26 Sneaker Releases to Look Forward to in 2026

The year’s only just begun, and 2026 is already shaping up to be a big one for sneakerheads. After tracking teasers, leaks, rumors, and runway moments, we’ve compiled a list of 26 releases to look forward to this year (so far). Nike and Jordan Brand naturally dominate the lineup, given their size and how far in advance their projects tend to leak, but there’s plenty to be excited about from adidas, Timberland, New Balance, PUMA, ASICS, On, and Onitsuka Tiger as well. While details may shift as brands make things official, this preview offers a strong snapshot of what’s coming. Let us know which pairs you’re most excited about.

Nike Doernbecher Freestyle 21 Collection (January 2026)

The launch we anticipate coming first on our list is Nike’s Doernbecher Freestyle 21 collection. Revealed last October, the patient-designer-led program is back with six creatives presenting six sneakers that weave their larger-than-life personalities and unique journeys throughout each pair. This year’s lineup features the V2K Run, Vomero Plus, Air Force 1 ’07, Air Max Dn8, Air Max Plus, and an Air Jordan 17 that is sure to be a hit. To fully appreciate the one-of-a-kind designs, revisit our initial breakdown to learn more about each Doernbecher Children’s Hospital patient and their creations.

Bad Bunny x adidas BadBo 1.0 (February 2026)

It’s been five years since Bad Bunny took his creative vision to the Three Stripes. Since then, the two have worked together closely to produce many of the German sportswear brand’s most sought-after sneakers of recent years. With Benito ready to take center stage at the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show next month, he’s sure to be dominating headlines this February. On top of the big performance, his first signature shoe, the adidas BadBo 1.0, is expected to drop. Despite being teased multiple times last year, we still lack a complete breakdown of what to expect from the retro-inspired sneaker. A pair spotted on Bad Bunny's feet features brown overlays running across an off-white upper, with a subtle touch of blue branding around the heel.

Virgil Abloh Archive x Air Jordan 1 High OG “Alaska” (March 2026)

Off-White™’s series of Air Jordan 1 High OGs is one of the most legendary footwear lineups of the past decade. Rumors of a rekindling of the partnership have surfaced over the past couple of years, and now we are finally set to turn back time. Now made in collaboration with the Virgil Abloh Archive brand, the shoe still sports all the deconstructed design elements Abloh brought to the AJ1 in 2017. Dubbed the “Alaska” colorway, an all-white rendition of the shoe hosts everything from the iconic “AIR” midsole text to medial text labeling the project. Better start preparing a strategy to secure a pair now, because when these drop, it’ll take a true miracle to nab them for retail.

Union LA x fragment design x Air Jordan 1 High OG (Spring 2026)

As if that wasn’t enough for the Air Jordan 1, we also expect Union LA and fragment design’s special collaborative colorways to come this spring. Union LA’s Frankenstein-d stitched collar motif is accompanied by fragment design’s thunderbolt logo at the lateral heel. This fusion of two iconic AJ1 collaborators, paired with colorways that range from a recreation of fragment’s 2014 collab to a fresh "Varsity Red/Sport Royal," is the perfect recipe for hype, even if the model itself isn’t the hype staple it once was.

fragment design x Timberland 6-Inch Boot (Spring 2026)

Speaking of fragment design, Hiroshi Fujiwara took to Instagram to tease a project between his label and Timberland. Two takes on the brand’s beloved 6-Inch Boot made an appearance in the reveal. Both the instantly recognizable “Wheat” color scheme and an all-black rendition have been prepared by the duo. While Timberland’s tree logo is present at the lateral heel, fragment design has also stamped its thunderbolts next to it. Another nod to the pairing comes courtesy of the hangtag, which sees “FRGMT” text present on one side and their two logos on the other.

Nike Kobe 3 Protro Low (Spring 2026)

Nike Basketball upgraded the Kobe 3 with a brand-new Protro build last year. Amidst the launch of the performance-oriented silhouette, Vanessa Bryant teased another version of the shoe: a low-top. While an all-white “Halo” rendition was first highlighted, the Swoosh clarified to us that it will not be seeing a retail release. However, plenty of additional looks will be made available as the brand continues to emphasize addressing the varying preferences of all hoopers.

Air Jordan 3 RM (Spring 2026)

Another shoe that’s being reworked into a low-top is the Air Jordan 3. While it remains a mere rumor, little is known about the shoe. Following the success of the Air Jordan 4 RM, the Air Jordan 3 RM is expected to feature the same heel tab and tooling as a standard Air Jordan 3. What differentiates the design is the upper, which is said to have been modified to suit its new low-top shape, as indicated by the mock-up above.

Levi’s x Air Jordan 3 (Spring 2026)

​For Air Jordan 3 purists, you’re in luck. Levi’s, hot off a big year featuring many well-received collaborations, has joined forces with the Jumpman team again to remaster the Air Jordan 3 with various denim-themed looks. So far, we’ve seen a classic blue “Denim” pair paired with a canvas “Sail” colorway and a “Black Denim” finish. Each unique pair is highlighted by Nike Air branding at the heel tab and an iconic red Levi’s tag at the medial midfoot of the right shoe.

