Now Trending: Purple Sneaker Colorways
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By Stadium Goods |Now Trending: Purple Sneaker Colorways
Eight great purple sneakers that should be on your radar this spring and beyond.
Matt DeSciora
If you’ve been into sneaker collecting for any appreciable amount of time, then you are probably aware of the fact that new trends are emerging in the culture on a daily basis. If you’re just starting out in the sneaker collecting hobby, then know that new trends are emerging in the culture on a daily basis.
And we’re not kidding. This year we’ve not only seen the rise of the Nike Vomero, but the continued success of both New Balance’s “Made in the USA” line and “Panda” colorways. And it doesn’t stop there.
A new trend with some serious staying power has been quietly brewing for a while, pretty much ever since Drake and Nike released their Hot Step Air Terra in soothing “Violet Haze” colorway: the “purple” movement.
Along with Nike, brands like Jordan and New Balance have been releasing some of their popular shoes in colorways with different shades of purple. Last November A Ma Maniére co-designed an Air Jordan 4 in a “Violet Ore” style. Before that, New Balance released the 2002R in a “Violet” colorway from its “Protection Pack.” Even Salehe Bembury and Crocs hopped on the purple train by dressing their collaborative Crocs Pollex Clog in dusty purple design called “Urchin.”
Backed by the biggest names in sneakers, the purple trend is here to stay. If you’re into the style, or just want to get an early start on planning your Easter outfit, check out our favorite purple sneakers at Stadium Goods.
DJ Khaled x Air Jordan 5 “We the Best - Sail”
DJ Khaled’s love for the Air Jordan 5 runs deep. In 2022, the Miami based hip-hop producer released not one, not two, but several colorways of Michael Jordan’s fifth signature shoe as part of his “We the Best” collection. The “Sail” edition from the bunch fits nicely into the purple colorway trend as it features just enough Violet Star accenting on its design.
New Balance 2002R “Protection Pack - Violet”
The New Balance 2002R’s return after a lengthy absence following its early 2010s debut has been one of the best storylines in sneakers in recent years. These days you can catch the former performance running shoe in all sorts of colors, including many from the “Protection Pack,” like the “Violet.” Several shades of purple are combined on this unique-looking shoe, making it a must-have if you want to ride the purple wave.
Nike Air Force 1 Mid LX “Tokyo Viotech”
The Nike Air Force 1’s 40th anniversary brought out the best of the shoe in 2022. Among the many releases made to honor its historic birthday, few were as luxurious as the Air Force 1 Mid LX “Tokyo Viotech,” with its faux reptilian leather overlays and reimagined tongue patch.
Drake x Nike Hot Step Air Terra “Violet Haze”
One of the best new sneaker models of 2022 was Drake and Nike’s Hot Step Air Terra. No doubt inspired by classic, early 2000s performance basketball shoes and even Nike’s Air Max line, the Hot Step Air Terra has been released in one monochromatic colorway after another, including this “Violet Haze” style. Yes, sneakers have featured purple on their designs long before Drake did, but there was an obvious uptick in their popularity when the Toronto native did so.
Women’s Air Jordan 4 “Canyon Purple”
For reasons unknown, some sneakers just don’t catch on like you think they should. The Women’s Air Jordan 4 “Canyon Purple” is one of those “sleeper” shoes that just doesn’t get mentioned as much as other recent Jordan 4s. Hopefully that should change now that “purple” kicks are having a moment.
Air Jordan 1 High OG “Court Purple 2.0”
Replicating the Air Jordan 1’s “Chicago” color block, the Jordan 1 High OG “Court Purple 2.0” is as classic as it gets for the old school basketball shoe. The “Court Purple 2.0” was actually released back in April 2020, so it just goes to show you that purple colorways have always had a place in sneakers.
Salehe Bembury x Crocs Pollex Clog “Urchin”
When Salehe Bembury gives a shoe or a trend a co-sign, you know it’s legit. Such was the case when the talented, superstar footwear designer gave a thumbs up to not only Crocs, but to purple colorways when he released his ultra popular Crocs Pollex Clog in an “Urchin” hue in May 2022.
Women’s New Balance 550 “Aura Purple”
Rounding out our list of some of our favorite purple sneakers is the Women’s New Balance 550 “Aura Purple.” Done up in the same great, two-tone color block as so many other popular 550s, the “Aura Purple” is the type of clean colorway that everyone should have in their rotation at all times.