Travis Scott x Nike Air Max 270 "Cactus Trails" Wrangles This Week's Best Footwear Drops
Alongside the Air Jordan 13 “Flint,” the Carhartt x Converse Chuck 70 Renew collection and more.
by Ross DwyerMemorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer for many — including the world’s biggest footwear brands, who are sending off May in style with a diverse deluge of dashing drops. Ranging from raucous rapper collabs to regarded Air Jordan retros, this week’s releases are sure to satiate the appetite of sneaker lovers from all walks of life, but let’s catch up on what went down last week before we dig into a dozen impending arrivals.
Collaborations consumed a copious cut of the news cycle, but they weren’t all from 2020’s usual suspects. HYPEBEAST teamed with Sammy Jo Alonso (AKA Sock Sammy Jo) for a video that explains how to tie-dye your own socks. AMBUSH leader Yoon announced that two more colorways of her Nike Dunk collaboration would be joining the previously-spotted pink pair later this year, sacai’s highly-anticipated Vaporwaffle was shown in “Royal/Sport Fuchsia,” and rumors began to swirl about another iteration of K-Pop superstar G-Dragon’s Air Force 1s. Ronnie Fieg and KITH revealed two crisp pairs of New Balances — the beginning of a five-silhouette collection — and Tyshawn Jones teased a special Fucking Awesome x adidas Tyshawn.
Elswhere, Versace’s Salehe Bembury debuted a second collaborative ANTA silhouette. CLOT and its founder Edison Chen each had a moment in the spotlight as well: it was announced that the former’s legendary Air Max 1 “Kiss of Death” would return in 2021 to celebrate its 15th anniversary, and the latter was gifted an unreleased Centre Court model seen on Michael Jordan’s feet during The Last Dance
On the subject of The Last Dance, content-starved Bulls fans were given some reprieve from the Michael Jordan-sized hole in their Sunday nights with the announcement of a Air Jordan documentary titled One Man and His Shoes. Elsewhere, an OG game-worn and signed 1985 Air Jordan 1 “Chicago” set an auction record for a sneaker, selling at a staggering $560,000 USD — more than five times its estimated price. Looking ahead, the Air Jordan 5 was teased in a colorful “Alternate Bel-Air” that would surely make Will Smith — if not Carlton — proud.
Ahead of its release this week, Travis Scott’s Nike Air Max 270 React ENG “Cactus Trails” was unboxed and spray-painted by deadpan sneaker reviewer Brad Hall. Nike Basketball entered the conversation with an Adapt BB 2.0 “Oreo,” and Nike Sportswear followed suit with a re-release announcement for 2002’s beloved Air Trainer 3 “Viotech.”
Now that you’re up to speed, let’s look ahead at a dozen of the best styles from this week. In true 2020 fashion, please note that the continued effects of the COVID-19 coronavirus could cause release delays or postponement, and head over to our Drops page to check out a full slate of arrivals.
Ben & Jerry’s x Nike SB Dunk Low “Chunky Dunky”
Release Date: May 26
Release Price: $100 USD
Where to Buy: Nike SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Ben and Jerry’s delicious Nike SB Dunk collaboration is back again, and everyone’s looking for a double dip. After its skateshop-exclusive release last week it’s hitting Nike SNKRS this week — so you’ve got a second chance to scoop up this devilishly good, dessert-inspired Dunk.
Nike Air Force 1 “Reveal”
Release Date: May 27
Release Price: $110 USD
Where to Buy: Nike SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: “It’s what’s on the inside that counts” has never rang more true in the world of sneakers than it does on Nike’s Air Fore 1 “Reveal.” Its simple fabric upper tears away to reveal an ultra-vibrant base, showing that sometimes the Swoosh’s sneakers are more than meets the eye. The “Reveal” is a women’s release, but it’ll be available in an extended size run so men can cop up as well.
Carhartt WIP x Converse Chuck 70 Hi Renew
Release Date: May 28
Release Price: $150 USD
Where to Buy: Converse
Why You Should Cop: Carhartt WIP and Converse are no strangers to collaborative projects, and for their latest efforts the former has brought rugged, eco-friendly upcycled canvas to the latter’s Chuck 70 Renew. With tri-panel colorblocking, a hardy build and a signature Carhartt badge by the tongue, the shoes are sturdy, stylish and striking — an undeniably appealing trifecta for Carhartt and Converse collectors alike.
adidas NMD R1 & R1 V2 “City Pack”
Release Date: May 28
Release Price: $140 USD
Where to Buy: adidas and Foot Locker
Why You Should Cop: What do Los Angeles, Seoul, Tokyo, Munich and Mexico City have in common? Apart from being meccas of global culture, each is getting a moment in the sneaker spotlight as part of adidas’s new NMD City Pack. With NMD R1s for LA, Seoul and Tokyo plus NMD R2s for Munich and Mexico City, the pack puts regional pride front and center in a vibrant, colorful fashion.
