The Best SNKRS Day Releases | A Trip Down Memory Lane

Nike SNKRS Day is just around the corner, and so are the exclusive releases that arrive alongside it. In this article, we’ll take a stroll down memory lane and look at the best drops from the last 3 years of the celebration. Get ready to indulge in the crème de la crème of SNKRS Day releases, paving the way for every sneaker connoisseur’s favourite holiday.

The first Nike SNKRS Day took place back on 8th August 2017, exclusively available to Europe and Asia. The event debuted as an extension of the Nike SNKRS app; a platform that allows sneakerheads to stay ahead of drops, connect with the community and gain inspiration. And what better way to connect a community of footwear lovers than with a selection of fire releases every year? 2022 saw the likes of a special SNKRS Day Air Force 1 and vibrant Air Jordan 4 ‘Canyon Purple’, whilst 2021 brought special leopard print patterning to the Air Huarache and AJ1 Low. Nike loves to treat us to a few surprises along the way, like last year’s Air Jordan 1 High OG ‘Yellow Taxi’, so it’s always best to expect the unexpected. Who knows what the Swoosh powerhouse will pull out this year!

2020 – Nike Air Max 1 SNKRS Day Brown

SNKRS Day 2020 brought a warm-toned Nike Air Max 1 to the table, dressed in an array of brown hues. This delicious blend of warm brown shades sets the tone for the perfect pair of autumnal sneakers, sat atop a perforated light beige base. The midfoot dons golden brown leather overlays, highlighting a dark chocolate Swoosh and split mudguard. What makes this sneaker special is how autumnally-coded it feels, reminding us of fallen leaves on the pavement. The front sector of the mudguard takes on an even more chocolatey tone – pretty apt for this delicious AM1 iteration. The silhouette is supported by a crisp white mudguard, which contrasts the faded grey laces and tongue.

2020 – Nike Air Max 1 SNKRS Day White

What’s better than one SNKRS Day Air Max 1? Two SNKRS Day Air Max 1’s! Yep – in 2020 we were graced with two special editions of the model, although they couldn’t be more different if they tried. The Nike Air Max 1 SNKRS Day White flaunts an exterior so clean that you could eat your dinner off of it. The upper flaunts a shiny opaque synthetic that feels somewhat futuristic, complemented by a light grey mudguard, laces and tongue. The outsole replicates the silvery translucent feel, separated by a solid white midsole. Both AM1’s feature an ‘8.8.20’ embossed into each heel to rightfully represent the triumphant Swoosh event. And if that wasn’t enough, insole SNKRS branding reads ‘GOT ‘EM’ – the remark probably made by those who managed to initially cop the release.

2021 – Air Jordan 1 Low SNKRS Day

If you’re down for a silhouette that’s a bit different from the norm, then you’ll appreciate the Air Jordan 1 Low SNKRS Day just as much as we do. These sneakers sport a neutral base of yellowy-beige hues, sat atop a hazy base. Of course, the elephant in the room takes shape in the leopard print Swoosh and forefoot segment, bringing a fun and lairy persona to the otherwise tame palette. A blood-red insole brings the party inside the shoe – making total sense when combined with the animal print at hand. Underfoot, a leopard insole is faintly teased through a transparent synthetic rubber. It wouldn’t be a SNKRS Day sneaker without the ‘8.8.21’ emblem having its moment, which adopts the tongue tag within this iteration. 

2021 – Nike Air Huarache SNKRS Day

You already know that Nike enjoyed the palette too much to only give it to one model.  The Nike Air Huarache SNKRS Day follows suit in the out-there department, flaunting the same wild leopard print x red palette as the AJ1 Low. The Tinker Hatfield classic utilises a shiny black base to make these bold colours pop – not that they really need it. The vibrant print takes centre stage on the midfoot overlays as an electric red sits towards the back of the shoe. The red hue is also highlighted within the tongue and insole branding, grounded by a modest pale yellow that’s not so attention seeking. The SNKRS Day date sits in black on the medial sidewall, reminding us of the cause that brings us this stand-out shoe. 

2022 – Nike Air Force 1 Low SNKRS Day 5th Anniversary

The Nike Air Force 1, also known as one of Nike’s most rated models to date, has seen a tonne of iterations since its debut in 1982. It’s no surprise that for the fifth anniversary of the innovative SNKRS app, the Oregon-based retailers had a special vision for the SNKRS Day iteration. The Nike Air Force 1 Low SNKRS Day 5th Anniversary flaunts a classy silhouette built from woven panelling. Indulging in a palette of crisp sail and chocolate brown hues, this rendition of the classic AF1 is extremely difficult to dislike. A wooden dubrae adorns the front of the laces, paying homage to the momentous occasion with engraved roman numerals. The tribute doesn’t end there though, with the sleek kicks also arriving with a wooden hang tag reading ‘SNKRS 8 8 22’. An iteration for the books, if we do say so ourselves.

2022 – Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Yellow Taxi

Causing havoc as a surprise drop last year, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Yellow Taxi is one of our personal favourites out of all previous SNKRS Day drops. Showing off a colour scheme that’s great for both summer and autumn, this high-top iteration features a fully-leather composition that’s sure to turn heads. The yellow ‘Taxi’ shade takes our minds straight to the bustling streets of New York, represented within the toebox, rear overlays, insole and outside. Classic colour blocking never goes amiss within the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG model, and this iteration is no different. Not an inch of SNKRS Day branding sits on the model, but don’t worry, you don’t need the stamp of approval to prove that these kicks are cold. 

2023 – You decide!

If you haven’t already, check out our round-up of this year’s SNKRS Day Releases 2023. With a line-up of absolute heat including the Nike Dunk Low Vintage ‘Navy’ and Nike Air Jordan 1 Low ‘Sashiko’, we might have to let this roster marinate before we can pick our favourites.

SNKRS Day 2023 is this upcoming Saturday, the 9th September. Check out our SNKRS Day ‘23 article for everything you need to know about the event, and stay in the loop via our socials @thedropdate. We can’t wait to see you there!