Ignoring the traditional rules of blogging that I have spent four years of learning and executing as a recent public relations graduate, I present to you *drum roll* my honest thoughts (semi-structured rant) combined with research of my favorite 2020 sneaker releases...so far.
Backstory: The jackpot theme of this informal blog post was inspired by my wins and losses with sneaker releases.
SLEEK SUPER 72 - adidas x IVY PARK
The Ivy Park collection with adidas Originals included a variety of products such as the great Sleek Super 72. The sneaker was released on January 17 through adidas.com and the adidas app. While the sneaker’s retail price was set at $100, the resell price has been an average of $400 on Stock X.
Image Source: adidas.com
Image Source: adidas.com
“The evolution of the Samba sneaker continues with the new IVY PARK Super Sleek 72. Bright orange peeks through the transparent platform outsole, while an innovative lacing system wraps around the heel and allows the wearer to clip the shoes to a gym bag,” read a blog post announcing the release on adidas’ website.
Image Source: adidas.com
Image Source: adidas.com
Disclaimer: I have been a part of Beyoncé’s fan base since the age of 12 (really embryo days if I'm being transparent). The highly anticipated adidas x IVY Park release was considered to me as important as my college graduation day. I initially had plans to find an excuse to wear the sneakers at any occasion (maybe even at my wedding in 2050), but I was not able to snag a pair to achieve my dreams due to the sneaker selling out within minutes.
Although I may be (I am) experiencing some resentment (Alexa play "Resentment" by Beyoncé), I am happy that the product was so successful. The influencer marketing...alone..was...*dramatic pause* sensational.
Nike SB Dunk Low - Ben & Jerry's Chunky Dunky
Nike dropped a Ben & Jerry’s themed Nike SB sneaker on May 23 at select skate shops globally and May 26 through the SNKRS app. From licks to kicks, the sneakers are modeled after the popular Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor: Chunky Monkey. "With colors and textures that look like they came straight from a pint of Chunky Monkey, they're the most euphoric thing you can put on your feet," read a blog post announcing the collaboration on the Ben & Jerry's website.
Image Source: Nike.com
Image Source: Nike.com
Although pairs of the Friends and Family version of the shoe with a branded ice-cream shoebox have already sold at a price range of $1,200-$3,800 on Stock X, the standalone pair’s retail price was initially listed as $100 through Nike on its release date.
Image Source: StockX.com
With the limited stock of sneakers, most people simply could not get their hands on a pair.
(*cough* Me…I actually woke up for the release on May 26…. then proceeded to accidentally fall asleep in the waiting room of the app…one word: failure…another word: regret).
(*cough* Me…I actually woke up for the release on May 26…. then proceeded to accidentally fall asleep in the waiting room of the app…one word: failure…another word: regret).
Although I had plans to wear my sneakers with an awesome outfit, some lucky receipts had other plans to show off the legendary sneakers. For example, a trend has emerged to eat Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Dunky ice cream from the sneakers. The founder of the Sonra sneaker brand, Hikmet Sugoer, showcased how to properly execute this trend.
Image Source: Complex.com
According to GQ.com, the success of the Chunky Dunky release is about more than the single shoe—it’s a lesson in how Nike creates hits by building up its shoe models, harnessing hype, and implementing maximum creativity.
Experiment 4 Fury Trail - Innocence Project By Pyer Moss
Designer Kerby Jean-Raymond has once again created a stellar project in collaboration with Reebok. A unisex sneaker named “Experiment 4 Fury Trail - Innocence Project By Pyer Moss” has taken the world by storm since its debut on July 3. The sneaker’s retail price is $250 and its design embodies a futuristic approach in combination with mesh and suede details that is reported to represent the pathway to success.
Image Source: Reebok.com
Image source: Reebok.com
Aside from the amazing structure and colorway of the shoe, the collaboration also holds another amazing component. A portion of the proceeds and philanthropic marketing campaigns have been directed to the Innocence Project which is a nonprofit aiding in the exoneration of those who have been wrongfully convicted.
According to hypebeast.com, “Kerby Jean-Raymond has long been an outspoken proponent of social justice and equality. In years past, he started his SS16 show with a video on police brutality and called out Business of Fashion for exploitive practices, so using his latest Trail Fury to raise awareness and funds for a worthy organization comes as no surprise”.
Although the sneaker is currently out of stock on Reebok.com, there will be another great collaboration in the future. (I will be prepared with a 10 cups of coffee and 10 computers to snag….another...anticipated release).
Jaden Smith x New Balance Vision Racer
New Balance and Jaden Smith have teamed up to launch a vegan-leather sneaker across the globe on July 24 at a retail price of $150. The 22-year-old artist has been working hard on this release to inspire sustainable fashion. The eco-friendly sneaker is simply the coolest sustainable shoe I have seen in a long time.
.
Image source: newbalance.com
Image source: newbalance.com
The NB for Jaden Smith Vision Racer incorporates recycled materials from top to bottom. For example, the insole is made from recycled rubber and foam, and the upper with 60 percent recycled polyester. The sneaker totally represents Jaden’s passion for creativity and philanthropic efforts.
According to Popsugar.com, Jaden has been a fan of New Balance's X-Racer and Classic 1700 silhouettes for a long time. His love for New Balance led him to create a contemporary sneaker with reflective details for nighttime skateboarding and performing.
Image source: newbalance.com
Image source: newbalance.com
Overall, the sneaker allows one to be an advocate for sustainability and the coolest person in the room. Currently, a candy-colored campaign imagery of the design across Jaden’s Instagram account shows how you could be the coolest person, too. (if you're able to snag a pair on July 24).
Image source: newbalance.com
Thank you for reading.
7/17/2020