With brackets finalized this past weekend, March Madness is officially here. The chaos of universities duking it out in a huge, single-elimination bracket is sure to draw excitement all month long. At the same time, footwear brands are bringing energy themselves with new launches to look out for from Nike, ASICS, Timberland, New Balance, adidas, and Jordan Brand. Before we dive into the complete lineup of releases, let's look back at last week's headlines.
Following the announcement of Hiroshi Fujiwara's new Fragment Concept Testing platform with Nike, we explored the decades the "Godfather of Streetwear" has worked with the Swoosh. From there, a possible Palace x Nike Air Max 95 was teased. We also previewed another Patta x Nike Air Max 1 "Waves" colorway. An early launch of the Nike Air Max 95 OG "Bandana" took place too, with the Swoosh also revealing Kevin Durant's new KD19. Rounding things out for the Swoosh, launch info for the Virgil Abloh Archive™ x Air Jordan 1 High OG was shared.
Elsewhere in the industry, Jerry Lorenzo's partnership with adidas is continuing to come to a close with its final sneaker, the Fear of God Athletics III, having just dropped in "Wonder Alumina." For Kith, its springtime launch calendar saw a New Balance Made in UK 991v1 and 991v2 hit shelves. Another collaboration that caught our eye came courtesy of J-Hope and Louis Vuitton, with a special pink LV BUTTERSOFT sneaker.
Now that you're up to speed on what's been going on in the sneaker space, let's dive into this week's top drops, starting with the aforementioned Fragment Concept Testing sneakers. After you make your way through all 10, don't forget to check out HBX to shops styles that are available today.
fragment design x Nike Mind 001, Mind 002, & Book 2
Release Date: March 19
Release Price: $90 USD to $150 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Hiroshi Fujiwara’s multi-decade partnership with Nike continues with the introduction of Fragment Concept Testing. Focused on new, innovative silhouettes, the platform begins with takes on the Mind 001, Mind 002, and Book 2. The former is a straightforward flip of the slip-on, applying a familiar black-and-blue color scheme alongside fragment’s lightning logo. As for the Mind 002, it has been reimagined with a Flyknit upper that sees the shoe take on a fully-considered presentation. Rounding out the lineup is another chance to cop Fujiwara’s Book 2, which similarly combines black with blue while featuring subtle nods to the partnership.
YOASOBI x ASICS GEL-KINETIC FLUENT Y
Release Date: March 19
Release Price: TBC
Where to Buy: YOASOBI and ASICS
Why You Should Cop: J-Pop flavor meets Japanese sportstyle with YOASOBI x ASICS. The new partners have put together three bold renditions of the GEL-KINETIC FLUENT Y, tapping into the artistic duo’s nightlife energy. For the GEL-KINETIC FLUENT Y, its layered upper features a zipper closure, translucent cord, and co-branded heel tag. The “Midnight” and “Dragon Fruit” iteration is high in contrast while monochromatic “Black” and “Pure Silver” pairs round out the range. Accompanying the drop is a set of apparel and accessories.
MM6 Maison Margiela x Supreme x Timberland 6-Inch Boot
Release Date: March 19 and 21
Release Price: TBC
Where to Buy: Supreme
Why You Should Cop: Two years later, MM6 Maison Margiela and Supreme have reunited for their second collaboration. This high-powered partnership is packed with unique clothing and accessory options, as well as a rich rendition of Timberland’s 6-Inch Boot. The familiar silhouette is presented unlike any other pair to date, featuring a shearling interior and $100 USD bill-covered upper. Meanwhile, a premium waterproof build and wheat-colored sole completes the construction.
COMME des GARÇONS HOMME x New Balance ABZORB 2010
Release Date: March 20
Release Price: ¥42,900 JPY (approx. $270 USD)
Where to Buy: COMME des GARÇONS HOMME Stockists
Why You Should Cop: COMME des GARÇONS HOMME and New Balance are back with another seasonal collaboration. Previewed during Paris Fashion Week last year, the two have outfitted the ABZORB 2010 in two monochromatic makeovers. The silhouette, which was introduced in 2025 alongside the ABZORB 2000, now dons tonal off-white and gray looks. COMME des GARÇONS HOMME’s wordmark subtly nods to its presence via the tongue tag and sockliner.
Nike First Sight Noir “Triple Black”
Release Date: March 20
Release Price: $125 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Nike announced the First Sight line as a new self-expression-oriented footwear franchise for women this month. Dropping first is the First Sight Noir, which combines the styling of a track spike and loafer to create a unique style. Dropping first in “Triple Black,” the look emphasizes its sleek build. Strong angles result in a standout sole while a cutout at the heel of the one-piece upper references Nike’s historic track spikes.
adidas “Houston Rodeo Pack”
Release Date: March 20
Release Price: $150 USD to $240 USD
Where to Buy: The Whitaker Group Stores
Why You Should Cop: The Whitaker Group is approaching retail in a new way via its A Ma Maniére, Social Status, APB, and JAIDE retail brands. A multi-season campaign with adidas, titled Do Not Duplicate, is focused entirely on authenticity by offering exclusive styles in limited quantities. Its latest drop, dubbed the “Houston Rodeo Pack,” features the F50 Adiframe, BW Army, and Handball Spezial in western-inspired looks. Everything from croc-embossed leather to metal studs sets the shoes apart.
C.P. Company x ASICS GEL-QUANTUM 360 I
Release Date: March 20
Release Price: €200 EUR (approx. $230 USD)
Where to Buy: ASICS
Why You Should Cop: C.P. Company and ASICS have reunited for their second footwear collaboration. The two remain focused on the GEL-QUANTUM 360 franchise, this time outfitting the GEL-QUANTUM 360 I in two colorways. “Moroccan Blue” and “Pure Silver” pairs each feature nods to C.P. Company at the toe, heel, sockliner, and tongue while being supported by 360° GEL cushioning.
Swarovski x Air Jordan 1 High OG “Vast Grey”
Release Date: March 21
Release Price: $1,005 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Plenty of Air Jordan 1s sell for over $1,000 USD, but not many are priced that expensive at retail. This week, the $1,005 USD Swarovski crystal-adorned Air Jordan 1 High OG “Vast Grey” adds to the short list of ultra premium pairs. The shimmering elements are scattered throughout the upper of this grey-colored pair, from the Swooshes to the collar. Adding to the luxe feel of each shoe is a dust bag and other custom packaging, including a collaborative chain.
Humanrace x adidas Adizero EVO SL “Mars”
Release Date: March 21
Release Price: $160 USD
Where to Buy: adidas
Why You Should Cop: Pharrell and adidas are back with another notable footwear release, this time tapping Skateboard P’s Humanrace line for another Adizero EVO SL colorway. Dubbed the “Mars” look, the shoe is covered in a dark “Preloved Brown,” with black Three Stripes branding and an orange hit at the lateral heel. As always, the sneaker is backed by the latest running technology. LightstrikePro is all about super-light cushioning while a Continental outsole is ready for any terrain.
Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Lower Merion Aces”
Release Date: March 23
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Completing the roster for this week’s edition of best footwear drops is the Nike Kobe 5 Protro in 2010’s “Lower Merion Aces” colorway. Paying homage to Kobe Bryant’s high school championship in 1996, the school’s first in 53 years, the shoe embraces the school’s signature maroon, pairing it with silver and white. A nod to 2026 at the interior side of the tongue commemorates the championship’s 30th anniversary while the heel features an ace graphic on the left shoe and Bryant’s jersey number, “33,” on the right.
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