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Unboxed This Week: WNBA Playoffs are Here, How a Sneaker Trend Inspired an Air Jordan 1, Member Only Events are Back
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This is Unboxed issue #52. That's right, we
made it to a year of this weekly newsletter. Major thanks to all subscribers. We have something fun planned to celebrate soon. But first- let's talk about what happened in sneaker culture last week.
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How the Jordan Brand Family Made Low-Tops Their Own  In the beginning, there were low-tops.
While Kobe Bryant gets credit for the modern makeover of the NBA, the truth is ballers have been getting buckets in below ankle basketball shoes from the days of Bill Russell battling big men in Converse Chuck Taylor Lows to Walt Frazier running the point in his signature PUMA Clyde.
However, by the Air Jordan 3, Tinker Hatfield
had taken over and offered MJ exactly what he wanted: a ¾ cut shoe that offered the freedom of a low with the support of a high. Because of this, low-top Jordans were removed from the market and the court for almost a decade.
That's changed in recent years thanks to new energy on lows. Read more on how Jordan Brand made low-tops their own here.
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WNBA Playoffs Storylines to Look For  The 2021 WNBA Playoffs are in full effect. With two single-elimination rounds already behind us, the adrenaline is still running high. Diana Taurasi and the Phoenix Mercury survived two nail biters, Sue Bird might've played her final game, Candace Parker and the Chicago Sky are proving the doubters wrong, and the best is yet to come.
Before we get into it, we want to congratulate Dallas Wings' and SoleSavy
member Arike Ogunbowale on an incredible season that came to an end. Also, shoutout to Arike for rocking the SS2 in the tunnel.
So if you aren't tuning into the W, there's still time left on the clock. The Phoenix Mercury are looking for the fourth ring in franchise history as (perhaps) the perfect send off for the GOAT. On the other side of the bracket, Candace Parker is proving that it's Chicago vs. Everybody after upsetting the Minnesota Lynx. Well, you could call it an upset if you were counting CP3 and co.
out of it. Following the release of her signature line, it's only right that Parker is balling out and looking to continue their Cinderella story. With the Connecticut Sun and Las Vegas Aces ready after two bye rounds, it's about to go down. Don't miss out.
–Luis T.
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Serena Williams: A Style Icon  When it comes to tennis, there's no denying that there's no one at the top of the game like Serena Williams.
For her 40th birthday on Sunday, we examined one of the most prolific athlete of all time. But, through a fashion lens. From her early PUMA days to a MET Gala eyebrow raiser, Serena has won it all and worn it all as well.
Learn more on how Serena has dominated through the years
here.
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| Style
Salomon's Sustained Hotstreak  Fresh off the heels of a Palace collaboration, and an upcoming one with and wander on the way, Salomon seems to show no signs of slowing down. What was once just an outdoors focused footwear brand has found itself in the periphery of sneakers and streetwear. With the rise in popularity of technical and functional clothing, and our increased propensity for activities in nature, function-first footwear was bound to have a moment.
While Salomon has a storied
history of just that, it wasn’t until the success of the XT-6 that the brand would then become more of a household name in sneakers. The XT-6 is a hiking trail shoe at its core, but with the help of some very striking colorways, and the new obsession with gorp, it soon became a mainstay in the fashion and sneaker space. The model at one point gathered so much attention that GQ named it their sneaker of the year in 2019.
Fast forward to now, Salomon has only gotten better, pumping out a slew of great colorways, as well as collaborating with others that have brought on fresh eyes to their brand. Their catalog doesn’t stop at the XT-6, but that’s always the first one I will recommend to someone who is new to the brand.
–Dean H.
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#ICYMI: Women’s Weekly Recap (Sept. 19 – Sept. 25)  In case you missed it, here’s what happened last week in women’s fashion, streetwear, and sneaker news.
A rumored Supreme and Tiffany Co. collab is set to arrive in FW21, Melody Ehsani delivers with another collaboration, and the latest sneaker releases.
Read more here.
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| Past Releases
How a Sneaker Trend Inspired the Air Jordan 1 High OG "Prototype"  The Air Jordan 1 has been on a run like no other silhouette in history. For well over 5 years now, the Air Jordan 1 in all of its variations has recaptured the hearts and minds of sneakerheads, newcomers, and anyone wanting to look on trend. From classics to new stories being told on the one that started it all, the AJ1 is the shoe.
At this point, there are no limitations to the spin-off designs that the Air Jordan 1 can have and Jordan Brand is known for finding design inspiration in any story or trend. At first glance, the recently released "Prototype" AJ1 High looks like just another inline colorway loosely inspired by the Union AJ1 colorblocking. However, its design elements run deep. This AJ1 invites people to chop the top off if they prefer a lower cut by including cut guides on the upper. While the brand might not be outright with its inspiration, the look isn't new as we've seen customizers and even seen Jordan Brand athletes like Chris Paul cut their AJ1 Highs into Lows. What was once a sneakerhead trend taking over the internet is now a real life release from the brand.
While imitation is a form of flattery, it's evident that Jordan Brand has its ears and eyes on the streets as the latest AJ1 innovation probably came outside of Nike's design kitchen. Or one could make the argument that this was a direct inspiration from Union. Either way, it's exciting to see the brand think outside of the box and just when we think we don't need anymore AJ1s, they introduce something newish.
–Luis T.
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📺 How to Style the Nike Air Force 1 (Fall Outfit Ideas)
With fall rapidly approaching, it’s time to switch up those wardrobes. Those first few weeks of fall outfit planning are always rough as we recalibrate our brains to dress warmer. We’ve partnered with BryceKicks to ease that curve. Watch here.
🤝
We’re very excited to announce that
event season is officially back. Come by to network with other members and some of our lovely staff, have some drinks and food on us, and potentially win some prizes while you’re there. Learn more here.
☑️
Nike and Megan Thee Stallion are on their real hot girl shit with the latest campaign — "New Hotties." The video builds on Nike’s principle that if you have a body, you’re an athlete. And there's no denying that Megan Thee Stallion is working. Watch here.
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👟 SNEAKERS TO BUY FOR RETAIL OR LESS
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Nike Air Max 95 $180
A great Air Max 95 colorway gets elevated through the homage of Japanese culture. The material choices really shine on this model.
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Nike Air Max 96 II $160
A favorite amongst retro enthusiasts finally comes back in another OG colorway with the Mystic Teal version of the Air Max 96 II.
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New Balance 57/40 $100
A little pop of orange goes a long way with this simple yet striking model. At the $100 price point? These are a no brainer.
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National Geographic x Reebok Classic Leather Legacy AZ $90
Reebok finds itself a sleeper hit with an unlikely collaborator. The Classic Leather Legacy is donned with premium materials for a great earth-toned look.
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F U N F A C T
The 2021 WNBA regular season averaged 306,000 viewers, up 49 percent compared to 2020 and 24 percent to 2019, according to ESPN.
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 Unboxed by SoleSavy Learn from industry insiders, access tools to level-up your sneaker collection, and tap into a like-minded community you can trust.
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