The year’s only just begun, and 2026 is already shaping up to be a big one for sneakerheads. After tracking teasers, leaks, rumors, and runway moments, we’ve compiled a list of 26 releases to look forward to this year (so far). Nike and Jordan Brand naturally dominate the lineup, given their size and how far in advance their projects tend to leak, but there’s plenty to be excited about from adidas, Timberland, New Balance, PUMA, ASICS, On, and Onitsuka Tiger as well. While details may shift as brands make things official, this preview offers a strong snapshot of what’s coming. Let us know which pairs you’re most excited about.Nike Doernbecher Freestyle 21 Collection (January 2026)The launch we anticipate coming first on our list is Nike’s Doernbecher Freestyle 21 collection. Revealed last October, the patient-designer-led program is back with six creatives presenting six sneakers that weave their larger-than-life personalities and unique journeys throughout each pair. This year’s lineup features the V2K Run, Vomero Plus, Air Force 1 ’07, Air Max Dn8, Air Max Plus, and an Air Jordan 17 that is sure to be a hit. To fully appreciate the one-of-a-kind designs, revisit our initial breakdown to learn more about each Doernbecher Children’s Hospital patient and their creations.Bad Bunny x adidas BadBo 1.0 (February 2026)It’s been five years since Bad Bunny took his creative vision to the Three Stripes. Since then, the two have worked together closely to produce many of the German sportswear brand’s most sought-after sneakers of recent years. With Benito ready to take center stage at the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show next month, he’s sure to be dominating headlines this February. On top of the big performance, his first signature shoe, the adidas BadBo 1.0, is expected to drop. Despite being teased multiple times last year, we still lack a complete breakdown of what to expect from the retro-inspired sneaker. A pair spotted on Bad Bunny’s feet features brown overlays running across an off-white upper, with a subtle touch of blue branding around the heel.Virgil Abloh Archive x Air Jordan 1 High OG “Alaska” (March 2026)Off-White™’s series of Air Jordan 1 High OGs is one of the most legendary footwear lineups of the past decade. Rumors of a rekindling of the partnership have surfaced over the past couple of years, and now we are finally set to turn back time. Now made in collaboration with the Virgil Abloh Archive brand, the shoe still sports all the deconstructed design elements Abloh brought to the AJ1 in 2017. Dubbed the “Alaska” colorway, an all-white rendition of the shoe hosts everything from the iconic “AIR” midsole text to medial text labeling the project. Better start preparing a strategy to secure a pair now, because when these drop, it’ll take a true miracle to nab them for retail.Union LA x fragment design x Air Jordan 1 High OG (Spring 2026)As if that wasn’t enough for the Air Jordan 1, we als
26 Sneaker Releases to Look Forward to in 2026
