by Loaded Editors

sneakers of the week

Sneakers of the Week
sneakers of the week

- by mark haddon

Air Force 1 Low Protro Soft Yellow £249.99

Nike pays tribute to Kobe Bryant’s relentless work ethic with the latest Air Force 1 Low “Protro” edition—a thoughtful blend of performance, storytelling, and subtle nostalgia.

This limited release honours an iconic image of Kobe: training in a yellow practice jersey layered over flannel pyjamas, cast on hand, and still putting in the work. That exact visual is reimagined on the sneaker's sockliners and brought to life through premium Soft Yellow leather, Dusty Amethyst detailing, and knit laces echoing his now-legendary sleepwear.

Tech upgrades give this tribute true performance edge. The classic AF-1 sole has been retooled with ReactX foam and Nike Air cushioning, offering a noticeably softer, more responsive ride. A unique twist replaces the traditional star-patterned outsole with a ringed Sheath logo pattern, etched with Kobe’s five championship years—2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2010.

Clean, considered, and quietly bold, this is more than just a tribute—it’s a wearable statement of legacy and dedication. A must-have for fans of Kobe, and a standout Protro entry in the AF-1 lineage.

Air Flightposite Dusty Cactus and Persian Violet £219.99

Nike taps into deep Y2K nostalgia with the return of the Air Flightposite in a bold, space-age colourway. A spiritual successor to the Foamposite One, this latest Flightposite reintroduces its iconic liquid-moulded upper—this time in a striking mix of green, violet, black, and shimmering Metallic Silver accents.

Originally laced up by high-flying rim wreckers of the early 2000s, the Flightposite was always known for its futuristic aesthetic. That legacy continues here with a silhouette that looks straight from the cosmos, yet feels firmly grounded in performance.

A stretchy inner sleeve paired with the signature zip-up shroud delivers a snug, contained fit, locking in comfort without compromising on the shoe’s sleek, alien-like form. It’s a design that still feels ahead of its time—even 25 years later.

Whether you’re into basketball heritage or just want to flex something different, the Flightposite makes a loud return—retro roots, futuristic flavour.

New Balance 1906R £140.00

New Balance continues to deliver strong with the JD-exclusive 1906 Utility in a standout Black and Bronze colourway. Built for daily wear with a rugged edge, this updated take on the 1906 silhouette balances lifestyle appeal with performance tech.

The upper features breathable mesh layered with durable synthetic panels, giving the sneaker a street-ready, utility-inspired look. Bronze accents add a premium touch without overpowering the stealthy black base.

Comfort is where the 1906 Utility really shines. A plush ACTEVA LITE midsole pairs with signature ABZORB pods, providing lightweight cushioning and impact absorption, while the N-ergy rubber outsole grips confidently across urban terrain.

Locked in with a secure lace-up fit and padded collar, this pair offers both all-day comfort and hardwearing style. Whether you’re on the move or levelling up your sneaker rotation, the 1906 Utility hits the mark. JD exclusive and built to last.

ON X FKA TWIGS CLOUD X £170

FKA Twigs brings her signature avant-garde flair to the world of performance footwear with the new On Cloud X sneaker — a striking fusion of function and fashion that cements her influence as On’s creative partner.

Visually, the sneaker is a masterclass in texture and layering. The upper blends suede, mesh, and canvas for a tactile, multidimensional finish that feels both futuristic and organic. Subtle yet distinctive branding includes a Swiss flag tab, tonal On logo, and custom FKA Twigs text at each heel — a personal stamp that adds weight to the collab.

Beneath the bold styling lies On’s performance-engineered core: Helion™ superfoam and CloudTec® cushioning deliver responsive energy return and lightweight comfort, whether you're clocking miles or making a statement on the street.

This isn’t just a fashion crossover — it’s a true performance shoe with edge, individuality, and cultural clout. A standout collab that proves FKA Twigs is more than a face of the brand — she’s shaping its future.

NIKE X PATTA AIR MAX 90 SP SNEAKER £245

Patta and Nike reunite to reimagine a classic with the release of the Nike x Patta Air Max 90 SP. Known for its strong roots in European streetwear, the collaboration brings Patta’s signature mudguard motif to the legendary Air Max 90 silhouette, blending archival influence with modern design cues.