Travis Scott x Nike Air Max 270 React ENG “Cactus Trails” Collection
Release Date: May 29
Release Price: $170 USD (Men’s)/$130 USD (Toddlers)/$80 USD (Infants)
Where to Buy: Nike SNKRS and END.
Why You Should Cop: Travis Scott is looking to continue a lengthy collaborative hot streak with new Nike Air Max 270 React ENGs. Dubbed the “Cactus Trails” collection, the Houston-born rapper’s latest kicks offer dusty detailing, pops of vibrant hues and special Cactus Jack branding. They’re also accompanied by apparel and a clever “Cactus Trails Trading Co” campaign starring Mick Foley — the original Cactus Jack. Most interestingly of all, the kids silhouette just might be better than the men’s.
SNEEZE Magazine x Reebok Club C
Release Date: May 29
Release Price: $120 USD
Where to Buy: SSENSE
Why You Should Cop: Cult favorite street culture publication and classic lifestyle silhouette are colliding on the SNEEZE Magazine x Reebok Club C. It’s clean and simple with a white and black color scheme, but adds just enough flair by way of SNEEZE‘s signature bubble-lettered text graphic on the quarter panel.
Nike LeBron 17 Low “Lakers”
Release Date: May 29
Release Price: $170 USD
Where to Buy: Nike and Foot Locker
Why You Should Cop: LeBron James’s legions of loyal acolytes may be despondent that a promising season for the King and his Lake Show was cut short. However, they’ll be able to simultaneously celebrate their favorite player and favorite team with the Nike LeBron 17 Low “Lakers,” a shoe that’s seen a staggered rollout in past weeks. Thanks to purple and gold accents plus special insole branding, LeBron’s latest is both fabulous fan service for his supporters and a high-quality performance hoops sneaker.
The Trevor Project x PUMA Sky Modern
Release Date: May 29 (Pre-Order begins May 27)
Release Price: $180 USD
Where to Buy: PUMA
Why You Should Cop: Sneakers with a cause, The Trevor Project’s PUMA Sky Modern aims to raise awareness around LGBTQ mental health. It’s dressed in a vibrant white and bright orange, and splays The Trevor Project/Pride-themed PUMA branding on the heels to drive home its meaningful mental health-focused inspiration. Although it releases on May 29, interested parties will be able to pre-order starting on May 27.
adidas ZX 2K BOOST
Release Date: May 29
Release Price: $140 USD
Where to Buy: adidas
Why You Should Cop: adidas’s propensity for adding BOOST to lifestyle silhouettes both conceptual and classic is well-known. The latest result of these technical experimentations? The ZX 2K BOOST. Blending a potent old-school performance running line with one of the most popular cushioning technologies on the market, the ZX 2K BOOST is likely to delight adidas Originals heads both grizzled and fresh.
Air Jordan 13 “Flint”
Release Date: May 30
Release Price: $190 USD
Where to Buy: Nike SNKRS and Foot Locker
Why You Should Cop: After an inagural shock drop during The Last Dance, the famous Air Jordan 13 “Flint” is ready for its full return. Arguably the most popular AJ13 colorway ever, the “Flint” is back for the first time in a decade and even boasts hi-vis reflective detailing, an embellishment that was notably absent from its last iteration.
END. x Clarks Wallabee “Artisan Craft” Collection
Release Date: May 30
Release Price: TBC
Where to Buy: END.
Why You Should Cop: Putting rich heritage and quality craftsmanship together typically produces appealing results, and that’s certainly the case on END. and Clarks’ Wallabee “Artisan Craft” collection. High and low cut styles done up in ultra-luxe materials boast unique ornamentation; essentially a little bit of moccasin mixed with a dash of visvim and plenty of traditional style. In short, the offerings are classy, compelling sneaker alternatives for any footwear lover.
Angel Chen x adidas Originals Collection
Release Date: May 30
Release Price: $130-$155 USD
Where to Buy: adidas
Why You Should Cop: Serving up eight shoes, Angel Chen and adidas Originals’ collection taps traditional Chinese calligraphy and the martial arts alike for inspiration. Ozweegos, Magmurs, Kiellors and Sleek Supers are each present in two different styles, and each spins its own story in appealing, colorful fashion. It’s a women’s collection, but will be available in an extended size run.