The 5 Hottest Sneaker Drops This Week

I know this may sound crazy, but I was going to leave these out. Why? Well, some of the sneakers have a discoloration problem due to a production issue. Now apparently, only a small percentage of the sneakers were affected, but there is still a warning out there that you could end up with a discolored pair. If you are willing to take the risk (and it seems plenty are, as the reserve list on Finish Line is at capacity), the ‘White/Black Carmines’ have the potential to be a classic Jordan 6 staple.

Now you guys already know that I have to be honest, so here it goes—I wouldn’t buy this shoe right away if you are a ‘baby sneakerhead’ or only into wearing sneakers casually. This is more of a ‘collector's item,’ and I’m not sure if it is worth the risk of getting a pair that has a defect. However, if you are a sneakerhead...go for it!

Release Date: 2/12

We need to give Tracy McGrady his props a little bit more. His shoe game was always impeccable, and his signature sneakers have been vastly underrated. I can’t remember the last T-Mac release, so these are really refreshing. T-Mac gives us a major throwback with the ‘2.0s’ as he revisits the iconic kicks he wore during the 2003 NBA All-Star game. With the option of either an all-red or all-blue patent leather colorway, both shoes are ultra-clean with a smooth and crisp look.

Of note—Adidas also has solid red and blue tracksuits that are reasonably priced, so you could easily pair the ‘2.0’s’ with those directly if you are looking for a full outfit combo. McGrady spent a good percentage of his career playing for the Orlando Magic (blue) and the Houston Rockets (red), so you can also pop out with a retro T-Mac jersey if you want. If the red and blue colorways are too bold for you, then you could opt for the ‘Black Royals.’

Release Date: 2/15

These actually drop on Monday. I am making an exception to the rule because the ‘Freshwaters’ only come around once every blue moon, and they are somewhat of a rarity. Nobody does swag quite like Ken Griffey Jr., and while many consider the ‘Airs’ to be a basketball shoe (or at least a basketball-themed shoe), Nike (and Griffey Jr.) have always done a great job in making sure the ‘Freshwaters’ represent baseball culture and style. This colorway is an absolute classic. The shoe has a black and white upper with a sprinkle of teal and matches Griffey Jrs. Seattle Mariners uniform. I currently have myself on a ‘no sneaker’ rule for the rest of the month, but I may have to break it. Seriously. 

Release Date: 2/12

END and Reebok are teaming up to release the ‘Club Cs,’ a sandstone taupe sneaker with a soft leather construction. You can never go wrong with a taupe shoe because it goes with everything. I have a pair of taupe Pumas, and I have been able to wear them with brown, white, black, and even tie-dye outfits. While technically a winter release, these will work year-round. I highly suggest everybody have at least one sandstone colored shoe in their closet, and the ‘Club Cs’ are a good start. You could even have some fun with it and swap out the light brown lace for a solid white or a deep brown. The options are limitless! 

Release Date: 2/10

Don’t kill me! I know you guys probably don’t ever want to see these again! Believe me when I say that I was hesitant to put the ‘Trophy Room x Air Jordan 1s’ on here because the majority of the general public will not have access to these sneakers (at least not anytime soon). The rollout for this shoe was chaotic—and you can primarily thank Trophy Room for the mass confusion (and the nearly $3,000 price tag on the secondary market). Now I know we are super salty, but the ‘Trophy Room 1s’ are still a beautiful shoe. They have a vintage theme inspired by Jordan’s ‘freezeout’ at the 1985 NBA All-Star Game, with the white leather upper complimented by glitter red leather panels, and the outsole featuring red and blue stars. Maybe one day the stars will align and we can get our hands on these.