The sneaker heat continues as temps rise and Summer gets underway.
The JJJJound x ASICS Gel-Kayano 14 dropping on June 12 in two colors: White/Navy and White/Blue. On that same day we’ve got a pair of releases from New Balance, the Made in USA 990v6 and the ABZORB 2000. The the next day we’ve got another Asics collab as the VANDYTHEPINK x ASICS GEL-Nimbus 10.1 drops.
Top Kick Pick of the Month
Air Jordan 5 Retro “Grape” — June 21 ($210)
We haven’t gotten a full on release of the Grapes since 2013, although the Fresh Prince special laceless makeup in 2018 came very close, including OG Nike Air branding on the heel. This is perhaps the most famous colorway of the Air Jordan 5 from 1990, shaking up the traditional Bulls color palate usually found on MJ’s sneakers up to that point. Jordan Brand continues to get these classic Jordan models to the OGs, with the shoe’s post on SNKRS noting that the 2025 Grapes feature “a streamlined collar and slightly more slanted toe shape.”
Nike Kobe V Protro Caitlin Clark — June 30 ($190)
Earlier this year, reports came out that Caitlin Clark Kobe PEs were going to be made avaiable to the public. At the time of the report, I argued that it isn’t the greatest sign for Nike that rather than getting Clark her own signature sneaker by the start of her second year in the W, instead they’re relying on Kobe x CC PEs to get Caitlin Clark product into the marketplace desperate for anything Caitlin. That said, this is sure to sell out. You combine the popularity of Kobe Bryant and his sneaker line with the popularity of Caitlin Clark, and good luck to anyone trying to acquire this product.
Consistent with other Kobe Protros, this edition of the Kobe 5 has been updated with upgraded tech all in Indiana Fever colors with a high gloss finish which Nike says “glistens under the spotlight.” Nike also notes on SNKRS that, “This Protro model takes a great basketball shoe and makes it better. It’s engineered with a flexible Air Zoom unit and scaled-down traction for optimal court feel.”
If you have questions or just want to talk sneakers, hit on me up on X — my username is @byAndySilva — and on BlueSky — my username is @byandysilva.bsky.social.
Good luck if you’re going after any of these sure-to-be-popular releases!
