After releasing “Sneaker Law V1” in September 2020, the legal expert duo returned four years later with “Sneaker Law V2.” These books, which are widely regarded as go-to resources for both current and prospective industry professionals, are available now wherever books are sold.

“Sneaker Law V2” released on Sept. 10 and retails for $150.

Aside from being authors and sneaker aficionados, the resume’s of both Anand and Goldstein should offer any reader confidence that they are trusted legal sources.

Goldstein, for instance, is an adjunct professor at several law schools, including the University of Miami and Georgia State University, in addition to his role as a guest lecturer at Harvard and the Parsons School of Design.

As for Anand, he currently is the director of client relations at Jayaram Law, and formerly was the general counsel at Yeezy. And like Goldstein, Anand is also a guest lecturer at Harvard and the Parsons School of Design, as well as an adjunct professor at the University of Miami and Georgia State University.

Here, Anand and Goldstein offer insights into the making of “Sneaker Law V2” with FN and takeaways since its release.

On What They Learned Writing ‘Sneaker Law V2’

Kenneth Anand: “Writing Sneaker Law V2 was a reflection of how much the sneaker industry has evolved since our first book released in 2021. We learned the importance of staying agile and responsive to new trends, from sustainability and the rise of direct-to-consumer brands to legal challenges like intellectual property battles and emerging tech like NFTs and the metaverse. It pushed us to dig deeper into the intersections of law, business and culture to ensure the book remained not only relevant but a step ahead.”

On How They Improved From V1 to V2

Jared Goldstein: “‘Sneaker Law V1’ was like our debut mixtape or album. As groundbreaking and successful Sneaker Law V1 was, we knew that our best work was ahead of us. With V1, there were areas that we wanted to dive in deeper on and content we realized we were missing. When writing ‘Sneaker Law V2,’ we left no stone unturned. We hit you from every possible angle and created an all-encompassing encyclopedia for the sneaker business. V2 is twice the size of V1. It’s a beast.”

On the Talents They Uncovered Writing ‘Sneaker Law V2’ That They Didn’t Realize They Had

JG: “Sneaker Law is independently published. We decided early on that we wanted complete ownership of our business and books. It would be hypocritical to teach about entrepreneurship while handing our books off to a publisher and letting them handle everything. As a result, outside of writing the book, we had to select and clear all of the images (there are over 1,000 images in V2), design the cover and interior, find and work with an editor, source a manufacturer, handle marketing and distribution, interface with wholesalers and retailers and much more. Kenenth and I can now write a book about what it takes to publish a book.”

On What They Would Like to Accomplish After Seeing the Success of ‘Sneaker Law V2’

KA: “The overwhelming success of ‘Sneaker Law V2’ has reaffirmed our belief that there’s a real demand for accessible legal and business education tailored to creatives and entrepreneurs. We hope this book inspires educators to integrate unconventional topics like ours into their curriculums, breaking the mold of traditional education. Beyond that, we want to continue empowering individuals — whether it’s through universities, high schools, or community programs — to turn their passions into sustainable careers. Expanding our reach to underserved communities and introducing this knowledge to a broader audience is also a key priority. We’ve got some exciting initiatives in the works that are focused on reaching the students that can’t get into Harvard, Yale, Parsons or anywhere else Sneaker Law has been taught.”

On the Support They Have Received

JG: “The support we’ve received has been incredible. From entrepreneurs starting their own businesses who used Sneaker Law as their guide to seasoned and jaded lawyers getting inspired that they can have fun in their profession again to sneakerheads raving about the book, Sneaker Law has impacted so many people. This was on full display during our ‘Sneaker Law V2’ launch party. Friends, family and supporters came out in droves to celebrate V2. We had law school professors mixing and mingling with superstars like Kid Cudi. Where else can you find that? And that’s really the essence of Sneaker Law. We are converging different cultures and disciplines through one common bond — sneakers.”

On Why People Should Buy ‘Sneaker Law V2’

KA: “It’s simply the greatest sneaker book of all time. Never has there been one book that contains this wealth of knowledge and information, all presented in a relatable and visually engaging way. Beyond sneakers, reading this book is like getting a mini law and business degree; there’s so many gems in there for the aspiring entrepreneur, designer, lawyer, or general enthusiast. We could have easily doubled the price of this book like most legal textbooks, but we’ve done everything we can to keep the cost down while delivering a premium product. We’re really proud of V2 and we know our readers are benefiting from the work we put into it.”

