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On Wednesday (April 9), Donald Trump might’ve certainly committed market manipulation when he paused his ridiculous tariff policies on most of the world (those penguins on the McDonald Islands must be relieved), but unfortunately, his tariffs on China remain a full go. And naturally, that would mean higher prices on lots of everyday products including sneakers.
While many sneakerheads dread the day that they see the price tag on highly anticipated sneakers jump a few dollars, it’s now an inevitability as China responded to Trump’s 104% tariff increase on Chinese imports with an 84% increase on American imported goods of their own, along with a promise of not backing down should Trump continue to raise the tariff bar.
Now that we’re officially in a trade war with our Chinese counterparts, many a sneaker head is wondering how much more they’ll have to come out of pocket to purchase a pair of kicks from their favorite sneaker brand. And the answer isn’t one we want to hear. In a segment on CNN yesterday (April 9), Matt Priest (President and CEO of the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America) explained that a simple pair of sneakers that would retail for $150 will now shoot up to $230. Keep in mind, many popular Air Jordan and Nike silhouettes tend to cost anywhere from $190 to $220, so yeah, a general release pair of Jordans can easily be going into the $250+ range sometime soon.
That being said, if those sneakers were to be made in the USA, one pair of sneakers would be retailing for $300 – $400 as American labor is much more expensive than Chinese or Vietnamese labor; they get paid pennies on the dollar for a full day’s work for Christ’s sake.
“Luckily,” neither Nike nor Adidas or any other big sports brand is planning on opening a manufacturing facility for their products in America anytime soon (or ever actually) as it’s just not cost effective for them. Though Trump promises his tariffs will result in such scenarios for big businesses (he’s blatantly lying about that), industrial facilities and manufacturing jobs are shipped overseas to keep products “reasonably” priced for American consumers. Though it basically costs $10 to make a single pair of sneakers in China, companies will sell them in America for $100+, which is “affordable” and make their coin in the process.
What’s worse is the prospect that should Donald Trump and China come to some sort of agreement and dismiss their trade war and bring tariffs back down to where they were prior to this escalation, the higher prices of sneaker and other consumer goods may not come back down at all and remain in the $200+ range going forward. That’s just how the sneaker game goes.
Check out Matt Priest break down the sneaker science behind Trump’s idiotic tariffs below, and let us know your thoughts on the price increase in the comments section.
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Trump’s new and idiotic tariffs might’ve sent Nike’s stock spiraling down something ridiculous, but that’s not stopping them from continuing to release some much anticipated heat going forward. The next big drop is coming next week in the form of the SB Air Jordan 4 “Navy Blue.”
According to Sneaker News, the second colorway of the much beloved SB x Air Jordan 4 collaboration will see an April 15 release on Nike’s loathed SNKRS app just weeks after seeing its first drop via raffles from participating skate shops around the globe. Rumored to be only 50,000 pairs available worldwide (less on the SNKRS app after its first initial drop), the sneaker community has been eagerly waiting for their second chance to get a pair as millions of sneaker heads took L’s on the raffles the first time around.
Still, nothing is set in stone. And Nike could simply change up the release date at the last minute as they’ve been known to do.
Per Sneaker News:
Sneaker News can confirm that the Jordan 4 SB “Navy” will be available on April 15th, 2025 on SNKRS for $225. Although official release details have not yet been disclosed, it is possible that the Swoosh will employ the same procedure from the Jordan 4 SB “Pine Green” launch roughly two years ago.
Instead of the typical Draw, where users have a dedicated window of time to submit an entry, Nike could be employing an Exclusive Access Draw in which users have to meet a list of specific criteria to even have a chance at copping at retail. The criteria likely includes entering a certain number of Nike SB launches and/or minimum purchases of SB product. Again, this is not confirmed; we are merely reiterating what happened with the Pine Green SB release.
The way the SNKRS app be dishing out L’s like the point guard on your favorite team, we’re not sure how well this release will go. But best believe their will be many more losers than winners and everyone will take to social media to complain one way or another.
Regardless, we needs a pair so best believe we’ll be crossing our fingers and hoping Nike takes our money when release day comes around.
Will you be trying to cop a pair? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Now that Donald Trump has decided to accelerate America’s path to a recession and implement unnecessary tariffs on every country and penguin inhabited island outside of Russia (of course), stocks have plummeted for every single sneaker brand as they make all of their merchandise overseas.
According to Complex, the new Trump Tariffs sent Nike stock plunging 13% as both China and Vietnam were hit with huge tariffs and as any sneaker head knows, their favorite grails are made in both the aforementioned countries. Unfortunately this was before China announced retaliatory tariffs in which they clapped back at the U.S. with a 34% tariffs on U.S. imports instead of “negotiating” as the “dealmaker” known as Trump had hoped they’d do.