_J.L-A.L_ x PUMA CELL Umbre & CELL Midnight (SS26)

Switching gears to the Spring/Summer 2026 runways, _J.L-A.L_ previewed a new partnership with PUMA this past June. One highlight of the UK-based brand’s chair-inspired “Mille Chaises” collection was its CELL Umbre and CELL Midnight sneakers. Both nod to the rich patinas developed by furniture, with a brown and black leather upper featured alongside a version of the shoe in blue and black. The left and right shoes’ tongues nod to the two partners, while a Formstrip is present at each side, running with its stitched linework.

Willy Chavarria x adidas Megaride AG & Megaride AG XL (SS26)

​Is Willy Chavarria on track to become one of adidas’ most important partners? On the fashion end, it sure looks like it. The new duo debuted last year, offering a blend of two worlds through unique apparel and footwear. They also looked ahead to SS26, which will feature the eye-catching Megaride AG and Megaride AG XL in monochromatic renditions ranging from bright blue and pink looks to a stealthy triple black for the latter silhouette. Of course, that’s not all; you can also expect a wide variety of complementary apparel to complete your new look.

COMME des GARÇONS HOMME PLUS x Nike Air Max Dolce (SS26)

​Whenever COMME des GARÇONS HOMME PLUS gets its hands on an archival Nike silhouette, you know it’s going to end up in the hands of the masses eventually. The menswear line has become known for reintroducing retro models before the Swoosh rolls them out as in-line launches. For SS26, the longtime duo has landed on the Air Max Dolce as the next throwback to return. The 2002 runner has a new glossy overlay courtesy of the duo, while the heel’s Air unit has been covered. Per usual, CdGH+ maintains a black-and-white palette throughout the range while only offering subtle wordmarks to denote the shoes’ status as a high-fashion collaboration.

Song for the Mute x adidas Tokyo & Samba LX Freizeit (SS26)

​Song for the Mute elevates adidas sneakers through its own design language. Its SS26 renditions of the Tokyo and Samba are familiar yet fresh. The Tokyo turns back time with nylon and mesh carrying contrast-heavy color blocking. Meanwhile, the Samba, as the Samba LX Freizeit, reimagines formal school shoes with brown and black leather colorways resting atop black derby-inspired tooling.

AURALEE x New Balance 204L (SS26)

​When New Balance was preparing the 204L as its new go-to low-profile sneaker for the summer last year, excitement quickly spread. AURALEE took this energy to the next level with its effortlessly sophisticated SS26 runway show. A mix of beige, off-white, and yellow tones is spread across a mesh-and-leather sneaker. Joining this look is one with an all-brown upper that forgoes the typical mesh base in favor of smooth suede throughout.

Wales Bonner x Y-3 Field Sneaker (SS26)

​Wales Bonner and Yohji Yamamoto are two of adidas’ most prominent and long-standing collaborators from the world of fashion. Both have masterfully elevated the Three Stripes thanks to their penchant for crafting trendsetting looks that define generations. Now, the two have been united by adidas as they look back on the Field sneaker from Yamamoto’s Y-3 line. The early 2000s silhouette was part of Y-3’s early foray into footwear. Its original football-inspired build is largely intact, with its slender shape present and fold-over tongue showcasing debossed Y-3 branding.

Kiko Kostadinov x ASICS Tabi Boots & Sneakers (SS26)

​It’s been nearly a year since Kiko Kostadinov unveiled his various tabi silhouettes in collaboration with ASICS, first showing them during his Fall/Winter 2025 runway show. The two are expected to finally bring these designs to retail shelves this season. Everything from calf-height boots to slip-on sneakers have been revealed so far, with Kostadinov tapping into a wide variety of color palettes.

VERSACE x Onitsuka Tiger TAI-CHI & Loafer (SS26)

One of the surprises of Milan Fashion Week SS26 came from VERSACE. The Italian fashion house revealed its first collaboration with a sneaker brand, tapping Onitsuka Tiger to operate on two silhouettes. A collaborative loafer design leans on the combination of Japanese and Italian craftsmanship. Meanwhile, the sleek TAI-CHI model stands out with a vintage treatment. Onitsuka’s Tiger Stripes are joined by VERSACE’s Medusa symbol, calling attention to their newly-formed alliance.

JAH JAH x adidas Megaride S2 (SS26)

​Adding to adidas’ breakout performance during Paris Fashion Week SS26 is JAH JAH’s execution of the Megaride S2. The Parisian brand again leverages Rastafarian and Pan-African influence, this time bringing it to the zip-up runner, one of several notable initiatives for the Megaride franchise as it gains prominence. A nod to the Ethiopian flag comes courtesy of the green, yellow, and red color arrangement of the upper, which serves as the backdrop for the curved black gridlines and Three Stripes, which operate as overlays.

POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF) x On Cloudboom Next (SS26)

​Rounding out the contributions from fashion week is the next chapter of the POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF) x On partnership. Both brands have seen rapid growth in recent years, including a rising profile within the fashion industry, in part thanks to their successful “Current Form” collections. The Cloudboom Next is their third silhouette and remixes the duo’s existing design language into something fresh. Backed by On’s CloudTec cushioning, a stacked sole unit supports an asymmetrical upper with curved paneling. In typical PAF x On form, the shoe has been rendered in monochromatic makeovers that lean on off-white and brown, respectively.

Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 4 “Sail/Cinnabar” (Summer 2026)

​Nigel Sylvester is on a historic run with the Air Jordan 4. He helped the Jumpman team introduce the Air Jordan 4 RM as the legendary silhouette’s first low-top by assembling two “Bike Air”-themed takes on the shoe. From there, his “Brick by Brick” version of the OG high-top took the sneaker world by storm, receiving many sneaker of the year nominations in 2025. This year, Sylvester is poised to continue his hot streak with the AJ4 by dropping a “Sail/Cinnabar” colorway. A limited preview of the pair was offered during the reveal of his apparel collection, which accompanied the “Brick by Brick” drop, suggesting an eventual retail release.

Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Banned” (Summer 2026)

​While the Air Jordan 1 High OG may be one of the springtime’s key models to track, its Low OG counterpart is set for a big summer. 2011’s iconic “Banned” colorway – a remake of the “Bred” color scheme with an “X” on the heel to commemorate the NBA's ban on Michael Jordan wearing his colorful kicks – is being prepared as a low-top for its 15th anniversary. Tumbled leather features the familiar color palette, while the typical heel tab and branding have been replaced by an enlarged one with a red “X” atop it.

Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low OG "Pink Pack" (Summer 2026)

​The year’s not complete without a Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low OG collaboration. And for 2026, we’re being treated to not one, but two colorways. A long-rumored “Pink Pack” is finally on the way, with La Flame popping out in both pairs recently. All of the iconic elements are back: Cactus Jack branding beneath the medial Swoosh, a co-branded sockliner, and, of course, a flipped lateral Swoosh. Heart graphics are included on both the tongue and sockliner. However, the pair is not expected to drop in time for Valentine’s Day. Instead, the two different off-white, pink, and white compositions are scheduled for a summertime launch.

Nike SB Air Force 1 Low (Summer 2026)

​The Nike SB team has one sneaker to thank for most of its success in recent years: the SB Dunk Low. As the Skateboarding division continues to expand its footwear offerings, it’s revisited the same recipe: reworking a beloved silhouette with skate specifications. 2023 featured the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 as a sneaker-of-the-year contender, while 2025 presented a skate-oriented Air Max 95 build. Up next, the brand is preparing its own version of the Air Force 1 Low. While we’re unaware of any alterations, plenty of colorways, including a rumored Yuto Horigome collaboration, are en route.

Pokémon x adidas Collection (September 2026)

​Pokémon is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. To celebrate, the world’s biggest media franchise is rumored to be rekindling its partnership with adidas. The two last teamed up in 2020 to create apparel and footwear together. This time around, the duo is doing more than adding pixel graphics to sneakers; they’ve got pairs like the leaked ZX 8000 “Mewtwo” recreating the look of the legendary creature with custom molding and thematic ornamentation. In addition to this first look, rumors indicate that the Samba, Superstar, and Adistar XLG 2.0 will also be involved in the campaign this September.

One Piece x Nike Air Max Plus (Fall 2026)

​Another beloved Japanese franchise that is expected to make a splash in the footwear scene is One Piece. The Monkey D. Luffy-led series is teaming up with the Swoosh, with three takes on the Air Max Plus rumored to be releasing later this year. Portgas D. Ace’s “Mera Mera” (Flame-Flame Fruit) and Trafalgar D. Water Law’s “Ope Ope” (Op-Op Fruit) serve as points of inspiration alongside Luffy’s “Gomu Gomu” (Gum-Gum Fruit). While we lack visuals, the collection is sure to be a hit, featuring jerseys, tees, and hats as well.

J Balvin x Air Jordan 4 (Fall 2026)

​J Balvin dropped an Air Jordan 1 collab in 2020. Then an Air Jordan 2 in 2022. Next came an Air Jordan 3 in 2024. And guess what? He’s got an Air Jordan 4 queued up for 2026. DJ Khaled appeared in a multi-colored pair made by the reggaeton superstar at the end of last year. A fusion of black, brown, yellow, mint, pink, blue, white, and silver is evident in our first look at the pair. Meanwhile, the left shoe’s Nike Air branding is replaced on the right, which instead highlights Balvin’s signature smiley logo flipped upside down.

New Signature Shoes

​From the continued return of Kobe Bryant’s signature shoes to phenoms like A’ja Wilson and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander entering the footwear scene, basketball shoes haven’t been this exciting in years. Caitlin Clark is set to drop her first design with Nike, which is poised to be an absolute hit. While another CC, Cade Cunningham, has his own Nike sneaker in the works, it isn’t scheduled to drop until next year. Of course, the continuation of existing signature lines is another key point. Will we get a Converse SHAI 002 this year? An adidas AE 3? The one shoe a year cadence has been altered by many new signature athletes, so only time will tell.

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