The Air Jordan 3 “Seoul 2.0” Celebrates South Korea in This Week’s Best Footwear Drops

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If you haven’t been following the NBA and NHL Playoffs lately, you’ve been missing some truly thrilling performances by teams trying to advance to their Conference Finals this week. Additionally, don’t forget to check out the latest sneaker releases this week, even though it comes from just New Balance, Nike, and Jordan Brand, it’s as impressive a lineup as any other week.

As per our regular routine, let’s go over some eye-catching sneaker news from the past week before we dive into what’s ahead. First up is a collaboration between Nike and South Korean store WORKSOUT on the Air Max 95. Also, we got a sneak peek at the upcoming design features of Riccardo Tisci’s Nike Shox TLs, with removable ankle cuffs being a key highlight. In the realm of speculation, discussions about a potential collaboration between Nardwuar and Nike SB Dunk Low, as well as Air Force 1 Low, by Central Cee have been circulating. In Jordan Brand news, we finally saw Chase B’s perspective on Travis Scott’s Jordan Jumpman, and the Air Jordan 1 Low OG with Swarovski crystals was officially revealed, priced at $1,000 USD.

In other parts of the industry, Ronnie Fieg unveiled his New Balance ABZORB 2010 collaboration, which will be released this week exclusively at Kith’s Manhattan flagship store upon reopening. Simultaneously, New Balance revealed its “Bāṅdhnū” collaboration with atmos officially. Brain Dead teamed up with adidas once more to showcase a wide range of future footwear designs, and JJJJound hinted at another ASICS collaboration. Pokémon joined forces with Crocs to launch the “Charizard vs. Blastoise” edition of the Classic Clog. To wrap it up, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has been sporting a new Converse SHAI 001 for each playoff series, unveiled a fresh “Charm Black” colorway in honor of his mother.

Let’s move on from last week’s significant sneaker news and focus on what’s coming up in the next week. Kicking things off is another drop from New Balance’s “Grey Days” event. After you’ve read our preview, remember to check out HBX for styles that are available right now.

I tried to maintain the original meaning and tone while making it easier to understand and more conversational.

New Balance 1906L “Grey Days”

Launch Date: May 14
Launch Price: $160 USD
Where to Purchase: New Balance
Why You Might Want to Acquire: The “Grey Days” festivity by New Balance carries on with the debatable sneaker loafer, the 1906L. This slip-on shoe has been swiftly selling out since its launch late last year and now arrives in a grey version that we first previewed close to a year ago. The muted color scheme is accentuated by a predominantly white midsole and black rubber sole.

Nike A’One “OG Pearl” & “Indigo Girl”

Launch Date: May 15
Launch Price: $110 USD
Where to Purchase: Nike
Why You Might Want to Buy: The WNBA season is starting soon, and A’ja Wilson and Nike Basketball are marking the occasion by releasing two new colorways of her first signature shoe, the Nike A’One. This performance shoe was released last week and sold out quickly in its initial “Pink A’ura” version. Here we have the “OG Pearl” variant, which features a white and gray base with an “Indigo Girl” accent that gives a different take on the pink version by presenting it in various shades of blue.

Nike KD 18 “Air Bakin”

Launch Date: 15th of May
Launch Price: $150 USD
Where to Purchase: Nike Store
Reason to Buy: As Kevin Durant prepares for another shot at the NBA Championship, his latest collaboration with Nike Basketball is making waves. The Nike KD 18, which was subtly released during the regular season, is now available in its Air Bakin-inspired colorway that Durant wore in March. This red, gold, and black design takes inspiration from the past with its vintage hues, and features an “EA$Y” message on the tongue’s interior.

Travis Scott x Nike Zoom Field Jaxx “Leche Blue”

Launch Date: May 16
Launch Price: $170 USD
Where to Purchase: SNKRS
Why You Should Buy: The much-anticipated Travis Scott’s Nike Zoom Field Jaxx in the “Leche Blue” version is making its way into stores this week. This is one of two signature shoes launched by La Flame last year, which blends the popular ’90s designs – Land Shark and Zoom Spiridon. The sneaker boasts a unique upper with shades of chocolate brown, beige, and a distinctive blue tone. It also showcases Cactus Jack branding all over.

AURALEE x New Balance 475

Launch Date: 16th May
Launch Price: Approximately $182 USD (equivalent to ¥26,400 JPY)
Where to Purchase: AURALEE and New Balance stores
Why You Might Want To Buy: This week, AURALEE and New Balance are releasing two unique versions of the 475 sneaker. The designs aim to replicate the appearance of a vintage shoe that has been affected by sunlight, available in colors “Vintage Yellow” and “Vintage Grey.” Both models showcase faded tones, taking advantage of the sneaker’s combination of premium nubuck and mesh materials.

Kool-Aid x Nike Ja 2 “Mixed Berry”

Launch Date: May 16
Purchase Price: $130 USD
Where to Find: SNKRS
Why You Might Want to Buy: Ja Morant and Nike Basketball have teamed up with Kool-Aid for a vibrant collaboration. This unique combination has resulted in the redesign of the Ja 2, featuring elements inspired by Morant’s favorite flavors. The left shoe sports a teal upper that deepens towards the heel, while the right shoe boasts a lively mix of pink and orange hues. The Kool-Aid Man is prominently displayed on both shoes’ tongues, and they are supported by a glow-in-the-dark outsole.

Air Jordan 3 “Seoul 2.0”

Launch Date: 17th May
Launch Price: $200 USD
Where to Purchase: SNKRS
Why You Should Buy: In 2018, Jordan Brand honored the 30-year anniversary of Seoul hosting the Summer Olympics with the Air Jordan 3 “Seoul”. This sought-after pair was revisited in 2020 and has now been upgraded to this new “Seoul 2.0” colorway. The shoe predominantly features white, while black, red, and blue accents mirror the colors of the South Korean flag. A nod to the flag can be found on the left shoe’s tongue, and Hangeul is visible on the interior side of each tongue.

Hyperice x Nike Hyperboot

Launch Date: May 17th
Retail Price: $899 USD
Where to Purchase: Nike
Why You Should Consider Buying: Nike, in its pursuit of equipping athletes for peak performance, has collaborated with Hyperice on a new recovery tool – the Hyperboot. First teased last year, this innovative product is now ready to hit the market this week. The Hyperboot offers heat and compression massages designed to relax muscles and tissues in the foot and ankle area. It features three adjustable massage levels that can be independently controlled through the heel buttons on each boot.

Air Jordan 12 “Melo”

Launch Date: May 17
Purchase Price: $200 USD
Where to Acquire: SNKRS
Why You Should Buy: This year marks the 21st anniversary since Jordan Brand paid tribute to Carmelo Anthony with his own Air Jordan 12 colorway, originally released in 2004. Dubbed the “Melo” pair, this reissued version stays true to the original design. The upper is crafted from white leather and features accents of “University Blue” and “Metallic Silver” on the eyelets, while the outsole also sports the same blue hue.

Bronze56k x New Balance Numeric 480

Launch Date: May 19th
Retail Price: $120 USD
Where to Purchase: New Balance Skate Division (New Balance Numeric)
Why You Should Consider Buying: The New Balance Numeric skate division of the American sportswear brand has been reimagining the 480 sneaker for almost two years now, and their latest project is a collaboration with Bronze56k. This new version features a sleek color scheme with black as the primary color and a subtle shimmering purple underlay that adds an eye-catching touch to the shoe.

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2025-05-13 20:56