How this will affect Nike’s stock going forward is anyone’s guess, but already there’s word that Nike will indeed be raising the prices of their sneakers due to the new tariffs and with the kind of 2025 sneaker lineup that dreams are made of (for sneakerheads anyway), one can only wonder if heads will continue to copp or pass on highly-anticipated releases given that we’ll more than likely be in a recession by the middle of the year, if not earlier.
Per Complex:
The plunging stock prices of Nike are a direct response to Trump’s tariffs of 10 percent for all imports taking effect on April 5, with steeper tariffs on imports from select countries being imposed on April 9. For the latter, the higher tariffs include 34 percent on imports from China, 32 percent on imports from Indonesia, and 46 percent on imports from Vietnam. Nike said in an SEC filing last year that factories made roughly 50 percent of its footwear in Vietnam, 27 percent in Indonesia, and 18 percent in China.
Nike isn’t the only sportswear company being affected by the news of the tariffs. Stock prices took a huge tumble for brands like Adidas (16 percent), Crocs (15 percent), On (15 percent), Under Armour (17 percent), and others on Thursday, with percentages expected to fluctuate throughout the day.
Well, at least grocery prices are down, right? Oh wait.
Though there is word that Democratic and Republican congressmen and women are working on a bill to reiterate that only congress has the power to implement tariffs, with the way MAGA Republicans bend to their orange overlord’s every whim and demand, we’re not sure that will actually happen anytime soon.
Get ready to pay an extra $20 to $30 for your favorite Air Jordans going forward as no way Nike is going to eat the cost of Trump’s tariffs. Don’t get us started on $2300 iPhones.
But hey, at least trans men can’t play in women’s sports anymore, right? SMH.
What do y’all think about Trump’s new tariffs? Let us know in the comments section below.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost 20 years since fashion designer Prathan Poopat and his consultant friend Flavio Girolami started Common Projects as an independent footwear brand in New York City. Launched in 2004, the brand’s line of minimalist sneakers quickly gained a following among the fashion set, not to mention celebrities and musicians like Frank Ocean, Nick Jonas and Jay-Z, among others.
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Common Projects is now ubiquitous on the soles of everyone from students to entrepreneurs to athletes (Tom Brady has been seen in Common Projects sneakers on multiple occasions).
Though it’s still based in New York, Common Projects manufactures the majority of its shoes in Italy, all handcrafted from genuine leather and other premium finishes. And of course, that signature stamp of numbers remains the only visible branding on the shoes.
ORIGINAL MODEL
Common Projects Black Original Achilles Low Sneakers
But Common Projects sneakers don’t run cheap. In fact, its bestselling Original Achilles Low silhouette will still run you close to $500 on sites like SSENSE above.
Fortunately, there are a few good Common Projects alternatives that you can find online, including similar-looking pairs starting at just $129. From sustainable picks to luxe finds, here are five top-reviewed Common Projects dupes to buy right now.
TOP PICK
Cariuma OCA Low All Black Pebbled Leather
Cariuma is known for its sustainably-sourced and produced footwear collection, and one of their best new styles is this pair of black pebbled leather shoes, which offers a slightly-more casual take on the Common Projects Achilles. The Cariuma kicks feature a grippy rubber sole, organic cotton canvas lining, organic cotton laces and a biodegradable, plant-derived insole for comfort and breathability. At just $159, the OCA Low deliver the same great looks for one-third of the price of Common Projects.
MUSICIAN APPROVED
Koio Capri Triple White Sneakers
Musicians like Joe Jonas love Italian footwear brand Koio, which makes a great Common Projects alternative called the “Capri.” The stark white sneakers are handmade in Tuscany from genuine leather, then set on a minimalist white rubber sole. A super versatile pair of shoes, the look can be preppy or formal depending on how you style them. They’re not cheap at $245, but still less expensive than Common Projects, with the same amount of craftsmanship and same streamlined aesthetic.
FAN FAVORITE
Thursday Premier Low Top
Footwear brand Thursday may be best known for their boots, but they also make a great Common Projects dupe with their Premier Low Top sneaker. Made from a smooth and buttery Italian nappa leather, the shoes feature the same low profile and tonal stitching of Common Projects, but at a wallet-friendly $129 price point. They’re easy to order and get delivered on Amazon too.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Steve Madden Bondd Sneakers
$79.99
$119.99
33% off
The first time I tried on these Steve Madden sneakers at a menswear trade show in Las Vegas, I knew I had to have them in my closet. Unlike some Steve Madden sneakers, which can scream TRENDY, these ones are clean and timeless, with a surprisingly elegant aesthetic (especially in this gray suede finish). Also available in white and black, the Bondd sneakers are one of the best Common Project alternatives you can buy online, though they more than stand on their own as a pair of must-have kicks too.
