What are The Most Anticipated Sneaker of 2023 (so far) ?

What are The Most Anticipated Sneaker of 2023 (so far) ?

2022 is in the books. Tons of drops. Tons of cops. The first true retro of the Fire Red Jordan 3 finally showed up after 35 years, Jordan 4s had a huge year, New Balance is the new Yeezy and Yeezy is the new Hitler.  

The Lost and Found Chicagos are fading from the short term memory of sneakerheads as we prepare for a long winters nap. Only to wake on March 22nd 2023, to the first anticipated release of the year. 10 years removed from its last appearance, the Air Jordan 3 in its legendary “White Cement” color way will grace the (mostly virtual) shelves of footwear retailers. 

Rumored to be another “reimagined” (see Lost and Found Chicago 1 from last year) project, the cherished silhouette is said to return true to OG form in shape. In keeping with the vintage aesthetic started with the 2022 Chicago 1s, the 2023 installment is no different. Aged plastics, period correct details and a vintage aged box. 1988 was a long time ago and Nike wants you to know about it. 

It’s 1988. Michael Jordan is a year removed from a disappointing second season. Temporarily sidelined with an ankle injury and then being swept out of the playoffs in 3 games by Larry Bird and the Celtics. Sure he took home the dunk title that year, but no one remembers that. He didn’t fly that year. 

The tickets were sold, the scene was set and defending his slam dunk crown, Michael Jordan definitely had the home town advantage on a windy (go figure) day in Chicago. Dominique Wilkins, regardless of being the clear visual winner, never stood a chance. Jordan even told him so in the sidelines. 

With his last dunk of the night, Jordan took flight. Starting his leap from just before the free throw line, Jordan’s mid air silhouette created what would soon become the most recognizable symbol in sportswear, possibly anywhere, soon thereafter.

Arm out, legs a perfect V, left hand trailing behind him. That’s all it took. 38 years later that logo grosses $10m a year. 

Jordan won the contest and the rest is history. 

We all look forward to owning a piece, even if recreated, of history this March. So sleep tight sneaker people. Clutch your pillows and a send your prayers to whichever sneaker God you adjure, supplicate and entreat yourself to. For the first major W (lets not start the year off with talk of L's) of 2023 is in sight.