Carhartt WIP’s New Balance 990v6 Stomps Into This Week’s Best Footwear Drops

With October rapidly approaching its end, 2023 is wrapping up and many shoppers are starting to pivot to gift shopping season. In the meantime, there are plenty of sneaker releases you can treat yourself to as Nike, New Balance, Crocs, Reebok and PUMA have all contributed to another exciting lineup of drops in the coming seven days. However, before we break everything down to look out for, let's recap what arrived on the news end of things in the past week.

In terms of features, the Sole Mates series continued with a translation of Hypebeast Korea's interview featuring artist Zion.T and the Maison Margiela Tabi Ankle Boot. From there, Hypebeast assembled a list of the ten best Birkenstock collaborations of all time in celebration of the brand's IPO. Another entry in the best footwear trends at fashion week series also was published, honing in on the creative choices found at Shanghai Fashion Week.

As for shoe reveals that went down, Nike had several much-anticipated sneakers leak with first looks at both the Futura x Nike SB Dunk Low and Supreme x Nike SB Air Darwin Low arriving. The Swoosh also took the time to reveal Drake's Nike NOCTA Glide in "White Chrome" as the new silhouette continues to make noise. Looking to the brand's Jumpman subsidiary, three key early looks were served up -- spotlighting the Air Jordan 38 "Year of the Dragon," Air Jordan 3 Craft "Ivory" and Air Jordan 3 "Midnight Navy."

Elsewhere in the industry, Reebok made a power play in introducing legendary basketball players Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson as the president and vice president of Reebok Basketball respectively. In less exciting news, Birkenstock saw its IPO met with an immediate plummet of share prices, losing 11.5% in value on its first day. Rounding out the week, news of three collaborations came up: UNDEFEATED x Vault By Vans on the Old Skool, a full reveal of the JJJJound x New Balance 2002R and word of a new Stüssy x Birkenstock project.

Now that you're up to speed on the latest happenings in the footwear space, let's dive into the week's top ten releases that have been announced. After reviewing, be sure to check out HBX to shop styles that are available now.

Cactus Plant Flea Market x Nike Air Flea 2

Release Date: October 18
Release Price: $220 USD
Where to Buy: Cactus Plant Flea Market
Why You Should Cop: Cynthia Lu’s Cactus Plant Flea Market (CPFM) label has emerged as one of Nike’s most unique collaborators. Last year, the two assembled the hair-covered Air Flea 1 and for 2023, the Air Flea 2 will similarly turn heads, though for different reasons. The Velctro strap-equipped sneaker comes prepared in two colorways with a fastening system that allows for its charms and Swooshes to be arranged however the owner pleases. Whimsical notes are spread throughout, including two pull tabs at the heel while the sole unit features a classic waffle tread that reaches to the toe box and heel of the upper.

Demon Slayer x Crocs

Release Date: October 18
Release Price: $65 USD to $80 USD
Where to Buy: Crocs
Why You Should Cop: With a fourth season on the way, Demon Slayer has quickly established itself as an international favorite from the world of anime. The popular franchise is the latest to join Crocs -- outfitting the Classic and Echo Clogs with main character-themed looks. Tanjiro, Nezuko, Inosuke and Zenitsu each have their own design on the way as a follow-up to the collection’s early access via New York Comic Con.

Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Satin Bred”

Release Date: October 18
Release Price: $180 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: The “Satin Bred” treatment is finally returning to the Air Jordan 1 High as it last touched down with a mere 501 pairs produced in 2016. As the name indicates, satin covers the upper with the shoe’s signature black and red color blocking found across the shoe. It may not be a proper leather “Bred” pair, but this is a suitable substitute for anyone looking to shine.

Stone Island x New Balance MADE in UK 991v2

Release Date: October 18
Release Price: $270 USD
Where to Buy: New Balance
Why You Should Cop: Stone Island has presented several New Balance collaborations since announcing a long-term partnership with the brand back in 2021. This time around, they’ve opted for a tamer approach to design with a black colorway joined by notes of “Olive Night” and “Steel Gray.” The utilitarian arrangement balances a loose-gauge mesh base with nubuck and leather overlays to create a pair for anyone to rock.

Spyder x Reebok

Release Date: October 19
Release Price: $120 USD to $170 USD
Where to Buy: Reebok
Why You Should Cop: The snowsports specialists over at Spyder have connected with Reebok for a three-shoe range of sneakers that blends the two worlds of the brands with engaging color arrangements and prominent co-branding. Taking on the Classic Leather Trail, Zig Kinetica 2.5 Edge and Nano X3 Adventure Winter, the two have ensured that each pair can handle the elements while not compromising on the design language of Reebok with these familiar-yet-fresh finishes.

Supreme x Nike Courtposite

Release Date: October 19
Release Price: $150 USD
Where to Buy: Supreme
Why You Should Cop: Streetwear heavyweight Supreme has established an empire within the space that has earned it a spot as one of Nike’s most prominent collaborators. With this, the Swoosh has offered its archive to the New York brand as Supreme continues to unearth retro silhouettes each year. This time around, the Courtposite is making its return with three colorways that feature the signature molded uppers and Supreme’s world-famous branding.

Carhartt WIP x New Balance MADE in USA 990v6

Release Date: October 20
Release Price: $220 USD
Where to Buy: New Balance
Why You Should Cop: Headlining the week, Carhartt WIP’s take on the New Balance MADE in USA 990v6 sees a fusion of the workwear brand’s signature colors and the latest in the sportswear label’s lifestyle offerings as a fitting overhaul in mesh, leather and suede covers the shoe. While outward co-branding is limited to the tongue tag, many onlookers will be able to connect the dots on sight.

PUMA MB.03 “Toxic”

Release Date: October 20
Release Price: $140 USD
Where to Buy: PUMA
Why You Should Cop: The beginning of the NBA season is nearly upon us and with that comes a fresh slate of signature shoes. For LaMelo Ball and PUMA Hoops, the two have been rolling out their third entry in their collaborative series with the release of the MB.03. This week, it takes on a “Toxic” colorway that combines vibrant hues of purple, pink and green while utilizing the unique silhouette and highlighting the upper’s slash-like gaps, the midsole’s special shaping and the heel’s additional padding.

A Ma Maniére x Jordan Air Ship “White/Black”

Release Date: October 21
Release Price: $140 USD
Where to Buy: A Ma Maniére
Why You Should Cop: A Ma Maniére is known as one of Jordan Brand’s most consistent collaborators. With two much-anticipated looks on the Air Jordan 5 coming soon, the label is briefly looking back to its Jordan Air Ship collab from August for a special restock event. Utilizing the “one before the one,” the pair has been outfitted with a classic leather presentation in black and white. Elsewhere, the aged sole unit features a yellowed finish that matches the tongue.

Crocs Classic Cowboy Boot

Release Date: October 23
Release Price: $120 USD
Where to Buy: Crocs
Why You Should Cop: In celebration of Croc Day, the playful footwear brand Crocs is introducing a new silhouette -- the Classic Cowboy Boot. Building upon the Classic Clog, the familiar structure has been elevated with a traditional cowboy boot upper that sees Crocs branding spread just below the collar. The all-black boot’s detailing appears via a contrasting white with a Crocskin texture spread from the midsole to the ankle. Rounding out the creative look, a spinning spur appears at the rear while thematic Jibbitz options are included as well.

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