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

Coming off the heels of its successful “Small Wins Add Up” Gel-Kayano 20 release in September, the retailer has once again teamed up with Asics to give the aforementioned silhouette another new look. According to Bodega, the retailer got the go-ahead to drop “a small run” of the Gel-Kayano 20 in an alternate colorway that was “initially workshopped during the design phase” of the previous release.

The result is the Bodega x Asics Gel-Kayano 20 “Friends & Family.”

The mixed-material uppers were executed in brown and beige hues, and several green tones were used throughout, including neon green on the collars and laces and a forrest green in the Gel cushioning technology. Hits of blue also appear throughout.

What’s more, this collaboration comes with both a bag of Vietnamese coffee from Nguyen Coffee Supply and a custom Stanley Camp Mug. “Here’s to brewing up success in small batches, which in our opinion is what our time on this spherical track is all about,” Bodega said in a statement.

The Bodega x Asics Gel-Kayano 20 “Friends & Family” arrives Dec. 27 at 12 p.m. ET via Bdgastore.com. It retails for $180.

And if you’re still interested in picking up a pair of the Bodega x Asics Gel-Kayano 20 “Small Wins Add Up” collaboration, they can be found on the secondary market. For instance, StockX has pairs available now ranging in price from $105 to $290.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

The latest iteration of the Kai 1 Speed is “Pass the Torch,” a look Anta described as being inspired by the athlete’s “pivotal moment of triumph over his father, Dred, in a one-on-one game.” What’s more, Anta stated the “Pass the Torch” shoe “symbolizes the passing of the torch from one generation to the next, celebrating hard work, perseverance and the unbreakable bond of family.”

“This drop isn’t just about the shoe — it’s about the moments that define us and the people who shape us,” Irving said in a statement. “‘Pass the Torch’ is a tribute to my father and all the lessons he’s passed down. It’s an honor to share this story with the world through the Kai 1.”

To execute this theme, Anta created gray speckled uppers, which the brand said is a nod to “the textured pavement of the Irving family’s driveway.” Also, the shoe features hits of red, yellow and orange throughout, according to Anta, to “evoke the image of a torch’s flame, embodying the fiery passion, energy and competitive spirit that have fueled Kyrie’s journey.” What’s more, the brand stated the colors also reflect “the theme of passing the torch, representing the transmission of wisdom, perseverance and inspiration from one generation to the next.”

In terms of tech, the Kai 1 Speed is built with breathable mesh uppers, anti-slip rubber outsoles, padded mesh heel counters, the brand’s responsive full-palm nitrogen midsoles and lateral TPU support.

The Anta Kai 1 Speed “Pass the Torch” is available via Anta.com and Footlocker.com, as well as Foot Locker stores in the U.S., Europe and Canada. Retail price is $125.

After weeks of speculation, Anta confirmed in July 2023 that it had signed Irving, who was previously a Nike signature athlete. At the time of the announcement, Anta stated Irving would not only have a signature product line, but the athlete would also serve as its chief creative officer of basketball.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

Both longtime market-leading brands and rising stars alike delivered hit after hit in 2024, tapping talent that included music megastars, influential retailers, high fashion standouts and more to provide newness to the marketplace.

The list, which was selected by FN’s sneaker editors, was curated with execution, storytelling and reception in mind. Several of the looks either instantly sold out at retail or had a price premium on the resale market.

With the year coming to a close, in no order, here are 26 of the hottest sneaker collaborations — 24 for 2024 and a couple more for good measure.

Nike and Togethxr — the media and commerce company founded by Alex Morgan, Chloe Kim, Simone Manuel and Sue Bird — a special edition of the G.T. Cut 3 basketball shoe. Both UConn Women’s Basketball and USC Women’s Basketball revealed team-inspired colorways of the shoe on their respective social media channels.

The highlight of the special edition G.T. Cut 3 is the appearance of Togethxr’s trademark “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports” phrase at the heel.

In a statement, the Swoosh said “this collaboration continues to exemplify Nike’s commitment to growing the women’s game through innovation while making it better for the next generation.”

Though an image of the shoes have surfaced, release information has not been revealed.

In terms of tech, the G.T. Cut 3 features full-length ZoomX foam cushioning underfoot, which was added to offer more bounce into the shoe. Nike paired the ZoomX foam with a foam midsole to help the wearer “stay fresh for 4 quarters.”

UConn was ranked No. 4 in the country entering Saturday’s game, with a 9-1 record. USC was ranked No. 7 with a record of 10-1. The matchup, which is taking place at the XL Center in Connecticut, can be watched live via Fox.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

Ronnie Fieg revealed his first three-way collaborative effort with Adidas Originals and Clarks Originals in March 2023 to much fanfare. More than a year later, the Kith leader is still producing can’t-miss footwear with the brands.

