Most Anticipated Releases of 2024

‘New year, new me’ is a trope that we quickly adopt (and usually shed) every January, but in the case of the sneaker scene, we’re right to expect a little shake-up. Given the criticisms the industry faced throughout last year, it’s no surprise that brands are looking to drop something a little different. 80s styles may have been all the rage over the past few years, but 2024’s most exciting releases see the 90s and early aughts take centre stage, with a whole host of long-awaited retros and Y2K-inspired styles to come. Read on to see the drops we’re most excited about in 2024.

Futura x Nike SB Dunk Lows

NYC graffiti legend Futura has a long and fruitful relationship with Nike, with the duo crafting a flurry of collaborations over the years. The artist linked with the late Virgil Abloh for a three-way collaboration on eight Dunks that sold at a charity auction for healthy five-figures, so it’s fair to say the new Nike SB Dunk Lows are highly anticipated. There are two pairs in rotation, with both featuring Futura’s signature graffiti designs in a mind-melting haze of colours. It is expected that one pair will be Friends and Family only.

Action Bronson x New Balance 1906R

The New Balance 1906R had a scorching hot 2023 with collaborations from Aimé Leon Dore and GANNI, and it seems 2024 will continue the trend with three colourways expected from Action Bronson. The trio will come in Bam Bam’s typical frenzy of colours in iterations called ‘Scorpius’, ‘Rosewater’, and ‘Medusa Azul’.

Air Jordan 3 'Black Cement'

We don’t want to count our chickens before they hatch, but the Air Jordan 3 ‘Black Cement’ is expected to make an appearance this year. The iteration last graced shelves in 2018, but the 2024 will return with the shape and style of the OG 1998, of course complete with the iconic elephant print. There aren’t any official release details yet.

PHANTACi x Air Max 1 'Grand Piano'

The original Air Max 1 ‘Grand Piano’ released back in 2009 as an exclusive to Taiwanese boutique PHANTACi, apparently limited to only 400 pairs. Currently, the OGs sell for well over four figures, with some even asking for prices in the tens-of-thousands. The 2024 iteration, which is confirmed to be on the way through official imagery is identical to its predecessor, boasting patent leather overlays with a pink velvet liner. They’ll also arrive with piano lacelocks and an extra sets of laces.

New Balance 1000

‘On a scale of a 1000, this shoe is a 990.’ When New Balance released the first of their 99x series in 1982, their witty yet self-aware ad copy hinted towards the 990 being near perfect. But what if New Balance were to actually deliver the 1000 they hinted at? In 1999, they did just that – launching the NB1000, a low-key shoe geared towards runners, though it never quite achieved the same level of success. Now 26 years later, the 1000 has returned in style with a Joe Freshgoods colab, and additional releases are expected to follow.

Nike Air Force 1 ‘Linen’

Somehow the Nike Air Force 1 flew under the radar in 2023. From the LeBron James ‘Four Horsemen’ PE to the return of both ‘West Indies’ colourways, the Swoosh kept AF-1 fans happy this past year by reintroducing iconic colourways and using decent leather at the same time. Now, Nike are expected to bring back the Air Force 1 Low ‘Linen’. First a CO.JP release in 2001 and then a KITH exclusive drop in 2016, the tan and pink upper worked together seamlessly with both renditions known for the quality leather Nike used. Hopefully, they’ll return with similar materials later this year and we’ll have our CC info on deck.

Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’

The Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’ has a coveted following. An OG colourway, the sneaker retroed for the first time in 2006 with another release following in 2012. While we’re happy the colourway is returning in 2024, what makes us more excited than usual is that the sneaker will use a true OG build and feature OG Nike Air branding. Our pinky toes and Achilles are thanking the sneaker gods – recent AJ4 retros bring the blisters to some and a more OG build like the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 will fix those issues.

Nike Air 180 ‘Ultramarine’

Like the Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’, the Nike Air 180 ‘Ultramarine’ is also returning in its OG form. With larger Air Max units, a retooled midsole, and a more accurate cut, the 1991 sneaker will return in a vastly different build compared to the last retro in 2018. We’ll definitely do a comparison of the two when the time comes, and hopefully it’ll be sooner rather than later.

Patta x Nike Air Max 1 ‘Chlorophyll’

Rumour has it that one of Patta’s best Air Max 1s will be making a reappearance this year, and you won’t want to miss it. Though it's not slated to arrive until the Fall, the Patta x Nike Air Max 1 ‘Chlorophyll’ will no doubt top many sneakerheads’ wishlists. As it stands, we’re still yet to hear if it’ll be a retro of the 2009 pair or just a homage, but be sure to stay locked to Sneaker Freaker as this is one we’ll be all over.

Nike Air Max 1 ‘Powerwall BRS’ Big Bubble

What a year it’s set to be for Air Max fans. If we hadn’t already whet your appetite enough, then this next pick might be the one to get you going. The legendary BRS has already returned in the form of an Air Max 1 Slide this year (no, really it has), but it is also rumoured to return with BBE – that’s Big Bubble Energy, if you couldn’t tell. Originally released in 2006, the pair was part of the ‘3 Decades of Cushioning’ pack that paid tribute to Nike’s origins as Blue Ribbon Sports and only 144 pairs were ever made. While the Big Bubble means it’ll be getting a slight facelift, we’ll take the chance to own some serious sneaker history.