Following the reveal at New York Comic Con in October, a release date for Asics’ next anime collaboration has been locked in.

The “Bleach” x Asics GT-2160 “Ichigo” and Gel-NYC “Renji” will release just days after Christmas. The two colorways have been done up for their namesake characters, with Ichigo Kurosaki’s GT-2160 arriving in white, black, orange and red to match his uniform and hair color. His name appears in Japanese characters beneath the lateral collar, and the Soul Reaper mark appears on the heel.

Renji Abarai’s Gel-NYC is also modeled after his hair and uniform in red, black and gold, while his name appears in Japanese characters at the same place as its counterpart. On the heel, you’ll find mismatched symbols representing his 6th Division of the Goeti 13.

Anime collaborations are becoming more prolific in sneakers, as a “Demon Slayer” x Adidas capsule also made its debut at New York Comic Con before releasing in November. Crocs has taken to the medium quite strongly, as its anime collaborations include “Demon Slayer” and “Naruto”; and Asics collaborated with “Naruto” earlier this year as well with just 2,000 pairs of sneakers made available in the U.S.

The “Bleach” x Asics GT-2160 “Ichigo” and Gel-NYC “Renji” will release December 27 through Foot Locker and Champ Sports. Pricing for the GT-2160 is set at $165 and the Gel-NYC $145.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

With this year’s holiday Air Jordan 11 release just over a week away, Jordan Brand’s plans for next year’s festivities are already coming into focus.

The Air Jordan 11 “Gamma Blue” will become Jordan Brand’s annual AJ11 release in 2025, marking the first time the colorway has ever been brought back. Appearing almost entirely in black with the exception of its branding and translucent outsole, “Gamma” dropped in 2013 as just the second-ever non-original colorway for the Air Jordan 11 (the first being the all-white pair made for the 25th anniversary of Air Jordans in 2010).

Given how rare it was for Jordan Brand to mess with the Air Jordan 11 at the time, “Gamma” proved polarizing for sneakerheads when it hit stores just days before Christmas. That sort of preciousness is now very much a thing of the past, and the camp that rejoiced in the addition of “Gamma” should now be joined by an even bigger crowd anticipating the colorway’s return once again for the holidays.

News of the Air Jordan 11’s place in the holiday 2025 lineup comes from trusted leaker @zsneakerheadz, who also reported that the Air Jordan 11 “Black/Red/Grey” expected at the same time has been shelved. Although that brand-new colorway won’t see the light of day, another will with the Air Jordan 11 joining the “Rare Air” series that will also include the Air Jordan 1, Air Jordan 3 and Air Jordan 4.

The Air Jordan 11 “Gamma Blue” will release during the holiday 2025 season through the Snkrs app and select third-party retailers. Pricing has not yet been confirmed but should come in at the standard $230 price tag for the model, barring another price increase.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

Reebok and Aries are back with another collaboration, delivering two iterations of the iconic Instapump Fury 94 before year’s end.

One of the collaborative Instapump Fury 94 unisex colorways is metallic silver, while the second is dressed in black. Also, the looks include synthetic nappa leather bladders with custom mesh detailing on the toe and tongue.

The London-based streetwear label added its signature reflective accents to the heel, which also features custom Aries heel clips. Other Aries nods include the Fluro yellow and Fluro orange hues on the outsoles. Aries and Reebok branding appears on the heels, and the collaboration comes packaged in a limited-edition collector’s black box with gold detailing.

The two Aries x Reebok Instapump Fury 94 colorways arrive Dec. 6 via Ariesarise.com, and a broader release on Reebok.com and with select retailers will take place Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. ET. Both colorways retail for $250.

Reebok and Aries kicked off the year with the Classic Leather “Mystic’s Shoe,” marking their first collaboration. The witchcraft-inspired look, which arrived in January, featured Reebok’s pale aqua and metallic gold hues, and was executed with leather uppers and tongues with exposed foam. Although the collaboration is no longer available, secondary market standouts including Flight Club and GOAT have pairs available. On Flightclub.com, prices range from $80 to $120, and the price range from $101 to $137 on GOAT.com.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

Lonzo Ball’s returned to the NBA court in October after missing more than 1,000 days and undergoing several knee surgeries including two transplants. And in a ESPN story profiling his recovery, Ball offered up the possibility that Big Baller Brand sneakers may have been the reason for knee issues plaguing his career.