Arriving before month’s end his latest 8th Street installment, which features snakeskin executions alongside Adidas Originals and Clarks Originals to three shoes: the Gazelle, the AS350 and the BW Army.

For the collaboration, each shoe was executed using Clarks’ signature suede and nubuck, which is paired with snakeskin on Adidas’ standout Three Stripes and heel tabs. The trio opted for a custom off-white hue, and all of the looks feature Clarks’ crepe outsoles.

To mark the collaborative effort, debossed tri-branding was added to the tongues. The tri-branding is also debossed on the tonal leather sockliners. They also include custom fobs and come in special packaging.

A drawing for a shot at purchasing 8th Street by Ronnie Fieg for Adidas Originals and Clarks Originals range for winter 2024 is open now via the Kith App. Also, the shoes will be available in limited quantities starting Dec. 23 at the Kith stores, as well as online at 11 a.m. ET via Kith.com, CA.Kith.com and EU.Kith.com. They will also be available on the Kith App.

Fieg took his love of Clarks Originals to the next level in March 2021 when he revealed 8th Street, a label within the brand that feature original silhouettes of his design. He launched 8th Street with two silhouettes, the Lockhill and the Sandford.

“8th Street is where it all started for me. If you ask anyone over the age of 35 who lived in the city, that was the epicenter of footwear in New York, maybe even the world,” Fieg told FN. “It was a very influential block where people automatically knew to go when they wanted to see the newest footwear that was offered. And it wasn’t necessarily something that they shopped for that they knew they wanted. It’s where they went to see new things. There was no social media, so you would have to go in person and ask, ‘Hey, what’s new?’ It’s such a f**king crazy thing to think about today.”

Shop adidas Originals

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About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

Jalen Hurts wore mismatched Air Jordan 11 cleats when the quarterback led his Philadelphia Eagles to victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-13 on Dec. 15. His footwear reportedly landed him a $5,628 for violating the NFL’s uniform and equipment rules.

According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, Hurts was fined “for wearing a shoe color that’s not one of the Eagles’ ‘Constitutional team colors.'” On Twitter (X), Pelissero quoted the league’s rulebook, which stated, “A player may wear shoes that are black, white, or any Constitutional team color, or any combination of black, white, and a Constitutional team color.”

On Friday, Jordan Brand — which has backed Hurts since August 2023 — confirmed it will pay the fine. The brand also provided a photo of the letter confirming the fine.

“We’re paying the fine. You can’t ban greatness,” Jordan Brand said in a emailed statement.

A fine of this nature is a familiar one to those who love sneakers. In 1984, the NBA sent a letter to Nike in February 1985 that stated Michael Jordan’s black-and-red shoes worn “on or around October 18, 1984” violated the league’s dress code rules. The story that has been shared for decades, which has never been confirmed with concrete evidence, is that Nike paid a $5,000 fine every time Jordan wore the shoes. This led to Nike’s brilliant marketing campaign promoting the Air Jordan 1 that has stood the test of time. (Though the campaign promoted the Air Jordan 1, the shoes MJ would have worn at the time of the violation was the Nike Air Ship.)

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

The brand announced that the relationship with Dauwalter, who has been sponsored by Salomon since 2017, has been renewed for an additional 5 years, until 2029.

What’s more, Salomon stated Dauwalter will continue racing “until she feels that she has reached the end of her competitive career” and will then transition to a new role as a full-time employee “focused on athlete mentoring, product development and marketing.”

“In 2017, the Salomon U.S. team took a chance on me and added me as an ambassador. They sent a box with some pairs of shoes and a few running outfits. They told me they believed in me and had no problem when I asked for my shorts to come from the men’s line. I was over the moon,” Dauwalter said in a statement. “Walking down memory lane, that same year I ran the Moab 240. Who knew it would be the start of such a special relationship.”

She continued, “I’m so thankful that what we started seven years ago is still rolling and growing. Excited to continue this party, stay tuned for some cool stuff we’re working on together.”

Dauwalter is quite accomplished in her legendary career, including becoming the first runner ever, male or female, to win the Western States, Hardrock and UTMB in a single season in 2023. She also holds the women’s course records for the Hardrock 100, Mount Fuji 100 and the Western States 100.

Salomon confirmed Dauwalter in 2025 will compete in three races: Cocodona 250 (May), Lavaredo 120K (June) and UTMB (August).

