What a week it has been. The Ever Given is finally free from its unfortunate six-day grounding in the Suez Canal—an incident that has spawned a smorgasbord of memes—and another rapper is accused of adding to the moral decay of society. This time, it's Lil Nas X that has split social media over his latest music video that involves a scene of him giving 'Satan' a lap dance. And to market his single, Lil Nas X has also released a pair of customised Nikes dubbed 'Satan Shoes'.
On Cop the Drop this week, we take a look at all the hype and backlash surrounding the much-discussed Satan Shoes, released in collaboration between American art collective MSCHF and rapper Lil Nas X. It's quite literally bloody, individually numbered in a limited-edition release of 666 pairs, and is topped off with a pentagram charm on each side.
As always, we'll be breaking down our recommendations of whether the sneaker is a worthy investment (or not). It's not all fun and games, after all.
Ready? Let's get into it then.
Commodity: MSCHF x Lil Nas X Satan shoes
Let's get into the core of things: there is blood involved in the creation of the MSCHF x Lil Nas X Satan Shoes. The sneaker is essentially a MSCHF-customised version of the Nike Air Max 97, and part of the reason that it's been getting a ton of backlash is the fact that each Air unit has been filled with 60cc of red ink and a drop of blood. The New York Times reported (based on an email conversation with one of MSCHF's founders, Daniel Greenberg) that six of the art collective's workers offered up their blood for the project. With there being only 666 pairs of the Satan Shoes in production, that works out to 1,332 drops of blood in total. And if we assume that each worker offered up an equal share, that's 222 drops of blood from each of them for the entire production line.
Aside from the 'blood sacrifice', the sneaker is riddled with other symbols linked to religious or satanic iconographies. The first is the obvious 666 emblazoned right near the heel, both a representation of the number of pairs available as well as what's often regarded as the 'Devil's number'. The pull tab at the tongue is printed with an inverted cross, while a bronze pentagram charm is front and centre and inscribed with 'I SAW SATAN' and 'MSCHF X LIL NAS X'.
And finally, the mudguard is tagged with 'LUKE 10:18' that refers to a verse from the 10th chapter of Luke's Gospel in the New Testament: "He replied, 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." If you have yet to watch Lil Nas X's music video for 'Montero (Call Me By Your Name)', the verse itself is a reference to the rapper sliding down a very long pole to hell; not quite like lightning but it was rather fast.
It needs to be said though, that like most customised sneakers out there, the Satan Shoes have nothing to do with Nike. They may have been modified from the Air Max 97s, but Nike and MSCHF have both made it clear that the former has no involvement in the project. In fact, Nike has released a statement saying: "We do not have a relationship with Little Nas X or MSCHF. Nike did not design or release these shoes, and we do not endorse them." The sports giant has also sued MSCHF in US District Court over the Satan Shoes.
But perhaps ironically, MSCHF's previously released Jesus Shoes that were also customised Air Max 97s and contained holy water, didn't prompt a lawsuit.
Where: MSCHF
When: 29 March 2021
How: Raffle
Retail: SGD1,371
Price of the MSCHF x Lil Nas X Satan shoes on the resale market in the last 7 days: At the time of publication, no sign of the sneaker has been seen on StockX.
Recommendation: Do. Not. Mess. With. The. Devil.
We kid. To start with, getting a hold of a pair of the Satan Shoes at its original retail price is quite impossible at this point. They were sold out almost immediately the moment they were released, save for a pair that's still up for a raffle at the time of publication.
But if you've somehow managed to score a pair, do note that the Jesus Shoes were up for resale on StockX for about SGD5,389—easily almost four times the original retail price. Do what you will with that information because the idea of wearing a pair of sneakers with actual blood right at the soles, isn't really our thing. But hey, to each their own.
We do have to applaud Lil Nas X for the marketing push behind his latest single though. A bit mad perhaps, but you can't negate all the publicity (both negative and positive) he's getting for it.
