Cure Your January Blues With the Best Footwear Drops This Week

January. Without a doubt, one of the toughest months of the year. It’s cold outside, you’re back at work, and there’s not much left to look forward to. While the January blues may well be a real thing, thankfully, there’s some strong sneaker releases lined up this week, so maybe it’s time for a spot of good-old retail therapy? Jordan Brand seems to be dominating the calendar this week, with strong entries all around, but let’s not forget that there’s also some impressive efforts from both Converse and New Balance.

Whether you’re a seasoned sneakerhead looking to add to your expansive collection, or simply a casual footwear-enjoyer looking for some fresh kicks, here’s the best pairs set to launch this week. Stay locked in right here at The Sole Supplier for all the latest sneaker news and updates, as well as every release date you’ll ever need!

First up this week is Rick Owens’ latest collaborative effort with Converse. The duo have teamed up several times in the past, launching various takes on well-known silhouettes under the DRKSHDW name (a Rick Owens sub-label that originated as a denim line in 2005). For this latest capsule, the two brands present us with a zebra-patterned take on the Chuck 70, with key details including a sherpa exterior and an extended tongue. If you’re a fan of Rick’s signature eye-catching style, then you'll no doubt want to add these head-turning kicks to your collection.

With the Air Jordan 1 remaining a popular choice for both sneakerheads and general consumers in 2023, Nike and Jordan Brand have been pumping out some absolutely incredible colourways of late, with the AJ1 Mid “Gym Red Panda” acting as the latest rendition set to hit shelves. Reminiscent of the high-top “Gym Red” colourway we saw back in 2019, the pair offers up a Panda-esque mid section, with hits of red accentuating the collars, adding the final touch to this beautifully-arranged colourway. Could these be the next AJ1s in your rotation?

Now headed up by Teddy Santis of Aimé Leon Dore fame, New Balance’s MADE in USA line continues to go from strength to strength as we move into the new year. This week the label is set to launch a fresh version of the classic 990v1, decked out in a grey and blue colourway that’s about as versatile as it gets. Crafted from premium fabrics throughout, the pair showcase details such as New Balance’s classic N logo, retro branding on the tongues and insoles and a heavily-cushioned midsole unit for comfort. If you’re yet to cop a pair of 990s, then can you even call yourself a sneakerhead in 2023?

Designed by Tinker Hatfield and first launched back in 1990, the Air Jordan 5 was inspired by the aggressive details seen on fighter jets, and continues to act as a popular sneaker even today. It’s set to be a big year for the AJ5, and the latest rendition we’re expecting to see is titled the “Dunk on Mars”. Decked out in a clay-red colourway, the kicks showcase performance-enhancing features throughout, with 3M reflective accents helping the pair stand out from the crowd. Releasing exclusively in women’s sizing, could this be the best pair set to launch this week?

Last but by no means least, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “True Blue” brings our selection of pairs to a close this week. Modelled on the original AJ3 colourway that hit shelves in 1988, this AJ1 rendition offers up traditional colour-blocking, premium leathers and instantly-recognisable branding. “True Blue” and “Cement Grey” adorn the uppers, with key details including a wings logo, Swooshes on either side, and a full-length Nike Air midsole unit. A future classic? Without a doubt!