Most anticipated sneaker releases of 2026.
The second half of 2026 is stacked. Here's what's confirmed, what's rumored, and where the resale value is likely to land for the biggest drops coming this year.
Jordan Brand: the retro machine keeps running
Jordan Brand continues to dominate the release calendar in 2026, and the strategy hasn't changed: retro the classics, introduce a handful of new colourways each quarter, and keep the collaboration pipeline full.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG "UNC to Chicago" — This colourway, combining the University Blue and Chicago Red palettes, has been in the rumor mill since early 2025 and is now confirmed for a fall 2026 release. Retail will be $180, and early resale predictions put it in the $280 to $350 range based on the consistent demand for Chicago-adjacent colourways. The last time a UNC Jordan 1 High dropped, it sold out in under two minutes on SNKRS.
Air Jordan 4 "Military Black" Retro — The Military Black 4s from 2022 were one of the best-selling Jordans of that year, and Nike is bringing them back. Expect the same black/white/grey colourway with minor material updates. Retail $210. These will be a high-volume release, so resale will likely stay close to retail initially before climbing over 6 to 12 months.
Air Jordan 11 "Cool Grey" (Holiday 2026) — The Jordan 11 holiday release is an annual tradition, and the Cool Grey is one of the most requested colourways. If the rumors hold, this will be the marquee release of Q4 2026. Retail around $225, and resale could easily hit $300+ on release day given the Jordan 11's consistent holiday demand.
Nike SB: the Dunk revival continues
Nike SB Dunks have been on a resale rollercoaster over the past few years. After the peak of 2020-2021, when almost every SB Dunk was flipping for 3x to 5x retail, the market has cooled to a more sustainable level. The pairs that still command premiums are the collaborations with a strong concept or a limited run.
Nike SB Dunk Low x Concepts "Orange Lobster" — Concepts has been Nike SB's most reliable collaboration partner for over a decade, and the Lobster series is their crown jewel. The Purple (2009), Red (2008), Yellow (2009), Green (2020), and Blue (2022) Lobsters are all grails. An Orange edition has been teased for late 2026. If it materializes, expect a retail of $130 to $140 with resale jumping immediately to $350+.
Nike SB Dunk Low "Pigeon" 20th Anniversary — Jeff Staple's original Pigeon Dunk (2005) is one of the most famous sneakers ever made, and the story of its release (people camping out in snowstorms, near-riots) is sneaker history. A 20th anniversary retro is rumored but not confirmed. If it happens, the hype will be enormous.
New Balance: the brand that keeps climbing
New Balance has established itself as the anti-hype hype brand, and their collaborations consistently sell out while maintaining resale premiums. The 990 series, the 550, and the 2002R are the core models driving demand.
New Balance 990v6 x Aimé Leon Dore — ALD and New Balance have built one of the most successful ongoing sneaker collaborations in the market. Every release sells out and holds value. A 990v6 collaboration is expected in the second half of 2026, likely with the earthy, preppy colour palette that ALD is known for. Retail around $200, with resale typically settling in the $300 to $400 range.
New Balance 1000 Revival — New Balance has been reissuing forgotten models from their archives, and the 1000 (originally released in the early 2000s) is next in line. The chunky silhouette fits the current trend, and if New Balance pairs it with the right collaboration partner, it could be one of the surprise hits of the year.
New Balance 550 "Collegiate Pack" — The 550 has been New Balance's volume play, with consistent releases in clean, simple colourways. A Collegiate Pack featuring university colours (Georgetown grey, UNC blue, Oregon green) is expected for the fall. These won't break the resale bank, but they'll be solid $120 to $140 retail pickups that hold their value.
Adidas: the Yeezy question
Adidas has been releasing remaining Yeezy inventory under the "adidas Yeezy" name, and the strategy has produced mixed results. Some colorways (Slides, 350 V2 in popular colours) sell well. Others sit. The 2026 releases will likely include additional colourways of the 350 V2, Foam Runners, and Slides from existing stock.
From a resale perspective, Yeezy values have stabilized after the volatility of 2023-2024. The 350 V2 in classic colourways (Zebra, Bred, Cream) holds modest premiums. The Foam Runner in neutral colours (Stone Sage, Onyx) has found a consistent audience. New releases from remaining inventory are unlikely to produce the resale spikes that marked the original Yeezy era, but they're solid retail purchases for personal wear.
Where to buy retail
Securing releases at retail is harder than it used to be, but it's not impossible. The main channels:
- Nike SNKRS app: The primary channel for Nike and Jordan drops. Entries are lottery-based for high-demand releases. Create an account, verify your payment info, and enter every draw you're interested in. Win rates are low (often under 5% for hyped releases), but you miss 100% of the draws you don't enter.
- Retailer apps and sites: Foot Locker, Finish Line, JD Sports, and other authorized retailers get allocations of major releases. Their apps often run separate raffles from SNKRS, so entering on multiple platforms improves your odds.
- Brand sites: NewBalance.com, Adidas.com/Confirmed, and brand-specific apps sometimes offer early access or exclusive colourways.
- Local shops: Skateshops get Nike SB allocations. Boutiques get New Balance and Asics collaborations. Building a relationship with your local shop (buying regularly, being a known face) can lead to backdoor access or priority on raffle lists.
Resale predictions: what's likely to hold value
Resale is unpredictable, but some patterns are consistent:
- Collaborations with a strong story (Concepts Lobster, ALD x NB, Travis Scott x Nike) hold value because the supply is limited and the narrative creates lasting demand.
- Jordan retros in OG colourways (Chicago, Bred, Royal, Shadow) consistently appreciate over time. Even if they dip after release, they climb back within 12 to 18 months.
- High-volume GR releases (general releases with wide availability) rarely hold resale premiums. Buy them to wear, not to flip.
- SB Dunks with skate-shop exclusivity continue to command premiums because of limited distribution and the collector base that supports the category.
We track every major release and carry authenticated pairs on the shelf within days of drop dates. Stop by the shop or check the drops page to see what's in stock.
Related reading
- How sneaker resale pricing works — the mechanics of supply, demand, and platform fees
- How to store sneakers to prevent yellowing and creasing
- What's trending in sneakers right now