ALSO CONSIDER
Clae Bradley Sneaker
From artists and models to musicians, all of our “in the know” friends own a pair of Clae Bradley sneakers. They’re some of the most comfortable shoes you’ll put on, with a cushioned insole and padded footbed that keeps things plush and light for all-day wear. Clae makes these leather sneakers sustainably too, with the LA and Paris-based company pledging to use at least 50% leather “sourced from a tannery that has achieved a Leather Working Group rating for energy use, waste production and water treatment,” per a product description.
For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard’s roundup of musician sneaker collabs and the best things to buy from Snoop Dogg’s Skechers collection.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Billboard Women in Music 2025 Dr. Martens released a new limited-edition boot in honor of the 65th anniversary of their classic […]
Jae Tips never saw himself as making a “transition” from rapper to sneaker designer. For him, music and fashion have always been intertwined — parallel worlds where influence is currency. “I feel like if you’re big in music, you’ll be big in fashion just because of how influential the voices are,” he explains. “Musicians, from the beginning of time, have always had a way of dictating trends.”
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The Bronx native started pouring more energy into fashion when he realized his brand was gaining traction — perhaps even more than his music at the time. “What if I stop putting all my finances into just music for a moment?” he recalls thinking. “Let me see what happens if, for six months, I invest in clothes, fashion, and style — see where it takes me.” That decision led him to this moment: sitting with Billboard, reflecting on the journey that brought him to a major sneaker collaboration with Saucony.
Still, music remains part of his DNA. “I think you never really retire from music — it’s always a part of you,” he says. Every move he makes, from sneaker drops to brand-building, is part of a broader plan. “It’s all just a big rollout for new music eventually. So, I think it’s always a possibility that you’ll see some new Jae Tips pop up on your timeline, on your little streaming services.”
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For his upcoming Saucony Jazz sneaker, Jae Tips introduces the theme: “I Love You But I’m Busy.” The phrase, he says, speaks to the delicate balance between ambition and personal relationships. “To me, it represents the entrepreneurial and creative lifestyle — constantly trying to figure out a work-life balance,” he explains. “Sometimes, intentions don’t always align with actions. You want to acknowledge the shoe’s place as another notch in your resume and design history, but it also marks a real turning point— one that involves making difficult decisions about the people you love and the things you love.”
Jae Tips x Saucony
Jordan Keyser
The inspiration behind the sneaker taps into this idea of emotional distance in the pursuit of success. “The soundtrack for this shoe, to me, is ‘Welcome to Heartbreak’ by Kanye West,” he says. “It reflects how you can become out of touch with reality while everyone else remains in the same place you left them.”
Jae Tips’ approach to sneaker design is deeply rooted in his past work in headwear. “The design process began a few years ago when I made a hat inspired by a Mickey Mouse, Disney and Ralph Lauren collaboration with the NFL,” he recalls. “I remade a Yankee hat using those same colorways. Many people who have followed my journey know I’ve done so much in the headwear space, but you can’t always tell the full story with hats because of licensing restrictions. With shoes, there are so many different panels, hidden features, and details — it’s been like a wonderland for expanding on stories I initially started with hats.”
This new sneaker embraces those past influences, featuring thoughtful color placement, rich materials, and subtle details that elevate the design. “We have an orange hit in the toe box, but in the mid, there’s an orange that almost looks like a faded yellow. It’s one of those things you appreciate more the closer you get to the shoe — you can really see the contrast,” he notes.
The sneaker also includes hidden gems, such as a “Savior S” logo on the tongue for Savior Sport, the phrase “Made by Jae Tips” — a staple in all his collaborations — and an insole that reads “Coming Soon.” Retail pairs will come with a flower keychain, and the box includes an extra set of white laces. Jae wanted to create a trendy runner shoe that people would wear in a sporty way. “I thought, ‘If you make it a sports shoe, maybe people will pair it with track suits, sweatpants, and really get busy with it.’”
