Good morning, associates! Welcome again to The Kicks You Wear. Thanks a lot for studying at this time. I admire you giving me a little bit of your time.
Bought my first pair of footwear for 2026, people. It was the Kith x Asics Gel-Kayano 12.1. I used to be making an attempt to carry out for at the very least till February earlier than making my first buy, however are you able to blame me? That Quartz colourway is ridiculous. I’m sorry.
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Now, let’s dive in.
Nike’s Hottest Shoe Isn’t a Sneaker
Looks like we might have ignored one thing within the sneaker of the 12 months dialog — though, this technically isn’t a sneaker.
Nike remained the best-selling model on StockX for the third 12 months in a row, in line with the firm’s newest Big Facts report for 2026. But its maintain on the platform was fueled by a mannequin I’d by no means have anticipated.
What’s new: The Nike ReactX Rejuven8 gained on StockX. The restoration clog — launched by Nike in January 2025 — was one of many largest movers on the platform.
- Nike’s non-sneaker footwear gross sales grew by 5,811 p.c on the platform, in line with the report.
- That’s essentially the most progress out of any model on the platform with at the very least 250 trades.
- In second place was Bravest Studios at 197 p.c, pushed by the hype of its Bearclaw mule.
Zoom out: When most individuals consider the most important movers relating to Nike merchandise on the secondary market, they’re normally pondering of a hyped pair of Jordans, or an unique pair of Air Maxes, or another limited-edition sneaker that has captured the general public’s consideration.
It’s actually not normally a clog. But that’s what we’ve got right here.
Why that issues: As Nike has walked down its street to restoration, the model has wanted to search out wins on the margins. Hyped footwear will at all times get the general public buzzing, however the larger query for the corporate was whether or not it nonetheless had the flexibility to create a foundational piece that could possibly be ubiquitous whereas additionally nonetheless being fascinating and funky. It’s been years because the model achieved that. For the primary time in a very long time, it looks like that product might have lastly arrived.
A caveat: As at all times, we should keep in mind that the secondary market will not be the end-all, be-all to conversations round whether or not sure merchandise are working.
- This knowledge from StockX is a small snapshot of what popped off on its market.
- This doesn’t imply that Nike’s gross sales knowledge will replicate a related development.
The huge image: But secondary market knowledge does sign normal curiosity from the general public on sure silhouettes — notably from lovers. Those are the oldsters who normally set traits. Even if this increase doesn’t essentially equal direct outcomes for Nike, it does present a potential space of power for the corporate to construct on because it makes its comeback. Sneakers aren’t the one technique to win.
Last week: We noticed that play out with the discharge of the Nike Mind 001 and 002 final week.
- Those two merchandise — a clog and a shoe that use expertise to deal with the sensory space of your mind — bought out nearly instantly upon launch.
Time will inform us whether or not they’re finally as well-liked because the ReactX Rejuven8 has change into. But, on the very least, that’s a particularly encouraging sign up a class that Nike hasn’t been as sturdy in prior to now.
Skims’ Signature Nike Shoe Is Coming
There was by no means a doubt that there’d finally be a sneaker launch coming from Nike’s new partnership with Skims. The query was at all times about what mannequin it will be.
- Most thought it’d be some type of Air Max sneaker, contemplating Kardashian’s love for a number of the silhouettes.
- Kardashian shut that speculation down in October at ComplexConsaying definitively that it wouldn’t be an Air Max sneaker.
What she mentioned: While Kardashian didn’t utterly tip her hand, she did give folks a little bit of a trace for what was coming. “We are getting a sneaker, and it is unique. It’s not just like a different colourway of something,” she mentioned.
Now, we all know. NikeSkims is launching a trio of recent Air Rift fashions within the Skims model’s signature earthy tones.
Details: For these of you who don’t know, the Air Rift is Nike’s sneaker-fied model of a Mary Jane. It comes with a buckle strap on the higher and usually has a thicker outsole. However, the Skims model of the shoe is barely totally different, aiming for a flatter look.
