December Drops – the 4 Best Sneakers dropping this Month

Christmas will be full of Drip

We’re all wishing Nike and Adidas would spare us from new releases, we’re all still broke from Black Friday. However, it seems like December has more in store for us than anybody could expect. From A Ma Maniere to Patta’s final Air Max, we round off the 4 most anticipated sneaker releases of December 2021!

A Ma Maniere Jordan 1

After the ultra-successful rework of the Air Jordan 3 by Nike and the US-based sneaker boutique A Ma Maniere, the two are back with another collaboration. Opting for the Jordan 1 might seem a little late for some fans who had hoped for a Jordan 2 or 4, but their take on the iconic silhouette justifies the choice. A Ma Maniere does not create a silhouette to inspire the masses in the moment, they don’t design based on current hype or trend. Their aim is to create a timeless version of already seemingly timeless silhouettes. The AMM Jordan 3 only received its deserved recognition after aging like fine wine, generating popularity by getting sneakerheads to notice the luxury behind the shoe.

Similarly, their take on the Jordan 1 isn’t just a regular Jordan 1 with altered colourblocking. The usual tumbled leather is replaced with extremely premium cracked leather and other luxury materials, covering the sneaker in “Sail” and “Burgundy Crash”. The aged Nike Air midsole adds the extra vintage touch to really bring you back to a 1920’s cigar club.

Whether the Jordan 1 beats her predecessor is a topic for another day, but one thing is certain: it’s one of the best Jordan 1 collaborations of the last years – and it’ll be around for a while.

Nike Kwondo1

Few sneakers sparked more mixed opinions than the Kwondo1. Nike’s third collaboration with Korean artist G-Dragon shifts away from reworking an already existing silhouette, producing an entirely new sneaker. A mix of Taekwondo and Just-Do-It, a blend of urban culture and red carpet, combining Korean inspiration with Nike’s vision. The result synthesizes classic Nike silhouettes, with a Janoski-inspired shape, a Pegasus 83-inspired sole and the iconic tongue flap that will get soccer fans excited.

Nike Kwondo1 Friends & Family Exclusive

Images of multiple colorways of the sneaker have emerged, of which the majority is presumed to remain a friends & family exclusive. However, the cleanest and most minimalistic version is finally releasing mid-December. With more editions expected to release early 2022, the sneaker might mark the beginning of a completely new era of formal sneakers.

The ideal opportunity for sneakerheads to wear a dress-shoe during formal Christmas events, and then run to the soccer pitch without having to change shoes.

Christmas will be full of Drip

Yeezy 500 Ash Grey

At some stage, it seemed like adidas and Yeezy would never stop rolling out new colorways of the extremely popular Yeezy 500. However, after the enflame, the roll-out slowed down. Only the Taupe Light and Ash Brown colorways released after the fire-inspired 500, but both colorways failed to really warm fans’ hearts. While the Ash Grey still sticks to the earth-inspired colour-blocking, it certainly has the opportunity to resurrect the silhouettes long-standing hype.

The sneaker remains tonal but plays with contrasts on the upper. A dark-grey mesh upper features light grey suede and leather elements, with dark laces adding the extra touch of contrast. Even the light grey midsole separates itself from a much darker outsole, still providing the absolutely loved adiPrene+ cushioning that makes this sneaker so comfortable.

Ideal for winter, will barely be affected by mud stains, super comfortable, always hyped, infinitely interesting.

Salehe Bembury x Crocs Pollex "Urchin" / “Cucumber”

Arguably the release of the month. Ex-Versace Designer Salehe Bembury has teamed up with one of the best-known shoe-producers in the world to create rework of the Classic Croc.

Salehe Bembury x Crocs Pollex "Urchin"

The “Pollex Croc Clog” features a contour upper, inspired by Bembury’s actual fingerprints. This results in a completely new mutation of the iconic sandal that is instantly recognizable, but still keeps enough Croc-elements to maintain the identity. Like any Croc, comfort levels are immense, breathability is self-evident, and durability is infinite (ask your dad).

Salehe Bembury x Crocs Pollex "Cucumber"

The Salehe Bembury Crocs Pollex will come in a light-grey “Urchin” and a green “Cucumber” colourway, with leaked images providing hope for more editions next year. Wear it at Paris Fashion Week or at the next Barbecue, the shoe is exceptionally versatile and will ensure easy conversation starters with those less sneaker-affine.

Let’s be realistic, without Kanye’s Foam RNNR and Balenciaga’s weird Crocs Collab, this sneaker would not have made waves. But we are in a time where comfort and nonconformity dominates ordinary footwear, a time where consumers are starting to appreciate designers’ heritage and signatures. This gives room for creatives to let go of conservative constraints and embrace their true vision.

Salehe Bembury’s Crocs are more than a comedic gesture – they are a fashion-statement and a reinforcement of the unrestrained future of footwear.

by Freddy Schwoerer of Drip Drops