The sneaker features a layered construction, combining soft grey mesh with glossy silver detailing and bold sculpted side panels inspired by the fluid motion of water. A sail-toned midsole provides a vintage aesthetic, offering subtle contrast to the otherwise futuristic look.

Patta branding is kept minimal and discreet, allowing the design to speak through material innovation and form. The result is a street-ready update to a cultural staple — merging Nike's performance legacy with Patta's design DNA.

adidas Originals Archive ZX 600 - size? exclusive £110.00

A faithful nod to the ZX lineage, the adidas Originals Archive ZX 600 'Yellow' arrives as a size? exclusive, celebrating the vibrant heritage of the iconic runner series. Inspired by an original colourway, the shoe features a classic mesh upper with premium suede overlays, staying true to the construction of the 1980s-era ZX models.

TPU heel stabilisers deliver retro stability and structure, while Trefoil branding on the tongue and heel add unmistakable adidas heritage touches. Dressed in a bold yellow palette, the silhouette strikes a balance between nostalgic design and everyday wearability — a standout for collectors and fans of archive footwear.

Available now exclusively through size?.

HOKA Clifton 9 GORE-TEX (Was £150.00) / Now £120.00

Designed to handle all-weather conditions, the HOKA Clifton 9 GORE-TEX blends lightweight performance with waterproof protection. Built with a breathable textile and synthetic upper in a sleek black colourway, the shoe incorporates GORE-TEX Invisible Fit technology to ensure a fully waterproof yet flexible feel. The lining also uses partially recycled polyester, adding a sustainable touch.

Comfort is prioritised with a padded collar and secure lace-up closure, while the oversized foam midsole delivers the signature Clifton cushioning for a smooth and responsive ride. Underfoot, a durable rubber outsole provides reliable traction across varied terrain.

Finished with HOKA’s distinctive branding, the Clifton 9 GORE-TEX is ideal for runners and everyday wearers seeking protection, comfort, and performance in wet conditions.

ASICS GEL-KINETIC FLUENT (Was £180.00) / Now £120.00 

Blending progressive design with performance tech, the ASICS GEL-KINETIC FLUENT arrives in a clean White and Silver colourway, constructed from breathable mesh with durable synthetic overlays for added structure. A secure lace fastening and padded collar ensure comfort and stability, while the integrated TRUSSTIC system supports midfoot integrity.

Underfoot, the sneaker features ASICS’ signature GEL technology combined with FF BLAST ECO cushioning, offering a responsive, eco-conscious ride. A grippy rubber outsole delivers traction across a variety of surfaces, rounding out the shoe's performance profile.

Finished with classic ASICS branding throughout, the GEL-KINETIC FLUENT balances functionality with a futuristic aesthetic—ideal for both everyday wear and active use.

NEW BALANCE 2010 Pecan £150.00

The New Balance 2010 continues to carve out its space in the brand’s lifestyle lineup, blending archival inspiration with a modern aesthetic. The latest ‘Pecan’ colourway features a premium suede upper in muted brown tones, offering a refined, understated look.

Known for its versatility and comfort, the 2010 pairs retro performance cues with contemporary street style, making it a go-to option for casual rotations. The design is rounded off with subtle branding, cushioned midsoles for everyday wearability, and a durable rubber outsole for all-day traction.

The ‘Pecan’ edition solidifies the 2010's rising status as a cultural staple with timeless appeal.

ADIZERO EVO SL £130

Blending performance tech with lifestyle versatility, the adidas Adizero Evo SL channels the brand’s race-day innovation into a speed-inspired silhouette designed for everyday wear. Drawing influence from the record-breaking Pro Evo 1, this model carries the DNA of elite-level running into a more accessible, fashion-forward format.

The upper showcases a sleek, aerodynamic design with bold lines and a streamlined profile. Underfoot, the inclusion of LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam in the midsole delivers lightweight cushioning and responsive energy return, enhancing comfort whether you're on the move or off the clock.

Perfect for those who appreciate both form and function, the Adizero Evo SL captures the essence of modern speed culture.

Crep Protect Rope Laces £12.00

Crep Protect’s Rope Laces offer a stylish and durable upgrade for your sneakers. Finished in a clean White colourway, these laces are made from tough, long-lasting polyester and feature a rope-inspired design that adds subtle texture and a modern edge to any footwear rotation. Built with water-resistant properties, they help protect against the elements, and are machine washable for easy maintenance. A functional and fashionable accessory for those looking to refresh their laces with performance and style in mind.