Last week’s sneaker drops brought some heat for those cold nights. The Air Jordan 1 Low Chicago returned after a nine year break. Caitlin Clark released a Kobe PE Protro. Kith gave us a pack of Marvel x Capcom Asics. Our sneaker release guide this week is not one to sleep on.
New Balance is dropping their 2002 protection pack. We are getting the first Jordan 10 release this year. The Air Jordan 3 is dropping a silhouette for the ladies. Nigo is back with another Air Force 3 collaboration. Let’s get into this week’s sneaker release guide.
November 18th
New Balance 2002RV1
- Colorway: Phantom with Magnet
- Style Code: M2002RDB
- Retail: $149.99
- Where to Buy: New Balance
Let’s start the week off with my favorite dad the New Balance 2002. New Balance is dropping a trio of new colorways in the 2002 series. The 2002R combines running styles for the 2000s plus it is ready for the streets.
This version sports mesh underneath, on the collar, and in the toe. All of this comes in a tonal grey color blocking. The ABZORB cushioning in the midsole allows you to rock these all day. The heel features ABZORB tech as well for stability and comfort.
The midsole has a sleek curvilinear look with SBS pods. Underneath the outsole sports an aged look. Hit up New Balance online to pick these up.
Sneaker Geeks Tip: Customers that have bought say that it fits true to size so there is no need to size up or down. This colorway is easy to style. This color would go great with a pair of medium blue jeans and a black tee or hoodie.
New Balance 2002RDC
- Colorway: Sea Salt with NB White
- Style Code: M2002RDC
- Retail: $149.99
- Where to Buy: New Balance
The other colorway that you should be on the look out for is the Sea Salt colorway. I like the light palette on this one making it an easy piece to add to any fit. The suede on top looks torn with pops of mesh coming through.
On the lateral side is a pop of color in the 2002 branding. The blue SBS pods accent the off white midsole perfectly. This pair will also be available via New Balance online.
Sneaker Geek Insight: The last protection pack that dropped sold out fast. I expect these to move fast especially for the bigger sizes. Make sure to check in at 9:30 for an online queue. If there is no queue then these will drop at 10 am EST.
Book 1 ’95 ‘Solar Red’
- Colorway: Wolf Grey, Cool Grey, Photon Dust, Anthracite, White, and Black
- Style Code: IR0838-001
- Retail: $145
- Where to Buy: SNKRS and Nike Retailers
This year has seen several colorways of Phoenix Suns guard Devon Booker. The solar red version gives a nod to the OG Solar Red Air Max ’95 colorway. Double grey coloring dominates the pallette accented by solar red.
The Book 1s were not received well but that is starting to change due to some of the unique colorways. This version has Air Max 95 all over it. The mix of materials like the synthetic leather on the eyestays and toe box. The textile underlays hitting on the side.
I like this one because of the oversized Swoosh and lateral mini Swoosh on the mudguard. The pull tab is back with mini pull tabs within like the pages of a book. This 95 inspired version of the Book 1 will be available on the SNKRS app and Nike retailers like Footlocker and Hibbett.
Sneaker Geeks Insight: The Book 1 is a performance basketball shoe and is built that way. This is not a show I would wear other than the court. The fit on this is right and rightly so. If you’re like me and have wise feet I recommend sizing up at least a half size.
Air Jordan 10 ‘Shadow’ 2025
- Colorway: Charred Grey, True Red, and Black
- Style Code: HJ6779-001
- Retail: $215
- Where to buy: Nike SNKRS
The Air Jordan 10 is one of the most underrated Air Jordan silhouettes. We don’t get too many releases and we definitely don’t see many collaborations. The Air Jordan 10 was designed during MJ’s first retirement and debuted during his return. The Air Jordan 10 ‘Shadow’ is an OG colorway seeing its second retro release.
The Air Jordan 10 ‘Shadow’ features smooth dark grey nubuck suede throughout. Tumbled leather sits along the eyestays that feature a quick lacing system. Tumbled black leather sits on the mudguard against the grey suede. On the heel is a stitched Jumpman in a true red hue.
The black foam midsole sits on top full length Air unit. Underneath a red Jumpman accents the black and grey outsole. This Air Jordan 10 will be available on the SNKRS app and retail for $215.
Sneaker Geeks Styling Tips: The Air Jordan 10 is versatile when it comes to styling. It can be paired with slacks for a casual yet sporty look or joggers for a more relaxed feel. My personal favorite is black denim to keep the whole dark vibe going along with a dark grey graphic tee.
November 20th
Air Force 3 Low x Nigo
- Colorway: Phantom, Bamboo, and Night Stadium
- Style Code: HQ0261-001
- Retail: $170
- Where to buy: Nike SNKRS
Japanese designer Nigo and Nike are back again for another Air Force 3 collaboration. This time Nigo brings some Japanese heritage into the fold of this silhouette. Drawing inspiration from the art of Kintsugi this Air Force 3 blends style and culture.
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by using lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. This Air Force 3 does just that. On the toe is a leather finished in gold and grey giving is a mended look. The other half is textured leather the lacquer ready to be poured.
The dividing line is a gold strip similar to the material used in Kintsugi. The tongue of each shoe sports the ying and yang finish. On the heel Nike Air on the left and Nigo Force on the right. Underneath is a rubber gum outsole wrapping this look up.
Sneaker Geeks Tips: The previous Nigo releases sold out and I expect this one to as well. This will be released on the SNKRS app at 10 am EST. Make sure your alerts are up and notifications are on.
November 21st
Women’s Air Jordan 3 ‘Champagne and Oysters’
- Colorway: Sail, Team Gold, Pale Ivory, Metallic Gold, and Ice
- Style Code: IB2255-100
- Retail: $205
- Where to Buy: Nike SNKRS
The weekend is not complete without an Air Jordan release. On November 21st the Air Jordan 3 is dropping a high class silhouette. The Champagne and Oyster exudes luxury and style.
With Christmas right around the corner this one is on my daughter’s already long list. The upper sports sail colored tumbled leather complimented by gold accents. Replacing the iconic elephant print is light brown leather on the toe and heel.
The Jumpman logo on the tongue is finished in metallic gold along with eyestays and the heel. The sail midsole houses the visible air unit. Underneath is an icy blue bottom keeping the champagne cool.
How to cop: This Air Jordan 3 is a general release so it will be an easy cop. Nike SNKRS app will have this available first come first serve. Jordan retailers like Hibbett and Footlocker will have this available for FCFS too. If you don’t want to take a chance with FCFS check out online raffles with Social Status or Feature.
Final Thoughts
That does it for this week’s sneaker release guide. All of these drops are exciting but a couple in particular have me itching to cop. The New Balance 2002 and Nigo Air Force 3 will be two pairs I am going after this week. Let us know in the comments which pair you are going after. Until next time check out this exclusive Air Max 1.
