The Best Sneakers Releasing in December
December is bringing with it no shortage of kicks for you or the sneakerheads in your life.
Old and new models alike will define the calendar, as Patta has been tapped by New Balance for just the third-ever 991v2, while Nicole McLaughlin has dug up a banger from Merrell’s archives. Kobe Bryant fans will also be stoked with two major sneaker releases from the revived Nike line, one featuring a flip on the iconic Kobe 6 “Grinch” and the other outfitting the Kobe 4 Protro in colors and materials befitting of the “Black Mamba” nickname.
Some of this information comes by way of leaks, which means release dates are subject to change. We’ll keep this list updated throughout the month to keep you abreast of all the best sneaker releases for December 2023.
Patta x New Balance 991v2
Release Date: Dec. 1
Price: TBD
New Balance has tapped Patta to make just the third-ever version of the recently retooled 991v2 sneaker. The Amsterdam streetwear brand shows why it was fit for the job with a strong contrast of “pickled beet” purple and florescent yellow.
Nicole McLaughlin x Merrell Moc Speed Streak
Release Date: Dec. 1
Price: TBD
The global release for Nicole McLaughlin’s first Merrell collaboration available to the public trades in her usual cheeky sensibilities for three tasteful colorways with smart updates for sustainability.
Adidas Gazelle National Team Editions
Release Date: Dec. 1
Price: $100
Adidas is making colorways for the national soccer teams of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Mexico — all of which wear Adidas kits. Consider it a double dose of blokecore, as team crests sit on the tongue of the historic soccer shoe.
Doernbecher x Nike Collection
Release Date: Dec. 1
Price: $90 to $210
Nike’s annual Doernbecher collection sees patients from the children’s hospital of the same name craft their own sneakers with the help the help of the Swoosh’s designers. This year’s capsule features the Air Jordan 3, Dunk High, ACG Mountain Fly 2 Low, Air Max 1, Cortez, and Go FlyEase.
SoleFly x Air Jordan 8 “Mi Casa Es Su Casa”
Release Date: Dec. 8
Price: $225
SoleFly’s luxurious take on the Air Jordan 8 features gold-tone hardware, a slick favoring of off-white, and a hazy heel counter bringing to life to the model in its 30th year.
Air Jordan 11 “Gratitude”
Release Date: Dec. 9
Price: $230
This year’s spotlight Air Jordan 11 sees the return of the colorway from the “Defining Moments” pack from 2006. For the very first time, sneakerheads will be able to purchase it without having to buy another sneaker as well.
Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Reverse Grinch”
Release Date: Dec. 16
Price: $180
A sister sneaker arrives for the Kobe 6’s “Grinch” colorway, which has released only twice, ten years apart, to rabid fanfare. As the name suggests, the famous arrangement is reversed for a scaly red sneaker with roots in Christmas 2010.
Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Black Mamba”
Release Date: Dec. 26
Price: $190
An all-black color scheme with faux snakeskin accents nods to Kobe Bryant‘s “Black Mamba” nickname and will be accompanied by a Los Angeles Lakers jersey and varsity jacket with similar features.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.