Previous drops…
We mentioned last week that 2021 is hitting us with more collaborations than ever before. Or at least, that's what it seems like. Perhaps it's because of all the planned releases that got pushed back in 2020 because of the dreaded pandemic. But we're not one to complain, especially when the collaborations so far have proven to be quite noteworthy ones.
On Cop the Drop this week, we take a look at three collaborations to set your sights on this week. First up, is a new colourway for adidas YEEZY, followed by a fresh release between Nike and the incredibly talented Kim Jones. And lastly, the second drop of a massive collaboration between adidas and Pharrell Williams.
As always, we'll be breaking down our recommendations of whether each sneaker is a worthy investment (or not). It's not all fun and games, after all.
Ready? Let's get into it then.
Commodity: adidas YEEZY QNTM 'Sea Teal'
March 2021 is set to be glorious (depends on how one looks at it) for YEEZY fans. The calendar is packed with releases and this week, the YEEZY QNTM is set to drop in 'Sea Teal'. There's inherently nothing exceptionally different with respect to the silhouette for this colourway—the black ankle collar, heel counter, throat and laces remain, as do the iconic streaks. But this time, teal is infused into the knit upper for a slight refresh.
Where: adidas
When: 19 March 2021
How: Add to cart
Retail: SGD400
Price of the adidas YEEZY QNTM 'Sea Teal' on the resale market in the last 7 days: Peaking at SGD469 with a low of SGD261. The average sale price is SGD343.
Recommendation: Hold and observe.
We do most of the time recommend that YEEZYs should be immediately flipped. But based on the initial resale trend on StockX, we'd recommend being cautious with this particular release. It could be that because the number of YEEZY drops this month is beyond the norm that fans have already had their fix (and let's be honest, they're not always great drops). So watch this closely and you'd have a better sense on launch day.
Commodity: Nike Air Max 95 x Kim Jones 'Total Orange'
It feels like it's been a while since we've had a Kim Jones-directed sneaker collaboration. Taking a slight break from his Dior Men and Fendi duties, Jones has collaborated with Nike on a pair of Air Max 95, said to be his favourite silhouette. The limited-edition sneaker is based on a combination of tech and design, with reworked elements such a mini Swoosh at the toe cap and a perforated upper. There are two colours that will be available for this drop. The 'Total Orange' you see here is available globally, while the 'Volt' variation will see a UK-only release.
Where: Nike
When: 19 March 2021
How: Add to cart
Retail: SGD299
Price of the Nike Air Max 95 x Kim Jones 'Total Orange' on the resale market in the last 7 days: Peaking at SGD482 with a low of SGD318. The average sale price is SGD362.
Recommendation: Short it.
Scoring the UK-only exclusive would no doubt make for a better investment, but since we're unable to do so without a proxy, we reckon that the 'Total Orange' colourway would still fare pretty well on the resale market. Initial resale prices seem to be very promising and once the sneaker officially drops, expect them to increase.
Commodity: adidas Pharrell Williams Hu NMD
The second drop of the 'Triple Black' collection between adidas and Pharrell Williams is upon us. Poised to join the 14 other sneakers that have already been released back in December, is the second drop's NMD Hu, arguably the more popular of the lot. Like the rest of the 'Triple Black' collection, the sneaker is bathed completely in black, save for the words 'Breathe' and 'Thoughts' (done in a reflective treatment) that run across the throat on each side.
Where: adidas
When: 19 March 2021
How: Add to cart
Retail: SGD340
Price of the adidas Pharrell Williams Hu NMD on the resale market in the last 7 days: Peaking at SGD537 with a low of SGD270. The average sale price is SGD345.
Recommendation: Go long.
As it stands, the resale price is floating at around SGD345, which is an abysmal amount but is somewhat encouraging seeing how it hasn't been officially released yet. NMDs have arguably been adidas' most popular silhouette and with a design that's super sleek, we don't see this faring terribly on the resale market.
