THE JOURNAL
Illustrations by Mr Ben Lamb
You probably couldn’t avoid Messrs Ben Affleck and Matt Damon in Dunkin’ Donuts-branded Nikes during this year’s onslaught of Super Bowl commercials. For one, the sneakers in question – custom “DunKings”, for the purposes of this venture – came in lurid shades of pink and brown. For another, some 120 million people tuned in. Both actors, of course, have previous history with Nike – playing Messrs Phil Knight and Sonny Vaccaro, respectively, in last year’s movie, Air. (And, in Affleck’s case, there is also brand alignment with Dunkin’ Donuts.) Less publicised, but still not to be missed, are this month’s new releases, unpacked here for your enlightenment. Whether you choose to actually unbox them is entirely up to you.
01.
991 v2 Made in UK “Silver Blue” by New Balance
Blue, blue, electric blue was the colour of Mr David Bowie’s room – and possibly the inspiration behind this new colourway from New Balance’s Made in the UK line. Officially Silver Blue, either way it’s definitely an eye-catching shade, and a snazzy spruce up of the classic 991 silhouette. It is certainly a bolder tone than the grey version of the v1, which appeared back in January. What this model also offers, beyond the vivid mesh and suede uppers, is FuelCell cushioning. Slap on New Balance’s iconic branding and you have yourself a striking – if very clean – shoe.
02.
Air Pegasus 2K5 “Black and Fire Red” by Nike
For more than 40 years, the Pegasus has been the workhorse (“with wings”) of Nike’s running lineup, reliably taking its wearers from A to B many times over. But the timeline of the shoe itself is far from linear, with various versions of previous models increasingly popping up from alternative streams of the equine-verse. The latest is a reworking of the 2005 edition. The 20-year rule of fashion cycles clearly applies, with this Pegasus 2K5 joining the likes of the Zoom Vomero 5 in the brand’s run of 2000s runners that have enjoyed a favourable reappraisal in recent times. Not that you could ever overlook this shoe in these shades.
03.
Dunk Low SP “Plum” by Nike
It would be tempting to call this a purple patch for the Nike Dunk. But then, ever since the line seized its second chance as a skate shoe, hasn’t this always been the case? For its part, this reissue is at least purple. It’s also one of the three original contrast colourways that made up the Ugly Duckling pack, the 2001 Japan-only run often cited as the catalyst behind the rise of the Dunk to streetwear king. Does that mean that this drop will prove hard to get hold of? All we’ll say is set yourself a reminder now.
04.
Air Max DN by Nike
Landing on Air Max Day, Nike’s new release is a sequel of sorts to the Air Max TN, latterly the Air Max Plus, meaning it has some big shoes to fill. Big, big shoes. Thankfully, the Air Max DN is a suitably bombastic heir. Featuring Nike’s latest innovation in footbed cushioning, Dynamic Air, it promises extreme comfort to marry the striking looks. The pod structures are designed to respond to use for “seamless movement”. Extra spring for your step? Certainly.
05.
990 v4 Made in USA “Arctic Grey” by New Balance
When the 990 v4 first arrived in 2016, it fully sealed New Balance’s position as the go-to “dad shoe”. A subtle flex of progression, it built on the previous model’s ENCAP sole unit with slight refinements and tweaks. Under the aegis of Mr Teddy Santis’ Made in USA line, the model has properly flourished in a string of fresh colourways. A standout for SS24 is this Arctic Grey edition, which comes with black soles, two-tone laces and plenty of outdoorsy energy.