“I think it’s a possibility for sure, to be honest with you,” Ball said of the possibility of BBB shoes causing his first meniscus tear as a rookie. “I wasn’t really getting hurt like that until I started wearing them.”

Ball first began playing in Big Baller Brand, the company started by his father LaVar Ball, in the 2017 NBA Summer League. “They were like kickball shoes,” the elder Ball brother said of the early pairs, which he’d ditch for the remainder of the competition. And even after Big Baller Brand secured a deal for Skechers to manufacture its sneakers, Ball wasn’t happy with those shoes he’d wear for his rookie season.

Upon entering the NBA, Ball revealed he wanted to wear Adidas but was manipulated into believing none of the major shoe brands were interested in securing his services — an unlikely prospect given he was the no. 2 overall draft pick.

Ball’s first sneaker, the BBB Z02, sold for $495 and was widely criticized at the onset for lacking in quality. He’d sever ties with the company, of which he was a majority owner, in 2019 because of concerns with co-founder Alan Foster’s criminal past and allegations of embezzlements. A month later the brand shuttered before relaunching in 2020.

LaMelo Ball, the youngest of the Ball brothers, signed with Puma during his rookie year and his seen his signature line, now up to four models, become one of the more popular in the league. His father, however, criticized the shoes as “raggedy” and suggested they caused his son’s recurring ankle injuries in comments that could read easily as projecting.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

Todd Snyder and New Balance continue their long-standing collaboration with the introduction of the 574 Legacy “Parchment & Pine” pack.

According to the menswear designer, the new styles are a “rugged luxe reimagining of one of New Balance’s most iconic silhouettes.”

Designed by Snyder with hues inspired by the holiday season, this new sneaker capsule is crafted with premium materials, and features a mix of clean leather and hairy suede uppers, complemented by a hairy suede “N” logo on the lateral sides. Other details include a lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel, as well as ENCAP midsole cushioning supported by a durable polyurethane rim.

When creating this pack, Snyder noted he was inspired by New York City’s Flower District during the holiday season. The “Pine” colorway is a deep evergreen, reminiscent of lush holiday foliage and freshly trimmed branches. While the “Parchment” colorway is a soft brown tone with a matte finish, evoking the parchment paper used to wrap trimmings.

Originally introduced in 1988, the 574 Legacy aims to preserve the timeless appeal of the iconic 574 sneaker model.

This latest collaboration comes as Snyder continues to release must-have shoe tie-ups. In June, Snyder teamed with gardening experts Gardenheir on a 12-piece capsule collection that ranges from clogs to smocks. The capsule features two made-in-Italy shoe styles – the aforementioned gardening clog and a leather fisherman sandal.

In May, Snyder joined forces with Sperry to update the footwear brand’s signature Authentic Original boat shoe. Dubbed the “Sperry x Todd Snyder Authentic Original,” the collaborative style boasts a luxe suede upper sourced from Charles F. Stead & Co. in Leeds, UK. 

These collabs also come as Snyder launched his first-ever mainline shoe style – the Tuscan Court sneaker – in August 2023.

As for New Balance, the brand just took home the Company of the Year award at the 2024 FNAAs on Wednesday night. Presented by Olympian Gabby Thomas and accepted by New Balance chief executive officer Joe Preston, the company couldn’t miss in 2024.

“The teamwork that is exhibited across our company is the key reason why we are here tonight,” Preston said at Wednesday’s event in NYC. “It’s a fearlessly independent mindset that we operate from being privately held that we think allows us that opportunity.”

The Todd Snyder and New Balance’s 574 Legacy “Parchment & Pine” pack retails for $120 and is now available for purchase exclusively at Todd Snyder shops and on Toddsnyder.com.

Autry took a trip to Miami this week to showcase its new sneaker collaboration with American artist Rob Pruitt.

Coinciding with Art Basel Miami, the footwear brand transformed a gas station, customizing it for the occasion into the “Autry Art Station.” The company said in a release that the conceptual space was inspired by Pruitt’s acclaimed chrome artworks including tire sculptures.

