Sneakers
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November’s best sneaker drops: Your guide to this month’s must-have releases

Puma and Nike go back to college, Adidas continues its streak of strong collabs, plus new everyday options

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    Our monthly buying guide highlights the top releases from leading athletic footwear brands. Whether you’re an avid sneakerhead or just looking for the perfect pair to complement your style, navigating the vast world of sneakers can feel overwhelming. From knowing where to buy to staying on top of the latest trends, consider this your road map to finding the perfect pair.

    October brought debut signature shoes from major stars plus favorites from the vault. In November, Jordan and Reebok celebrate 1996 and its cultural importance, while Nike and Puma embrace two aspects of college life. Saucony, Adidas and New Balance get us ready for the holidays by connecting with old and new collaborators.

    Anta Kai 3 “White Phantom”

    Anta Kai 3 White Phantom sneakers
    The Anta Kai 3 “White Phantom” features an all-white upper with iridescent detailing throughout the mesh and overlays.

    Anta

    I know most of the country is bracing for fall and winter and the weather that comes with it. However, that’s not stopping Anta and NBA star Kyrie Irving from dropping a crispy all-white version of his latest signature shoe. If you’re in a climate that gets snow and constant rain, I suggest buying these anyway and keeping them on ice until spring. If you live in a nicer climate, double up. Finding a versatile white shoe for both basketball and casual wear is difficult.

    Release date: Nov. 1

    Retail: $150

    SKU:812641126-1

    The Whitaker Group x New Balance 2010

    The Whitaker Group continues its run of unique collaborations this year. Partnering with New Balance, the retailer delivers two takes on the 2010 model that evoke ‘80s and ‘90s nostalgia. With exposed stitching and tattered uppers, the design looks like something Grandma lovingly patched together. Both pairs are worth doubling up on, as they fit any season perfectly.

    Release date: Nov. 5

    Retail: $155

    SKU: U20106KH, U20104WP

    Nike Foamposite Pro “College Football Collection”

    Nike's Foamposite "College Pack"
    Nike’s Foamposite “College Football Collection” features a Florida State-inspired colorway in Seminoles garnet with a white Swoosh and a translucent outsole.

    Nike

    College football fans who have spotted certain Nike schools wearing Foamposite cleats can now buy a non-cleated version for everyday wear. The sneakers feature intricate details honoring each school’s heritage, making them a must-have for fans of those programs.

    Release date: Nov. 5

    Retail: $250

    SKU: IX2095-600 (FSU)

    New Balance 990v7

    New Balance 990v7 sneakers
    A mix of cool gray suede, mesh underlays and vintage-inspired cream hits give the New Balance 990v7 “Kool Grey” a worn-in look straight out of the box.

    New Balance

    New Balance’s 990v7 refreshes its Made-in-USA flagship with a redesigned silhouette that blends familiar 990v6 lines with cues from the 991v2 and 992. A suede-and-mesh upper, leather accents and FuelCell cushioning headline the update, which debuts in “Kool Grey.” It’s familiar enough to feel like a 990, but different enough to make you do a double take.

    Release date: Nov. 6

    Retail: $250

    SKU: U990GR7

    The Tipping Point x Adistar Control 5

    Adidas continues its “Slow Drip” series — which highlights small independent coffee shops and the roles they play in their communities — by teaming up with Houston’s creative-spot-turned- coffee-shop, The Tipping Point. Using the Adistar Control 5 as the canvas, the collaboration features muted pink and green hues with orange accents, all inspired by the Chihuahuan Desert.

    Release date: Nov. 7

    Retail: TBD

    SKU: TBD

    Bad Bunny x Adidas BadBo 1.1

    The BadBo 1.1 is here and wastes no time embracing fall with its neutral earth tones. Various shades of brown pair with a soft pink backdrop and gum bottom, making this the perfect shoe for the season. If you need a new pair for casual Fridays at work or something that pairs easily with practically anything, look no further.

    Release date: Nov. 7

    Retail: $120

    SKU: LM5057

    Afew x Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 “Tara Hawk”

    Afew x Saucony Progrid Omni 9 “Tara Hawk” sneakers
    The AFEW x Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 “Tara Hawk” draws inspiration from the iridescent plumage of its namesake bird, pairing black overlays with multicolored mesh and teal accents.

    Afew

    German retailer Afew embraces the saying that “inspiration is everywhere.” Taking cues from the tarantula hawk wasp, the collaboration pairs iridescent uppers and reflective features with pony hair. Hits of orange and teal pop against the black upper, immediately commanding attention in any room.

    Release date: Nov. 7

    Retail: $215

    SKU: S71049-1

    Reebok Question Recoded “Red Toe”

    Reebok Question Mid Recoded "Red Toe" sneakers
    The Reebok Question Mid Recoded pairs the original “Red Toe” colorway with a redesigned build created for modern on-court performance.

    Reebok

    When people think of Allen Iverson’s shoe game, the Question is usually the shoe that comes to mind. For its 30th anniversary, Reebok is bringing back the original Red Toe with a few updates. Simply put, these are now meant for comfortable all-day wear on and off the court.

    Release date: Nov. 10

    Retail: $170

    SKU: 100263452

    Air Jordan 11 “Green Screen”

    Air Jordan 11 “Green Screen” sneakers
    The Air Jordan 11 “Green Screen” trades its traditional patent leather mudguard for an all-green build accented by an icy translucent outsole.

    Jordan Brand

    Jordan Brand is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Space Jam with a massive collection of apparel and historic footwear models. A standout is the all-green Air Jordan 11, which honors the stunt performers who played the Monstars against Michael Jordan’s Tune Squad. While the colorway is simple, varied material executions add depth. As an Air Jordan 11, the sneaker is practically guaranteed to sell out quickly.

