August 2026 has major drops of classic Air Jordan color ways and collaborations.
Brands are catering to sneaker lovers with a diverse lineup of summer-ready kicks.
Source: Eakin Howard / Getty
Summer has always been one of the best seasons for sneaker lovers. The warmer weather gives people more freedom to build an entire outfit around their kicks, whether that means breaking out a clean pair of all-white sneakers, adding some color to a simple fit or finally wearing something that has been sitting safely inside the box.
The brands clearly understand the assignment. August 2026 is loaded with original Air Jordan colorways, experimental collaborations, performance basketball shoes and nostalgic releases pulled straight from the early 2000s. With several major drops landing during the same weekends, sneakerheads may have to make some difficult decisions about what deserves a cop and what should remain on the shelf.
From classic Jordans to the long-awaited return of G-Unit sneakers, here are the biggest new sneaker releases in August.
Air Jordan 13 “Flint”
Release Date: August 1
Price: $215
One of the most recognizable Air Jordan 13 colorways is returning in full-family sizing. The “Flint” combines white tumbled leather, grey suede and French blue mesh for a look that has remained wearable since the colorway originally arrived in 1998.
Air Jordan 1 High OG “Love Letter”
Release Date: August 1
Price: $185
The “Love Letter” Air Jordan 1 pays tribute to Michael Jordan’s relationship with basketball through a warm mixture of brown, tan, ivory and red. It offers something more mature than the traditional Bulls-inspired Jordan 1 while still keeping the silhouette’s timeless shape intact.
Pharrell Williams x adidas VIRGINIA Adistar Jellyfish “Triple White”
Release Date: August 1
Price: $300
Pharrell’s oversized Adistar Jellyfish gets cleaned up with an almost entirely white presentation. The sculpted panels and exaggerated sole still make the shoe impossible to ignore, but the neutral colorway should make this version easier to style than earlier releases.
adidas Harden Vol. 10 “Northern Lights”
Release Date: August 1
Price: $160
James Harden’s newest signature sneaker arrives in a swirling blue and green colorway inspired by the aurora borealis. The futuristic construction already makes the Harden Vol. 10 stand out on the court, and the “Northern Lights” treatment turns it into one of August’s loudest basketball releases.
Air Jordan 13 “Wings”
Release Date: August 6
Price: $215
Jordan Brand’s Wings initiative puts a creative spin on the Air Jordan 13 with a distressed black upper and tear-away detailing that reveals another design underneath. That transformation element gives buyers the option to keep the shoe clean or gradually create a more personalized pair through wear.
Air Jordan 6 “Oreo”
Release Date: August 8
Price: $215
The Air Jordan 6 “Oreo” is receiving its first retro release since debuting in 2010. Its white leather upper, black accents and speckled detailing make it one of those simple colorways that can work throughout the summer and well into the colder months.
Air Jordan 17 Low “Black Patent”
Release Date: August 8
Price: $245
Jordan Brand continues showing love to its less frequently retroed models with the return of the Air Jordan 17 Low. The glossy black patent leather and metallic silver details give this Wizards-era silhouette the appearance of a luxury dress shoe redesigned for the basketball court.
Free The Youth x Air Jordan 16
Release Date: August 15
Price: $255
Ghanaian streetwear collective Free The Youth is bringing new energy to the Air Jordan 16 with metallic silver uppers, bright orange and green accents and removable gaiters. The collaboration will receive an early Free The Youth release on August 1 before its wider launch through Nike and additional retailers on August 15.
Reebok G-Unit G6
Release Date: August 20
Price: $130
One of Hip-Hop’s most memorable signature sneakers is officially coming back. The Reebok G-Unit G6 returns in its familiar white, red and blue colorway, giving longtime 50 Cent fans a chance to revisit the early-2000s era while introducing the shoe to an entirely new generation.
Air Jordan 3 “Laser”
Release Date: August 22
Price: $230
Inspired by a one-of-one pair centered for Michael Jordan’s 40th birthday in 2003, the Air Jordan 3 “Laser” features detailed artwork etched across its upper. The neutral Phantom and Palomino foundation allows the laser graphics and University Red accents to do most of the talking.
Air Jordan 9 “Space Jam”
Release Date: August 29
Price: $215
The Air Jordan 9 associated with Michael Jordan’s appearance in the original Space Jam is returning for the film’s 30th anniversary. Its white leather, black mudguard, and red Jumpman branding deliver a familiar OG-style look that should appeal to Jordan collectors and movie fans alike.
As always, sneaker release dates can move with little warning, particularly for collaborations and limited launches. Still, between the “Flint” 13s, Pharrell’s latest Jellyfish, the G-Unit revival and several other premium Jordan retros, August is shaping up to be one of the busiest sneaker months of the summer.