Previous drops…
Collaborations are coming at you fast and furious in 2021. And it's only March. On the fashion front, Simone Rocha x H&M has just dropped this week, while next week will see the second consecutive +J collection released at Uniqlo. What's reassuring is that some of the best sneaker collaborations are also set to make a return as part of (somewhat) weekly sneaker releases.
On Cop the Drop this week, we take a look at three returning sneaker collaborations. First up is the always hyped-up YEEZYs, followed by spring/summer 2021's collaboration between CDG Shirt and ASICS. And last but not least, Nike's tie-up with Jordan Brand on a new colourway for its latest silhouette.
As always, we'll be breaking down our recommendations of whether each sneaker is a worthy investment (or not). It's not all fun and games, after all.
Ready? Let's get into it then.
Commodity: adidas YEEZY Boost 700 V2 'Cream'
It's been almost two years since the last adidas YEEZY Boost 700 V2 release. For a pair of YEEZYs—we're almost certain there have been releases every other month—that's quite an anomaly. But the brand's chunkiest silhouette is back with a new colourway that's reminiscent of its last 'Static' drop. Featuring a grey mesh base, the design is further enhanced with cream-coloured mudguards and tan panels for a tonal look. Then of course, there's the instantly recognisable Boost midsole for all that extra cushioning and comfort.
Where: adidas
When: 13 March 2021
How: Add to cart
Retail: SGD380
Price of the adidas YEEZY Boost 700 V2 'Cream' on the resale market in the last 7 days: Peaking at SGD893 with a low of SGD470. The average sale price is SGD555.
Recommendation: Short it.
As true of every pair of YEEZYs, the resale price has been fairly consistent—hovering around the mid-SGD500s. There's not much else to say about it other than, score one and flip it immediately.
Commodity: ASICS x CDG Shirt Tarther Sd-Alpha 'Blue'
ASICS continues its collaboration with Comme des Garçons Shirt for the spring/summer 2021 season with a silhouette that has quite a cult following in Japan. The ASICS Tarther is based off of marathon running shoes of the '80s and is reworked here brilliantly in contrasting coloured panels (speckled for a dynamic textural pairing) while retaining that sleek, running-appropriate design. It's no doubt built for performance but also has that streetwear appeal; versatility is always a plus in our books.
Where: Dover Street Market Singapore
When: 10 March 2021
How: Add to cart
Retail: SGD490
Price of the ASICS x CDG Shirt Tarther Sd-Alpha 'Blue' on the resale market in the last 7 days: At the time of publication, the ASICS x CDG Shirt Tarther Sd-Alpha 'Blue' has yet to be sold on StockX. However, the lowest asking price is SGD572.
Recommendation: Not for resale.
We're basing this recommendation on the lack of demand for the sneaker (it's also still available at DSMS at the time of publication), as well as the previous collaboration's resale trend. Profits took a dive after a while, and at even at its peak, t they were nothing to shout about. Get this because you personally like it but don't expect much (if at all) from this on the resale front.
Commodity: Jordan MA2 'Vast Grey'
The Jordan MA2 is a new silhouette for the Jordan Brand but has been well-received by Jordan and sneaker fans alike. The latest colourway offers yellow highlights on the see-through Nike Air sole unit, the heel counter, as well as along the midsole. The rest of the sneaker is done in a tonal grey treatment for a timeless aesthetic that also ties in with the 'forward-thinking' approach that the sneaker is purported to represent. It's one of Jordan Brand's more lifestyle-skewed sneakers and we're all behind this.
Where: Nike
When: 11 March 2021
How: Add to cart
Retail: SGD199
Price of the Jordan MA2 'Vast Grey' on the resale market in the last 7 days: At the time of publication, there's been no sign of the Jordan MA2 'Vast Grey' on StockX.
Recommendation: Short it.
It's completely sold out on Nike. And if that's telling you anything at all, is that if you've managed to cop a pair, you'll be sure to get a hefty sum out of it.
Previous drops…
We try very hard to be as inclusive of as many different brands here at Esquire Singapore, especially when it comes to our weekly sneaker coverage. But when it comes to sneaker drops, it's tough to avoid mentioning Nike or to even include other sneaker brands at times because they're just ahead of the game in every possible way.