The collaborative Rob Pruitt x Autry sneakers update the footwear brand’s Medalist Low shoe model in a mirror-effect chrome leather and feature puffy silver laces, echoing the artist’s “chromed project” series of works. Pruitt’s signature is also prominently displayed on the shoe side and outsole.

Pruitt said in a statement that he is drawn to outsider materials like tape, sprayed paint, glitter, and found objects.

“My language is direct, simple, minimal, and universal while tackling topics ranging from the light-hearted to the controversial,” the artist said. “There is nothing more beautiful and excellent than the classic Autry sneaker, which floods me with the impulse to chrome it, to put it on a pedestal, to celebrate its nostalgia and envision it moving into the future. The ephemeral reflective effect of the mirror finished leather turns every expectation around.”

Only 2,500 pairs will be made available for the release and come in transparent dust bags and a plexiglass box decorated with the artist’s signature smiley, Autry added.

Autry is no stranger to big events like this new project in Miami. In September, the footwear company staged a 1960s inspired drive-in experience in the Marais district of Paris where attendees enjoyed an open-air cinema, vintage cars, and classic American fare like burgers and milkshakes.

The event marked the global debut of the Autry Windspin sneakers, a flat style crafted from soft and destressed suede. Its tapered silhouette is a nod to the trainers that were popular in 1960s and will be available in 30 variations.

The new Autry Art Station and exclusive sneaker collaboration debuts tonight during Art Basel at an event located at 331 23rd St. in Miami Beach from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Rob Pruitt x Autry sneakers, which retail for $380, are now available exclusively online at autry-usa.com.

Following the premiere of the Netflix miniseries “Senna,” Asics has made a special edition of the Gel-Kayano 14 to commemorate Ayrton Senna.

The Ayrton Senna x Asics Gel-Kayano 14 “Lotus” and “McLaren” take after two of the Formula 1 cars driven by the late Brazillian legend. Black and gold dresses the pair inspired by the Lotus 97T and its John Player Special livery. “Seek Your Truth” appears on a lateral overlay beneath the collar, while green, yellow and blue carry over from the Brazilian flag and Senna’s famous helmet to hangtags affixed to the eyestay and the tongue tag.

White and red Marlboro livery from the McLaren MP4/4 then dresses the second Gel-Kayano 14, which features the same Brazilian detailing and the Japanese characters for “Ayrton Senna” replacing the “Seek Your Truth” wordmark.

Senna won three world championship titles and was the record-holder for most pole positions at 65 at the time of his passing. He died during injuries sustained in a crash at the 1994 San Marino Gran Prix, and safety reforms in response to his death helped prevent another fatality from occurring in Formula 1 until 2015.

Japan holds Senna in particularly high regard because of his place in the formation of the McLaren Honda team, which marked the Japanese automaker’s return to the sport following a 15-year hiatus.

“Senna,” a six-episode miniseries following the life of its namesake, premiered November 29. Although critical reviews have been mixed, it’s reached the no. 2 viewership spot in Brazil, where it was produced with an ambitious $170 million budget, and no. 6 worldwide.

The Ayrton Senna x Asics Gel-Kayano 14 “Lotus” and “McLaren” will release December 9 in Brazil before a worldwide launch December 10. Pricing for the sneakers has yet to be announced.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

Nike may have just lost one of its all-time top men’s tennis players to retirement, but it looks like the brand has big plans for the sport in the new year. In addition to a full-fledged retro push of Andre Agassi’s 1990s signature line, a new performance model is on the way, and it’s borrowing some aesthetic inspiration from a basketball classic.

Images of the all-new Nike Hypersmash recently hit the internet. The low-top tennis silhouette takes some clear inspiration from the Nike Hyperdunk basketball model, which was originally released in 2008 and was famously worn by Kobe Bryant. 

The late NBA legend wore the “United We Rise” Hyperdunk while playing as a member of Team USA during the 2008 Olympics. Its launch came in-between the Kobe 3 and the Kobe 4 and offered a first glimpse at a new Nike tech known as Flywire that would define many of the era’s performance shoes.