- The shoe’s sole within the images seems thinner than on a regular Air Rift, giving it a extra barefoot really feel.
The huge image: With a partnership as high-profile as NikeSkims, we’d count on the model to drop a extra mainstream silhouette than the Air Rift. You’d assume there’d be a Jordan collaboration ready within the wings or possibly, like most thought, one thing within the Air Max household.
But I believe that is a very good selection. Sneakers are increasing. Consumers are choosing totally different types in footwear, and seeing a hyped Jordan mannequin or a typical Nike way of life mannequin would’ve been disappointing—particularly given how a lot of a precedence performance appears to be for this collaboration. The Air Rift lends itself to that.
Plus, Mary Janes are in proper now. They had a second in sneakers final 12 months, and I believe there could be a fair larger one ready in 2026. Good on Nike for figuring out that development and getting on prime of it right here.
Under Armour Splits With Bryce Harper
It’s arduous to inform nowadays what’s taking place in Baltimore at Under Armour’s headquarters.
What’s new: After splitting with NBA All-Star Stephen Curry and the Curry Brand in Nov. 2025, the model has additionally parted methods with MLB famous person Bryce Harper.
Unlike when the model parted methods with Curry, there was no ceremonious announcement explaining how splitting up was the very best factor for each side and the way the model wished Harper nothing however the very best. Instead, the general public realized solely as a result of Harper himself mentioned so in his TikTok feedback after followers noticed him carrying Nike cleats.
The state of play: Curry and Harper have been arguably the 2 hottest Under Armour athletes on the model’s endorsement roster.
- Curry is a four-time NBA champion, a two-time league MVP and is among the hottest athletes on the earth.
- Harper is a two-time MVP, himself, and is among the finest baseball gamers of his technology. He’s been one of many faces of the MLB since being drafted in 2010.
Why this issues: Under Armour is dropping its largest names whereas its opponents within the sports activities world preserve choosing up new expertise. Nike is dominating girls’s sports activities because it rises with names like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, A’ja Wilson and extra. New Balance is fastidiously crafting a youthful powerhouse round Coco Gauff, Cooper Flagg, Tyrese Maxey and others. Adidas has the playful attraction of Anthony Edwards to lean on. Even Puma has enjoyable names like Tyrese Haliburton and LaMelo Ball.
Who can step as much as be the face of Under Armour? What names will folks recognise from the model because it strikes ahead with out the mainstays it simply let go? There’s no good reply to that query in 2026. That’s not a good spot to be in.
Adidas Wins the National Championship
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The 2026 College Football Playoff nationwide championship recreation gained’t be performed till subsequent Monday on Jan. 19, however the winner has already been topped.
It’s Adidas.
Excuse me? You learn that proper. Adidas gained faculty soccer over the weekend when Miami and Indiana superior to the nationwide championship recreation. For the primary time in faculty soccer historical past, each faculties enjoying within the huge recreation can be sponsored by Adidas.
Why this issues: It’s not essentially the most important deal on the earth from a trend standpoint — faculty soccer tunnel walks aren’t actually a factor fairly but (however possibly they are going to be quickly!)
But from a model visibility standpoint, you couldn’t ask for a higher second in case you’re Adidas. Especially at a time when issues are slowing down a bit for the model. This isn’t a win anybody might essentially chalk up when eager about the most important moments for 2026, but it surely’s actually one the model is taking in stride. This not-so-thinly veiled shot at Nike says all you’ll want to know.
What’s Droppin’, Bruh?
This is a devoted part detailing upcoming sneaker releases for the week, and typically different fascinating drops I believe you may care about.
Thanks for studying, gang!
If you’ve gotten any questions, feedback or considerations, attain out to me by way of e-mail at michael.sykes@businessoffashion.com or shoot me a message @MikeDSykes by way of socials.
Peace and love. Be secure, be straightforward, be type. We out.
-Sykes 💯