5 best sneakers releasing this week (January 6th-12th): Air Jordan 3 “Black Cat”, Kobe 5 “Eggplant”, and more

Sneakers releasing this week promise style, comfort, and innovative design for sneakerheads. This week is packed with highly-anticipated sneaker silhouettes from Nike and other shoe brands.

The Nike Kobe 5 Proto "Year of the Mamba Eggplant" releases today, January 9, 2025, in commemoration of the Year of the Snake. The sneakers are dressed in purple with golden snake graphics.

The "Black Cat" returns in its monochrome black glory on January 11, 2025, for sneakerheads who prefer versatile colors. The design employs patent leather and nubuck for a glossy finish. The Nike Air Max "Muse" drops on January 10 alongside the New Balance 740 BRUT and the Puma MB.01 Alien.

Check out the list below for some of the best sneakers releasing this week.

---

Air Jordan 3 "Black Cat", Kobe 5 "Eggplant", and 3 other best sneakers releasing this week

1) The Kobe 5 Protro "Year of the Mamba Eggplant"

This silhouette pays homage to the Chinese Year of the Snake and the late Kobe Bryant’s Mamba moniker. True to its name, the sneakers are dressed in a purple hue that gradually transitions into black on the toe cap, the heel tab, and the tongue. Bold golden snakeskin detailing can be seen on the sides with matching star accents on the tongue. The swoosh logo is embossed in black and gold. The sneakers launch on January 9, 2025, for $200.

---

2) Nike Air Max "Muse"

The Nike Air Max receives a black and silver treatment in this women-exclusive edition. The Muse iteration is reminiscent of the running shoes of the 2000s. The shoes’ futuristic design features metallic silver accents placed computationally over black mesh and leather. The design utilizes exaggerated arcs and glossy finishing for a fashionable appeal. Among the sneakers releasing this week, the Nike Air Max Muse is set to launch on January 10, 2025, for $160.

---

3) CNCPTS x New Balance 740 "BRUT"

Amongst the sneakers releasing this week are the collaborative silhouettes of New Balance and CNCPTS. The colorways pay homage to the process of producing dry champagne, known as Brut. The 740 Brut iterations are dressed in light and dark green and a multicolor blend of pale pink, orange, and neon green.

The Brut shoes are reminiscent of the 2000s running shoes and also boast midsoles divided into segments, mesh uppers two-tone color blocking, and angular overlays. The shoes will be released on January 10, 2025, for $120

---

4) Puma x LaMelo Ball Mb.01 "Alien Safari"

These basketball sneakers releasing this week blend fashion with performance. The CMEVA cushioning, tread units for traction, engineered mesh for breathability, and TPU counter heels are wrapped up in a colorful package of aqua green with highlights of purple and blue. The design details include LaMelo’s signature wings and a 1 of 1 motto for extra art.

Translucent detailing is visible on the sides, upper area, and soles of the shoes. Branding details can be found on the back of the shoes with the word “Rare” stamped underneath. The shoes are set to be released on January 10, 2025, for $140 on the brand’s website.

---

5) Air Jordan 3 "Black Cat"

The Air Jordan 3 Black Cat sneakers are among the sneakers releasing this week, and Jordan fans have been waiting excitedly for the drop. The upcoming model revisits the iconic rendition of 2007 and pays homage to Micheal Jordan’s moniker. The Black Cat is predominantly monochrome black with traces of elephant print on the lacing, and overlays on the toe tip and heels.

The glossy finish on the midsoles enhances the shoes’ visual appeal. The Black Cat launches on January 11, 2025, for $200 on Nike.

---

Other sneakers releasing this week include the Jordan Heir Electric Green on January 9, 2025, and the Nike Air Superfly on January 10, 2025.