On Cop the Drop this week, we're dedicating this to three Nike releases that are guaranteed to be profitable in the resale market. First up is a bold and colourful treatment that's a nod to Nike's longstanding ethos, followed by a second tease leading up to the upcoming Air Max Day. And lastly, an Air Jordan icon that one can't help but lust after.
As always, we'll be breaking down our recommendations of whether each sneaker is a worthy investment (or not). It's not all fun and games, after all.
Ready? Let's get into it then.
Commodity: Nike Dunk Low 'City Market'
There are many things about the 'City Market' colourway of Nike's Dunk Low that makes it a one-of-a-kind sneaker. The patchwork of different graphics allude to Nike's use of durable materials—we never really do (and shouldn't) throw away all those reusable bags because they always last—that has been part of the brand's history and legacy. And with quite a busy design aesthetic, the Swoosh has been rendered in a translucent material with a topstitched finish that defines that iconic motif.
Where: Nike
When: 4 March 2021
How: Add to cart
Retail: SGD159
Price of the Nike Dunk Low 'City Market' on the resale market in the last 7 days: Peaking at SGD1,082 with a low of SGD480. The average sale price is SGD634.
Recommendation: Short it.
The stats speak for themselves. The more than SGD1,000 resale price may be an anomaly, but with a low that'll still gain you at least 200 percent profit, the Dunk Low 'City Market' is one pair that's perfect for the resale market. It's quite a unique sneaker but when the profit margin is that good, what else is there to do really?
Commodity: Nike Air Max 90 SE 'Swoosh Mart'
Air Max Day is less than a month away and we're starting to see celebratory (and perhaps rather bonkers) designs that celebrate the Nike icon. This 'Swoosh Mart' iteration is said to be inspired by a Japanese convenience store essential: fried chicken. The yellow-and-white uppers may be familiar to those who frequent such stores as they resemble the packaging one would typically get together with the fried chicken. And staying true to the inspiration in such a playful way, the toe box and the surrounding collar are removable and reveal a brown suede surprise that's meant to resemble fried chicken. Brilliant.
Where: Limited Edt
When: 4 March 2021
How: Add to cart
Retail: SGD209
Price of the Nike Air Max 90 SE 'Swoosh Mart' on the resale market in the last 7 days: Peaking at SGD362 with a low of SGD266. The average sale price is SGD330.
Recommendation: Short it.
Limited Edt is getting an earlier release than most with this. And while there's still plenty of sizes available at the time of publication, we're quite certain that this novelty pair is bound to be a collector's item. We'd say short it but if you're keen on holding on to a pair because of its rather unique treatment, you probably won't be suffering any losses too.
Commodity: Air Jordan 1 'University Blue'
There's no doubt that every Air Jordan 1 release is more or less a guaranteed hot ticket. The 'University' series is arguably the most coveted, even if they've been revived multiple times over the decades. There's nothing exceptionally special about the colourway—it's pretty much true to the original—but the fact that its part of such an important milestone in the AJ1 history, it's worth every penny, sweat and tears in trying to cop one.
Where: Nike
When: 6 March 2021
How: Add to cart
Retail: SGD239
Price of the Air Jordan 1 'University Blue' on the resale market in the last 7 days: Peaking at SGD934 with a low of SGD506. The average sale price is SGD589.
Recommendation: Short it.
Not sure if you're already seeing a trend here, but every sneaker on Cop the Drop this week is worthy of the resale market and should be flipped as soon as you get a hold of one. AJ1s are pretty much guaranteed investments and this colourway especially (regardless of how many times it's been revived) is one of the most revered. So there really shouldn't be any hesitation if you're intending on making a profit: short it.
More drops:
Cop the drop: August 2020
Cop the drop: September 2020
Cop the drop: October 2020
Cop the drop: November 2020
Cop the drop: December 2020
Cop the drop: January 2021
