Jason Derulo’s Top Picks

Last week, global superstar Jason Derulo dropped into our flagship Covent Garden store for the latest episode of Shopping For Sneakers while carrying out his latest venture: Project Icon. 

Discussing everything from playing basketball, being the king of TikTok and more, Derulo shut down the store with massive crowds outside clambering for a chance at getting to see him walking the floor. 

The most important point, however, is the sneakers. Below is a breakdown of some of the kicks JD walked out with:

Air Jordan 11 ‘Bred’, 1996 - What many deem the greatest Jordan colourway, the Air Jordan 11 ‘Bred’ is undoubtedly a classic. At the time of its original release in 1996, the shoe had already taken flight with the audience immediately gravitating to the silhouette upon its debut in 1995. 

Featuring a perfect example of classic colour blocking, the Air Jordan 11 ‘Bred’ consists of a primarily black upper, sitting atop a clean white midsole leading into the bold red semi-translucent outsole complete with a herringbone shank plate sitting under the midfoot. 

While we’ve become accustomed to the annual Air Jordan 11 release, few can top the classic ‘Bred’. 

Air Jordan 1 ‘Shattered Backboard 3.0’, 2019 - A lineage that has kept a classic sneaker story alive for generations. The Air Jordan 1 ‘Shattered Backboard’ is the perfect example of how a shoe can tell a story as well as signify a moment in time. The moment in question - the 25th of August 1985 when Jordan was playing an exhibition game between Stefanel Trieste and Juve Caserta in Trieste, Italy. Wearing the Trieste orange and white kit with his classic Air Jordan 1 ‘Chicago’s’, which recently saw its incredibly anticipated return this year, the GOAT was on form scoring 30 points.

However, it was a particularly explosive dunk that garnered the headlines with MJ flying through the air, going onto the smash the basketball through the hoop, and smashing the glass backboard in the process. 

30 years later, the OG Air Jordan 1 ‘Shattered Backboard’ arrived. Taking the ‘Black Toe’ Jordan 1 aesthetic, replacing the red panels with bold orange. During a time in which sneaker exclusivity wasn’t felt as much as it is today, and reselling was largely kept on the down-low, the Shattered Backboard’s release saw early inklings of what was to come. Extremely limited quantities in addition to high-quality materials resulted in the sneaker becoming incredibly sought after, selling out in minutes and instantly arriving on the resale market for at least $500. 

Since its release, the ‘Shattered Backboard’ colourway has been referenced in follow-up Air Jordan 1 releases in addition to other silhouettes including the Air Jordan 5 in 2021. The 2019 variant of the Shattered Backboard ensure’s the story remains alive with a black and orange patent leather upper sitting atop an aged midsole. 

Air Jordan 4 OG ‘Fire Red’, 1989 - Sometimes, it just doesn’t get better than an OG colourway. The original set of Air Jordan 4’s are the perfect example of this rule. Hot off the heels of the widely acclaimed Air Jordan 3, which many credit Tinker Hatfield with for saving the Air Jordan lineage following the lacklustre 2’s, the Air Jordan 4 gave Jordan Brand the wings it needed to fly - literally. 

One of the key silhouettes to grace the hardwood court, the Air Jordan 4 put the idea of performance into focus with an overall lighter construction featuring a synthetic leather Durabuck upper encapsulating a set of mesh panelling to provide additional breathability. 

While the AJ4 has been host to several incredible collaborations including KAWS, Union LA and UNDEFEATED, nothing tops the original colourways. 

OFF-White x Nike Air Force 1 ‘Volt’, 2018 - In 2017, Nike and OFF-White joined forces to curate what is widely considered to be one of the greatest collaborations of all time - The Ten. What started as 10 silhouettes, including the Air Jordan 1, Air Presto and Air Force 1, elevated both parties to a new realm. Soon after its debut, further OFF-White x Nike projects arrived including the Air Force 1 ‘Volt’.

While it’s not a part of the coveted museum collection, the Volt is certainly an eye-catching colourway that continues to present the versatility of the Air Force 1.

Nike Dunk Low UNLV, 2021 - Before the Air Jordan 1, came the Nike Dunk. Designed by Peter Moore, who was also the creative mind behind the AJ1, the Nike Dunk has stood the test of time, transcending generations.

Featured in the original ‘Be True To Your School’ pack, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Dunk featured simple, yet effective, colour blocking. Over 2019, the Dunk’s return was heavily felt with a myriad of collaborations and OG retroes in addition to a slew of new colourways with the reimagining of the Be True To Your School pack being a particular highlight. 

 

Air Jordan 11 ‘Cherry’, 2022 - The annual Air Jordan 11 release is one that every sneakerhead looks forward to regardless of your standing on the silhouette. While last year we were treated to the return of the ‘Cool Grey’, one of if not the best of all time, 2022 sees the return of the 2016 ‘Cherry’ rendition. Originally released in a low-top variant, the AJ11 ‘Cherry’ is certainly a contender for the top ten sneakers of the year. 

Bold patent leather wraps around the midfoot matching the Jumpman on the heel and sock liner. Finished off with a semi-translucent outsole, the Air Jordan 11 ‘Cherry’ is the perfect release for any Jordan 11 fan.

Nike Dunk High ‘Panda’, 2021 - What is there to say about the Nike Dunk ‘Panda’ that hasn’t already been said? Love them or hate them, the minimal colour combination has become “the new Air Force 1”. In many ways, the Black and White Nike Dunk could be considered one of the best sneakers of our generation. Its simplicity doesn’t take away from its impact as well as the fact that it doesn’t need a cosign or collaboration to remain popular. 

If you haven’t watched the latest episode of Shopping For Sneakers with Jason Derulo, you can watch it here. 

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