Jae Tips x Saucony
Jordan Keyser
For Jae Tips, the connection between music and sneaker culture has always been undeniable. “Rappers always want to be designers, and designers often want to be in the limelight like rappers,” he says. “For as long as I can remember, a rapper wearing a certain designer’s piece or outfit could make or break a brand. Now, as trends shift, we’re seeing more musicians launch their own clothing brands because they realize the power they have to change an entire trajectory.” He points to examples like Dapper Dan’s influence on Gucci, Rihanna’s success with Fenty, Kanye West’s Yeezy empire, and Travis Scott’s massive impact on sneaker culture. “His brand is so big that when you say his name, you might not even know if you’re talking about a shoe or a song. That’s pretty dope.”
While Jae Tips’ designs carry echoes of his musical background, he sees his creative identity as something people are still discovering. “I would say yes, and I’d say no,” he reflects when asked if his music shaped how people view his aesthetic. “I apply a lot of the principles I learned navigating the underground music scene to my work ethic — the way I put things together, prepare emails and documents, and communicate all stem from that experience. And the way I promote myself is similar to how an artist drops a single.”
To celebrate the release of the Saucony Jazz “I Love You But I’m Busy,” dropping on March 28th for $165, Jae Tips has curated an exclusive playlist for Billboard — tracks that embody the spirit of his latest creation. Mark your calendars for the drop, and in the meantime, press play on the soundtrack to his latest masterpiece.
Jae Tips’ “I Love You, But I’m Busy” Playlist
1. Kanye West, “Welcome to Heartbreak”
2. Nipsey Hussle, “Forever on Some Fly S–t”
3. Jae Tips, “ Remember Who Fronted”
4. Leon Thomas, “YES IT IS”
5. Nipsey Hussle, “ That’s How I Knew”
6. Bonus: Frank Ocean, “Lens”
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. If you’re looking for new ink, Jelly Roll‘s latest HEYDUDE collab is all tatted up. Teaming up for their second limited-edition […]
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Source: Supreme / Supreme
Now that YM Bape is off the streets and serving time for murder, Supreme enthusiasts can breathe easy once again rock their favorite street brand without fear of being harassed and humiliated by the infamous Supreme hater.
Source: Supreme / Supreme
That being said, Supreme is gearing up to release a brand new collaboration with Nike which will feature their take on the classic Air Max 1 silhouette which they’ve remixed for the first time in their long history of partnering with the Swoosh brand. Per Supreme, the new collabo is set to release this Thursday (March 20) and will feature four distinct colorways–white, black, yellow and purple—that are sure to catch eyes and snap necks out in the wild.
With the way that sneakerheads and hype beasts have been literally fighting out on the streets trying to get their hands on the latest sneaker drop we wouldn’t be surprised if these sellout instantly when they drop later this week. These Supreme x Air Max 1 feature all leather uppers, a Swoosh with debossed snakeskin detailing and Supreme branding on the tongue and heel.
That being said, the Air Max 1 hasn’t exactly been the most popular silhouette over the past few years amongst sneaker enthusiasts, but can that change simply by adding that Supreme logo to the tongue with a bright and vibrant colorway? Guess we’ll find out come March 20th.
Check out the Supreme x Air Max 1 kicks and let us know if you’ll be putting down $170 for a pair in the comments section below.
Source: Supreme / Supreme
Source: Supreme / Supreme
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. In 1993, Michael Jordan retired from the NBA for the first time. He traded in the basketball court for the baseball […]
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Ben Affleck is an award-winning actor and filmmaker and starred in motion pictures that have made millions in theaters. Ben Affleck is also a dad of children who love fancy gifts, and the Massachusetts native let it be known that his kids won’t be running his packets for expensive sneakers.
As spotted on Buzzfeed, Ben Affleck and his 13-year-old son went viral after attending a Got Sole sneaker convention in Los Angeles at the top of the month. Affleck’s son pointed out some Jordan 1 Dior lowtop sneakers and tried to get his father to get him the sneakers. When Affleck heard the $6,000 price tag, he ribbed his son by saying he’s going to have to mow a lot of lawns to get a pair. Of course, the kid took it in stride, and we’re pretty certain Dad didn’t leave the convention without something.
Affleck was at the annual SXSW conference to premiere his new film, The Accountant 2, and was approached by Access Hollywood to chat about his latest work, where Affleck deferred and praised his cast, the stunt workers, and director Gavin O’Connor. Toward the end of the chat, the outlet asked Affleck about the sneaker convention moment, and all of Affleck’s Massachusetts accent came out.
“That’s what happens when you tell a motherf*cker you have to mow a lawn, all of a sudden, they don’t want those shoes anymore,” Affleck says with a smile in his eyes. What makes the moment so great is that Ben Affleck is in total media training mode during the first part of the segment, but it all goes away once the sneaker conversation comes up.
Check out both aforementioned moments below.
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Photo: Getty