Also in 2025, Salomon confirmed it will release a new “Shortney” collection, which the brand and Dauwalter began in 2022, which will include a limited-edition S/Lab Genesis shoe.

“She is a constant source of inspiration to our product and marketing teams, contributing to unique apparel and footwear collaborations. She is also a role model to our running athletes who look up to her for her achievements, amazing mindset of perseverance and her kindness,” Salomon global chief brand officer Scott Mellin said in a statement. “We are delighted to continue working with her in the future and thrilled to see what more she can bring to Salomon, and in turn how she develops in the next phase of life as a professional within Salomon.”

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

The footwear brand’s newest store is located on High Street Na Příkopě, the city’s main shopping area, which Skechers said in a statement is a boulevard that is visited by 120,000 people daily. With this new addition, Skechers now has eight retail locations in the Czech Republic.

“Skechers has universally become the brand that consumers look to for style, comfort and value, everywhere they live or travel,” Skechers president Michael Greenberg said in a statement. “We have had great success expanding our business across Europe, most recently increasing our third quarter 2024 EMEA sales by 30 percent over last year — and see our growing consumer presence in the Czech Republic as an opportunity to build on our strong momentum in the region.”

The store spans 596 meters (approximately 1,955 square feet), and inside, Skechers added both natural and LED lights that it explained were designed with renewable EU-manufactured biopolymer materials. The company described the store as a “mid-century modern space” that includes a large video wall and wraparound lightbox column above a custom feature table, with a modern light fixture integrated above.

In terms of products, the store prominently features the brand’s lifestyle footwear collections for men, women and kids, as well as dedicated walls for Skechers Performance shoes. There are also sections for apparel and accessories.

“Skechers retail destinations are paramount to connecting our signature styles and comfort technologies with millions of consumers. They offer living galleries of our diverse product offering, and it’s a visceral experience to walk in, hold and try on styles for every age,” Skechers CEE general manager Petar Dulić said in a statement. “With this central retail store between Old Town and New Town Prague, we offer more accessibility and convenience than ever to locals and tourists.”

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

On Thursday, Reebok and the WNBA announced a multiyear partnership, with the athletic brand becoming an authorized footwear supplier for the league.

“It’s an exciting time for Reebok, the WNBA and the game of basketball overall,” Reebok Basketball president Shaquille O’Neal said in a statement. “Reebok has always been committed to supporting the growth of the sport, and now with a strong plan, the right resources and the welcoming arms of the WNBA, we’re ready to dive in headfirst with everything from product to players and more.”

In an email to FN, Reebok confirmed that this is kicking off a strategic partnership with the WNBA for future activation and marketing opportunities, in addition to now being able to outfit its athletes in Reebok footwear on court without restrictions.

Reebok has increased its efforts in basketball as of late, starting with naming O’Neal president of Reebok Basketball and Allen Iverson as vice president in October 2023. However, its most notable move in the sport was the signing of Angel Reese — the 2024 FNAA Style Influencer of the Year — in October 2023.

Reebok has empowered Reese to explore her more fashionable side, most notably with her Reebok by Angel collection in August, and tapped her to reveal a new performance shoe, the Engine A, also in August. What’s more, Reebok will release Reese’s first-ever signature shoe in 2026.

Aside from Reese, Lexie Brown of the Los Angeles Sparks has also been a longtime ambassador of the brand.

“Reebok has been such an amazing partner and advocate for women in sport,” Reese said in a statement. “As strong female athletes, we can use our platform to set an example for young players coming up in the sport. I’m happy to see the WNBA and Reebok supporting one another because I know that together we’re so much stronger and our reach is so much further.”

Though Reebok is the latest brand to do a deal with the WNBA, it’s not the only athletic powerhouse aligned with the league.

For instance, Nike announced a contract extension in October with the WNBA, as well as the NBA and the NBA G League, to become the official apparel and uniform provider through 2037. The 12-year extension, Nike confirmed in a statement, includes merchandising, outfitting, marketing and content partnerships. It also includes a new joint membership program for fans across the leagues and an investment in programs to make basketball and athletics more accessible to youth of all backgrounds.

And in July, New Balance and the WNBA announced a multiyear agreement aimed “at elevating women’s sports and inspiring the next generation of fans and athletes alike.” Not only did New Balance become an official partner of the WNBA, but New Balance confirmed it will create broadcast, digital and retail content as part of the deal that features Cameron Brink, one of the stars of the 2024 WNBA draft class. The statement further explained that the partnership will allow for Brink to “continue empowering young athletes to fearlessly overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams, both in basketball and in life.”

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.