Inspired by suspension cables on bridges, Flywire tech used lightweight-yet-durable Vectran filaments to support the wearer’s foot. In addition to the Hyperdunk, Flywire was prominently featured on models such as the Kobe 4, Kobe 5, LeBron 7, and LeBron 8. 

Now, it looks like Flywire’s legacy will live on in the upcoming Nike Hypersmash. Based on the early images, the model essentially appears to be a low-cut version of the Hyperdunk with changes to make it suitable for tennis performance. Modifications include a reinforced toe box, exposed mesh for breathability and added lateral support from a TPU cage that extends from the midsole. 

Beyond sport, the Hyperdunk’s history includes a special pair that was created exclusively for the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama.

Despite the pending arrival of the Nike Hypersmash, there’s no word on a Hyperdunk retro. The “United We Rise” colorway was last rereleased in 2016.

The Nike Hypersmash is expected to debut during spring 2025. Retail pricing has not yet been confirmed.

Serena Williams’ Best Street Style Over the Years

View Gallery 23 Images

Clarks and Pokémon are continuing their relationship with a new collaborative footwear collection launching on Dec. 5.

With Clarks’ well-known Torhill style as a foundation, the collection builds upon Clarks and Pokémon’s 2023 collaboration, which featured Pokémon characters in their starter form; the characters featured in the new collection are in their fully-evolved form.

Four brightly colored high-top shoes are featured which correspond with four “Endgame” characters: Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise, and Mewtwo, who is referred to as the hero of the collection. Available in unisex sizes, the shoe retails for $140 from the longstanding British footwear brand.

A turquoise suede iteration is an homage to Venusaur; an orange leather option references Charizard; a blue leather variation is for Blastoise; and a pink suede is for Mewtwo. The shoes feature reptile-effect collars which draw inspiration from each Pokémon’s specific traits.

A TPU-printed label with pixel art of each character is also on the shoe; additional features include custom fobs, flecked cotton laces and the chunky ’90s-inspired sole of the Torhill.

The Torhill draws from Clarks’ classic silhouettes, the Wallabee, Desert Boot and Desert Trek, which are high-tops with minimalist lacing.

Clarks’ previous collaboration with Pokémon, released in December 2023, paid homage to four different characters: Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle and Pikachu. This release also applied Pokémon-inspired designs to the Torhill, and the collection reached a 90% sell-out rate in a month’s time.

Clarks x Pokémon Collaboration Photos

View Gallery 22 Images

Paul Rodriguez took to Instagram Wednesday to tease the return of his landmark first signature sneaker.

The Nike SB P-Rod 1 Retro is widely expected to release in 2025 in celebration of the shoe’s 20th anniversary. Rodriguez, as well as his friend and internet personality Bear Degidio, shared a photo and video of the sneaker in its original white and black colorway from 2015. The same edition released again in 2015 for the first-ever P-Rod retro.

20 years after it began, the significance of P-Rod line cannot be overstated. The SB Dunk quickly helped Nike establish credibility in skateboarding after two previous attempts through lines that fell short of the mark, but securing P-Rod’s services as Nike SB’s first signature athlete represented a coup. Rodriguez, then only 20 years old, was already the sport’s most promising star when he signed in 2004, and his first X-Games gold medal that year followed by another in 2005 realized that potential.

Rodriguez would eventually go on to join an elite club of athletes to reach ten signature shoes from Nike, and by the time that happened Nike SB’s credibility in skateboarding had no longer been questioned in some time. Some even accused Rodriguez of selling out initially, but the later addition of Eric Koston and Steve Janoski, the namesake of another icon in the SB Janoski, helped dispel such notions as well.

Legendary designer Tinker Hatfield himself created the P-Rod 1, and he even threw in the Air Jordan 3’s signature elephant print for a colorway dubbed the “J-Rod.” On the tech front, the P-Rod 1 featured a cupsole for superior board feel bolstered by Zoom Air cushioning.

The Nike SB P-Rod 1 in its original black and white colorway is expected to release in spring 2025, and it could come at the forefront of a wider push for the 20-year old model. Pricing will be set at $110. Footwear News will keep you abreast of any updates.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.