    Release date: Nov. 14

    Retail: $255

    SKU: IQ5700-900

    Sneex x Adidas Adistar XLG 2.0 “Wild Rivals”

    Sneex x Adidas Adistar XLG 2.0 “Wild Rivals” sneakers
    The “Wild Rivals” pack brings together reptile-inspired patterns and bright pops of color across the Sneex x adidas Adistar XLG 2.0.

    Sneex

    Shake James, owner of Milwaukee-based boutique Sneex, and Adidas are no strangers. This time, Sneex pays homage to the greatness of Central African wildlife. From the vivid blue, red and yellow of the Mandrill monkey to the muted snakeskin pattern and neutral tones of the African Rock Python, both pairs can thrive in any environment. Like the wildlife they represent, each pair features special details that make it unique.

    Release date: Nov. 14

    Retail: $140

    SKU: TBD

    Playa Society x Nike A’Two “Dark Russet”

    Playa Society x Nike A'Two "Dark Russet"
    Playa Society puts its spin on the Nike A’Two with the “Dark Russet” colorway.

    Nike

    Popular apparel brand Playa Society has made some of the best WNBA gear over the past few years. Now the brand is teaming up for its first official sneaker collaboration with WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces. The A’Two gets dressed for fall with caramel and toffee brown uppers, delivering a vintage luxury feel that easily transitions from the basketball court to date night.

    Release date: Nov. 15

    Retail: $155

    SKU: IX6704-200

    Nike Caitlin 1 “Cavestone”

    Nike Caitlin 1 “Cavestone”
    Dressed in soft tan and off-white hues, the Nike Caitlin 1 “Cave Stone” delivers an understated take on Caitlin Clark’s signature model.

    Nike

    While the WNBA season is officially over, Nike and Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark have no plans to slow down, with new Caitlin 1 colorways dropping as high school and college basketball seasons tip off. Deviating from the debut colorways, the latest release takes a neutral approach in granite gray. Expect to see them in players’ hands off the bus, on the court, and in the wild.

    Release date: Nov. 21

    Retail: $140

    SKU: IH7423-101

    Air Jordan 4 Retro “Bred”

    Jordan Retro 4 Bred sneakers
    Black nubuck, Cement Grey accents and hits of Fire Red recreate the timeless look of the Air Jordan 4 “Bred,” a cornerstone of sneaker culture since 1989.

    Jordan Brand

    When people think of the greatest shoes of all time, this pair always comes to mind. Back for the first time in years, the sneaker is as close to the 1989 original as we’ve had — which means it features black nubuck, accurate color blocking, and the fan-favorite “Nike Air” branding on the heel.

    Release date: Nov. 27

    Retail: $225

    SKU: FV5029-001

    Atmos x On Cloudmonster “Zen Garden”

    Atmos x On Cloudmonster “Zen Garden” sneakers
    The atmos x On Cloudmonster pairs earthy olive tones with water-repellent materials and On’s oversized CloudTec cushioning.

    On

    Atmos has built a reputation for teaming up with sneaker brands across the industry, and its latest collaboration is no exception. The Tokyo-based retailer joins Swedish brand On for a peaceful offering inspired by Japanese zen gardens. Olive on the heel tab creates a perfect contrast against the gray uppers. Add On’s CloudTec cushioning and these are perfect for all-day wear, no matter the activity.

    Release date: Nov.

    Retail: $220

    SKU: TBD

    Protect x Salomon ACS Next “Slushie”

    London-based brand Protect teams up with Salomon to serve up a bit of nostalgia, especially for ’90s kids. Everybody’s favorite slushie brand, Slush Puppie, inspires the ACS Next. Arriving in the brand’s iconic yellow, blue and red with silver and gray overlays that mimic a classic pull handle, the shoe features co-branding throughout — including Protect’s “Do Your Thing” mantra on the pull tab.

    Release date: Oct. 28

    Retail: $192

    SKU: L45490900

    JJJJound x New Balance 990v3 “Suede”

    JJJJound x New Balance 990v3 Suede sneakers
    JJJJound strips the New Balance 990v3 down to an all-suede build, pairing a muted beige upper with contrasting black branding and tooling.

    JJJJound

    Death, taxes and JJJJound elevating simple designs at a high level are certainties. The Montreal-based digital mood board returns with a modest take on New Balance’s fan-favorite 990v3 model. As always, premium materials are the star — beige uppers pair nicely with a black sole to complete any fall outfit.

    Release date: Oct. 29

    Retail: $220

    SKU: U9904D8

    Puma “Divine Nine” Collection

    Sigma Gamma Rho x Puma Suede sneakers
    Part of Puma’s Divine Nine collection, this Sigma Gamma Rho edition of the Suede features the sorority’s signature royal blue and gold, along with founding-year details.

    Puma

    It’s officially homecoming season for colleges across the country, and Greek life has long been a huge part of the experience at HBCUs and PWIs alike. Puma’s latest move celebrates Black Greek life with a partnership with the Divine Nine. From Suedes adopting the colors and letters of six of the nine fraternities and sororities to matching apparel and slides, expect to see these frequently on the yard when you return to campus.

    Release date: Oct. 30

    Retail: $100 (Suede), $40 (Leadcat slide)

    SKU: TBD

    Jacob DeLawrence is a freelance writer, podcaster and occasional menace to society. When he’s not creating you can find him in a basketball gym coaching the future or arguing about wrestling on Twitter, @_jdela.