the brand, and she definitely delivered. Her first collection took a modern twist on classic Puma pieces like the Puma High Court Regal Ralph Sampson, which has ties to the classic Ralph Sampson basketball from the 70’s.

2022 will be an exciting year for the brand as they have some cool collaborations coming with artist, Dua Lipa and interestingly enough, Minecraft.