Last weekend was the annual NBA All Star Weekend held in Chicago. Rookies and veterans alike gathered in the Windy City to show off their skills to the world. Many people tuned in to watch the best of the best compete in the Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, and the Slam Dunk Contest. During Sunday night’s All-Star Game, Team LeBron (West) took home a stunningly close victory over Team Giannis (East). Other emotional moments were the various tributes to Kobe Bryant. Regardless of what team you supported or feelings you may have about the legendary basketball city, the sneakers did not fail to disappoint either. In no particular order, I present the best shoes released during this action packed weekend.
1. Jordan 5 Retro Off-White Black
I know it’s the millionth time you’ve seen Off-White and Virgil Abloh mentioned in this column, but you got to give it to the man — he really knows how to design a great shoe. This shoe in particular celebrates the 30th anniversary of the release of the first Jordan 5, Abloh’s upbringing in Chicago, and Abloh’s own first Jordan shoe, which was the Jordan 5 Black Metallic. First seen at the F/W 20 Off-White fashion show in Paris, this shoe comes with translucent circular panels (which Abloh cut out in true DIY fashion) and translucent yellow rubber outsole, which is evocative of the way old shoes look when they are worn. He also teased a white version of the Jordan 5, which is most likely releasing later this year.
2. Adidas Yeezy Quantum Basketball
Another prominent Chicago native, Kanye West, came prepared for the main event. In addition to performing at a deeply stirring Sunday Service and sitting courtside for the main game (next to J. Cole!), he ventured into the world of basketball shoes with the Quantum Basketball. Teased by Kanye since last year, the shoe features textured panels, translucent casing, and suede toe. Even more unconventional was the way in which they released: Sherp trucks rolled around Chicago giving them out for free while Chicago retailers stocked limited pairs. Zach LaVine and Brandon Ingram actually wore them on court. Meanwhile, Kanye was seen wearing another colorway of his basketball shoes.
3. Air Fear of God 1 String
Jerry Lorenzo’s next offering was inspired by his longtime hero Allen Iverson. The shoe’s two-tone color palette and Lorenzo’s photo campaign pays direct homage to Iverson’s Reebok Question Mid. A Triple Black colorway of the Fear of God 1 has also been spotted, hinting that a release is on the way.
4. New Balance 992 Joe Freshgoods Don’t Be Mad
One of the more underrated releases of the weekend was the New Balance shoe spearheaded by yet another Chicago native, Joe Freshgoods. His DIY streetwear aesthetic has earned him plenty of fans and apparently a productive partnership with the American brand. This shoe, inspired by Valentine’s Day, features streaks of red, maroon, and pink. He also dropped a New Balance OMN1S Joe Freshgoods No Emotions Are Emotions, a basketball performance shoe at the Chicago-exclusive pop-up shop.
5. Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 Varsity Red
A major event in Chicago would not be complete without the shoe that started it all. The first difference between this shoe and recent colorways of the Jordan 1 is the raised upper and ankle padding on this throwback to the original shoes Michael Jordan laced up back in 1985. This specific colorway flips Jordan’s famed “Banned” colorway with the familiar red and black.
6. Jordan New Beginnings Pack 1 & Nike Air Ship
The Air Ship was released in 1984 and was the first shoe Michael Jordan wore in his rookie season before switching to his own Jordan 1. The red and white colors found on both shoes recall the original shoes Jordan wore, another reminder that Chicago would not be where it is today if it were not for Jordan’s phenomenal performance driving the Bulls to the playoffs.
Honorable Mentions: Jordan 1 Retro High NC to CHI, Air Force 1 High Just Don All Star Blue, Jordan 3 Retro Fire Red Cement (Nike Chicago), Jordan Aerospace 720 Lyrical Lemonade, Nike LeBron 17 Monstars, Nike Kyrie 6 Trophies, Jordan 10 Retro Wings, Nike KD 12 Don C, Nike Adapt BB 2.0 Black, Nike Zoom Freak 1 Employee of the Month, Nike PG 4 Gatorade All-Star 2020
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