With so many sneaker releases happening each month, it's easy to forget what's even dropped. Often, the everyday enthusiast's Saturday pickup is forgotten by the time the next weekend's crop of sneakers drops. Reflection at each calendar flip can help cement some of those sneakers that are actually worthy of being remembered. Need a refresher on all the best releases that came out this month? Here, the Sole Collector staff share their favorite sneakers that launched in the month of May.
With so many sneaker releases happening each month, it's easy to forget what's even dropped. Often, the everyday enthusiast's Saturday pickup is forgotten by the time the next weekend's crop of sneakers drops. Reflection at each calendar flip can help cement some of those sneakers that are actually worthy of being remembered. Need a refresher on all the best releases that came out this month? Here, the Sole Collector staff share their favorite sneakers that launched in the month of May.
Adidas Pure Boost DPR
Gerald Flores, Editor-in-Chief
I've always been a fan of the simplicity of the Adidas Pure Boost line. I remember voting for the original Pure Boost to be sneaker of the year when I was running Complex Sneakers a couple years ago. The line has gone through some evolutions over the past seasons, but the DPR is a true return to that simplicity with a modified one-piece knit upper and a Boost system catered for city streets. It's also pretty fairly priced at $150.
NikeLab ACG.07.KMTR
Brendan Dunne, News Editor
The NikeLab ACG KMTR is pretty much exactly what I want from futuristic footwear right now. The shoe is just so fun to hold in your hands thanks to the fastening system, and the triple black colorway is easily the must-have one of the pairs released so far. I still haven't figured out exactly how to wear them, but I'm happy to have these in the collection.
Nike LeBron Soldier 11 'Prototype'
Zac Dubasik, Managing Editor
The 2016-17 NBA season has been a long one devoid of much suspense, and it's ending exactly as we all expected: with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors facing off for a third straight year. It only seems fitting that LeBron James' Soldier line (a line he's frequently worn for the playoffs throughout his career) would return to retail shelves just in time for the Finals trilogy to begin. Only time will tell if this newest entry to the line will hold a place in history like its predecessor, but I'm looking forward to playing in a pair either way.
Big Baller Brand ZO2
Brennan Hiro Williams, Social Media Editor
LaVar Ball isn't the first person to launch an independent footwear brand, but he might be the first to make his debut with the most talked about sneaker of the year. In an era of "meh" reactions to signature shoes, the Big Baller Brand ZO2 immediately sparked a debate about marketing, parenting, and supporting small businesses versus large corporations. No, I won't be buying a pair—the price tag is crazy and the product is derivative at best—but I can't wait to see how this story plays out.
Nike Air More Uptempo 'Night Maroon'
Brandon Richard, Senior Writer
While I agree with Rich when he says that Nike is on the verge of killing the Air More Uptempo, it hasn't happened yet, and this is one of my favorite colorways ever produced. Typically, I'd argue that taking away the "AIR" counterblock strips the shoe of its identity, but this style shows how great of a silhouette the Air More Uptempo is beyond the gimmick of its oversized lettering.
Nike Air Max 97 'Metallic Gold'
Rich Lopez, Editorial Producer
The gold Air Max 97 was always that rare OG Air Max colorway that I could never get my hands on. I've copped multiple pairs of OG Air Max 1s, Air Max 90s, and Air Max 95s, but I was never able to obtain that one. When I got word that they were dropping again, nothing was going to stop me. I rarely ask for holds but I had to for this one. I couldn't let them slip by again. Luckily, the plug came through for me and now I can eventually happily retire from this game.