SummaryNike has officially unveiled the Air Max Sunder “Black Legacy,” an ultra-exclusive internal release created in partnership with its Black Employee Network (BEN)Heavily inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, the bold silhouette features premium Purple Dynasty leather, delicate pearl accents, and a dynamic color-shifting upperThe sneaker will not see a public retail release; instead, the 365 individually numbered pairs are being gifted directly to Black leaders, creatives, and influential voicesNike is utilizing its footwear platform to celebrate culture, community, and representation. Highlighting the ongoing impact of its Black Employee Network (BEN)—an internal community founded in 1997—the sportswear giant has officially unveiled the Air Max Sunder “Black Legacy.” Serving as a deeply meaningful storytelling project, the ultra-limited release honors influential voices by prioritizing cultural impact over traditional commercialization.Drawing deep inspiration from the creative explosion of the Harlem Renaissance, the “Black Legacy” translates the artistic energy of the era into a bold, elevated sneaker design. The striking pair is anchored by a dynamic, color-shifting upper that catches the light from every angle. Delivering a distinctly premium feel, the intricate design is heavily accented by rich Purple Dynasty leather detailing and elegant pearl embellishments, perfectly capturing the sophistication and vibrant creativity of the historical period.Because the project is deeply rooted in authentic storytelling, contributors within the Black Employee Network directly helped shape the sneaker’s direction and overarching meaning. To maintain the integrity and exclusive nature of the drop, Nike has confirmed that there are no plans for a public retail launch.Instead, the brand produced exactly 365 pairs—each individually numbered to highlight its rarity. Rather than hitting digital storefronts, the exclusive sneakers are being gifted directly to Black leaders, visionary creatives, and powerful voices in media, ensuring the product remains closely tied to the community it was designed to honor.While fans won’t be able to secure a pair at retail, the BEN x Nike Air Max Sunder “Black Legacy” stands as a powerful testament to the brand’s commitment to using product to spotlight culture beyond the traditional consumer space.Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Name: UNDEFEATED x Converse Chuck Taylor Los Angeles DodgersColorway: Blue/Cream-RedSKU: A19846CMSRP: TBCRelease Date: TBCConverse has tapped legendary Los Angeles brand UNDEFEATED and the Los Angeles Dodgers for a highly anticipated, regionally focused take on the iconic Chuck Taylor.Official images tease a triple-collab Chuck Taylor that’s deeply rooted in LA footwear culture, with a full faux ostrich leather upper dressed entirely in deep Dodger blue. This dimpled, textured base is sharply contrasted by a massive interlocked “LA” logo on the lateral heel, alongside Dodgers script logos heavily embroidered across the tongues.Further cementing the collaborative effort, a classic Converse star badge remains on the medial side ankle, while an Undefeated tally mark logo is stamped directly onto the midsole at the lateral toe. Designed with a specific regional styling cue in mind, the shoe is meant to be laced low and flipped over, revealing hidden Dodgers and Undefeated co-branding on the underside of the tongues.Stay tuned for official release details.Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Name: Zellerfeld x Nike Air Max 1000 “Black/Volt”Colorway: Black/VoltSKU: HV0234-001MSRP: $179 USDRelease Date: March 26, 2026Where to Buy: NikeNike is officially stepping back into the future of footwear just in time for Air Max Day. Continuing to expand the boundaries of physical design and manufacturing capabilities, the sportswear giant has once again teamed up with Zellerfeld to bring back the highly anticipated Air Max 1000. Returning in a striking “Black/Volt” colorway, the release reinforces a totally new approach to how Nike Air is designed, engineered, and brought to the market.Originally introduced as a futuristic reimagining of the classic 1987 Air Max 1, the Air Max 1000 is a monumental milestone for the brand. The silhouette marks the very first time Nike Air technology has been successfully utilized inside a fully 3D-printed shoe. By pairing Nike’s unmatched computational design power and imagination with Zellerfeld’s cutting-edge 3D-printing platform, the partnership is completely redefining what is possible in modern sneaker manufacturing.The “Black/Volt” colorway keeps the intricate, textured aesthetic of the laceless model fully intact. The one-piece molded shoe arrives predominantly in stealthy black, effortlessly highlighting the web-like geometric patterns and wavy midsole that heavily nod to the original Air Max 1 mudguard. Providing a sharp and nostalgic contrast, Nike’s signature neon green “Volt” shade pops aggressively from the exposed Air unit built directly into the heel.Due to the complex and highly specialized nature of the Zellerfeld 3D-printing process, the drop is being handled via a dedicated raffle system rather than a traditional first-come, first-served release, ensuring a fair shot for fans looking to secure the wearable sculpture.The Nike Air Max 1000 “Black/Volt” is available exclusively on Zellerfeld.com. The official raffle is currently open, with winners being notified directly on Air Max Day (March 26, 2026).Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Name: Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro “Steam”Colorway: Light Silver/Summit White-SteamSKU: IH1401-003MSRP: $190 USDRelease Date: April 13, 2026Where to Buy: NikeNike is making sure the Mamba’s legacy continues to dominate the hardwood in 2026. While the brand has recently teased louder, highly anticipated drops like the “Draft Day” Dunk Low Protro and the returning “Philippines” colorway, Nike is officially adding a much more understated option into the mix. Geared toward players who prefer a clean, minimal aesthetic, the upcoming Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro “Steam” delivers an ultra-sleek look without sacrificing elite performance.Stripping back the vibrant storytelling found on other Kobe models, the “Steam” iteration leans entirely into a highly wearable, neutral aesthetic. The performance silhouette is anchored by a breathable, Light Silver engineered mesh base that keeps the overall build feeling lightweight and versatile.Providing the shoe with its namesake identity, soft, sage green “Steam” accents are tastefully applied across the heel, inner lining, and the supportive Flywire cables. The subtle hits of color add just enough contrast without overpowering the minimalist design language. Down below, the court-ready model is rounded out by a crisp, Summit White outsole, ensuring the sneaker looks just as sharp on the streets as it does during intense pickup runs.Compared to other releases in the Kobe Protro lineup, this pair keeps things incredibly simple. It is the perfect rotation staple for athletes who prefer their game to do the talking while staying completely locked in on performance.Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

SummaryFollowing several teasers, JJJJound has announced a release date for its New Balance 475 collabBlack and yellow colorways have been prepared by the duoLook out for it to first drop on April 9, likely as a JJJJound-exclusive to beginAt last, JJJJound’s two New Balance 475s have a release date. The Canadian tastemakers have been teasing the project since February, offering teasers and a glance at the shoe in its Spring/Summer 2026 lookbook. This campaign follows the duo’s 990v4 “Mushroom” from the MADE in USA line, which went up for pre-order last December and is expected to ship this fall.Now, a new image offers our best look at the two pairs yet. Introduced by New Balance in the ’80s and revisited recently, the 475 sneaker is a timeless silhouette. Dressed in yellow by the duo, its mixed material upper hosts black “N” logos at each side and a blank off-white tongue that matches the laces and midsole. These off-white elements are also present for the black colorway, which carries tonal “N” branding at the midfoot.JJJJound has confirmed that its upcoming New Balance 475 campaign will initially launch on April 9, likely via the Montréal-based brand’s website. Stay tuned for updates, including pricing and a complete look at the two colorways, as we expect more info to surface soon. View this post on Instagram A post shared by JJJJound (@jjjjound)Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

SummaryThe street style at Tokyo Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2026 served as a massive runway for the world’s most hyped and boundary-pushing footwearChunky, exaggerated proportions remain a staple in the city, led by towering designs from Japanese label Grounds and heavy-duty Balenciaga trainersCollaborative runners and technical silhouettes dominated the pavements, with the highly anticipated Kith x On crossover leading the packWhile the runway presentations at Tokyo Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2026 dictating the future of apparel, the true pulse of global sneaker culture was heavily felt on the sidewalks. Tokyo has long been regarded as the ultimate proving ground for avant-garde footwear and highly sought-after collaborations, and this season’s showgoers did not disappoint. From gravity-defying, chunky soles to sleek, technical runners, the footwear choices outside the venues perfectly encapsulated the city’s fearless approach to styling.Maximalist, exaggerated proportions are showing absolutely no signs of slowing down in Tokyo. Japanese footwear label Grounds made a massive statement on the streets, with attendees heavily favoring the brand’s gravity-defying Moopie and the striking Orca Black Gray sneakers. Continuing the trend of massive, utilitarian footprints, luxury powerhouse Balenciaga maintained its stronghold on the luxury streetwear scene. Showgoers were spotted effortlessly styling both the newly updated Triple S.2 and the aggressively oversized Cargo trainers, proving that the chunky shoe wave is still deeply ingrained in the city’s sartorial DNA.Meanwhile, Nike’s presence on the pavement expertly bridged the gap between nostalgic basketball heritage and high-fashion crossovers. Bold retro statements were made with the Air More Uptempo ’96 in the eye-catching “Black Laser Crimson” colorway, alongside a strong showing of classic Air Max 97s. On the collaborative front, the Swoosh was heavily represented by the intricate detailing of the PEACEMINUSONE x Nike Air Force 1 Low and the luxurious, earth-toned Jacquemus x Nike Moon Shoe SP in “Fauna Brown.”Technical runners and elevated sportswear collaborations also carved out a massive lane this season. The ASICS x HAL STUDIOS GEL-NYC 2.0 SSHS brought a refined, material-driven aesthetic to the streets, while the sleek Y-3 Regu model from the Yohji Yamamoto x adidas ongoing partnership showcased Tokyo’s love for dark, futuristic minimalism. However, leading the pack and turning the most heads this season was undoubtedly the Kith x On collaboration, seamlessly blending Ronnie Fieg’s premium lifestyle curation with elite, Swiss-engineered performance tech.As Tokyo Fashion Week FW26 continues to set the tone for the rest of the year, it’s clear that the intersection of extreme proportions, heritage revivals, and highly technical collaborations will dictate the sneaker market well into 2026.Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Name: Nike Air Rift “Polka Dot”Colorway: Sail/Black/BlackSKU: IR1226-100MSRP: TBCRelease Date: TBCNike is expanding its unconventional footwear lineup with the upcoming release of the women’s Nike Air Rift in “Polka Dot/Sail/Black.” Anticipated to drop sometime in 2026, the new iteration brings a bold graphic update to the polarizing silhouette that originally debuted in 1996.Maintaining the model’s core DNA, the forthcoming release features a distinct Sail and Black color scheme. The most notable design update is the introduction of large polka dots applied directly to the upper, adding a striking visual contrast to the unique slip-on profile. Technically and conceptually, the shoe stays entirely true to its historical roots. The signature split-toe construction, which was originally developed based on the feedback of barefoot Kenyan runners, remains the defining focal point of the design.Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Name: Converse Jack Purcell 1935 “Navy”Colorway: “Navy”SKU: 33301460MSRP: ￥16,500 JPY (approx. $104 USD)Release Date: March 27Where to Buy: ConverseThe Converse Jack Purcell 1935 “Navy” revives a timeless silhouette with a fresh, deep-blue colorway, balancing vintage authenticity with modern comfort. The sneaker retains the classic Jack Purcell design codes that have endured for over 90 years, including the signature “smile” toe cap, elongated tongue, and four-stitch detailing on the heel.The upper is rendered in a rich navy canvas, contrasted by crisp white midsoles and laces, creating a clean yet understated look. Subtle tonal stitching enhances the quarters and tongue, while the rubber outsole maintains the shoe’s recognizable vintage profile.While the exterior honors its 1935 origins, the interior has been updated for contemporary wear. The model incorporates a newly developed anatomical last, a 13mm PU wedge heel, and a fiber shank for arch support, ensuring improved fit and walking comfort.Additionally, Ortholite® insoles enhance breathability and cushioning, making the sneaker suitable for daily urban use. This combination of heritage styling and modern engineering positions the Jack Purcell 1935 “Navy” as both a fashion statement and a practical lifestyle shoe. View this post on Instagram A post shared by コンバースジャパン (@converse_jp)Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Name: New Balance ABZORB 2000 “Pink Heat”Colorway: Pink Heat/Shadow RedSKU: U200082IMSRP: $170 USDRelease Date: Summer 2026Where to Buy: New BalanceBright and bold runners are taking over the footwear scene, and New Balance is making sure it stands out from the pack. The Boston-based sportswear brand has officially revealed the New Balance ABZORB 2000 “Pink Heat,” a striking new release that completely refuses to tone itself down. Blending reliable performance cues with an unapologetically loud color story, the upcoming silhouette is the perfect statement piece for the summer season.A vibrant hot pink mesh base drives the entire look of the “Pink Heat,” immediately giving the shoe a highly breathable and lightweight feel. Adding structural shape without weighing the runner down, tonal Shadow Red overlays elegantly wrap around the toe and sides. To keep the intense color palette from feeling too flat, stark black hits are strategically placed on the signature “N” logo and inner lining.There is a natural, dynamic flow to the paneling along the sides, giving the shoe a sense of constant movement while remaining perfectly balanced. The laces stay tonal to ensure the upper feels cohesive rather than overly busy.Down below, the sole unit does some heavy lifting both visually and functionally. Providing the elite comfort that New Balance fans expect, the segmented ABZORB cushioning pods arrive in a darker red and sit securely inside a black base, grounding the otherwise vibrant runner with a strong and sturdy foundation.The New Balance 2000 “Pink Heat” is scheduled to release in Summer 2026 via NewBalance.com and select retailers.Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Name: Nike Air Max Phenomena “Cobblestone/Metallic Silver”Colorway: Cobblestone/Metallic SilverSKU: IV4690-099MSRP: ￥20,130 JPY (approx. $126 USD)Release Date: March 23Where to Buy: NikeThe Nike Air Max Phenomena receives a fresh new “Cobblestone/Metallic Silver” colorways, following the previously revealed darker variants like “Black” and “Burgundy Rush”. The latest iteration continues to blur the design codes of snekaer and loafer, giving the silhouette a distinct tech-forward appeal.Dress in a muted “Cobblestone” gray, contrasted with “Metallic Silver” for a touch of reflective sheen. The upper is constructed from a mix of premium real and synthetic leathers for a structured, durable finish. Its midsole integrates Nike’s signature Air cushioning, visible through translucent windows, while the outsole features a patterned tread for traction. The combination of grey and silver continues across the sole unit, ensuring a cohesive look. Nike’s iconic Swoosh logo appear on the lateral heel in an subtle debossing, while a tiny metallic silver version adorns the vamp strap.Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast