Artificial colors, artificial flavors, additives, enriched flours and multi-syllabic unidentifiable ingredients are out – natural, organic and non-GMO, in. Cue Frito Lay, not late to the party, but right on time – their own “Simply” line of “healthier” iterations of their snack staples has existed for years. Re-iterated or re-branded, the NKD line from Frito Lay proclaims that the artificial dyes and seasonings have been nixed, and the MSG stripped, but the flavor and tastiness remain.
At Uproxx, we are always game for any new product lines, GMO-laden or not. Being huge fans of all the original Frito Lay products in the Simply NKD rollout (classics like Nacho Cheese Doritos, Cheetos Puffs, Cool Ranch Doritos and modern day juggernaut Flamin’ Hot Cheetos are represented), we surely could not resist an early opportunity to sample and judge. Here, we present our Simply NKD chip rankings for your reading and snacking pleasure.
Disclaimer: I’ve only had Flamin’ Hot Cheetos a handful of times. Hot Fries were a favorite in younger days, but the Flamin’ Hot just haven’t been my personal first pick when my spicy snack hankering hits. The NKD version of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos is somewhat incognito after shedding the nuclear red hue. Despite the change in appearance, the peppery vinegary tongue tingling spice and Cheetos crunch is everything you wild Flamin’ Hot Cheetos enthusiasts fans are obsessed with.
Everything with the Nacho Cheese NKD version is identical to the original – shape, crunch, cheesiness – just less orange-y cheese powder on the chip exterior. The NKD version still satisfies that Doritos craving and by choosing to put less bad stuff in you, you can feel slightly better about shoveling handfuls in your mouth.
2. Simply NKD Cool Ranch Doritos
Frito Lay
The original Cool Ranch Dorito is an all-time favorite chip, and the NKD version is almost its doppelganger. The chip itself, Cool Ranch flavor and crunch are pretty equivalent to the excellence you expect from Cool Ranch Doritos. The ranch flavor may be very slightly lighter but the ranchy tang and creaminess are as pronounced as ever. If you squint or examine, you won’t notice red and green seasoning on the NKD Cool Ranch Doritos, but that’s purely aesthetic. If you blind-tasted these, you’d barely register much difference from the original and that’s a big compliment to Frito Lay.
Credit Frito Lay and their laser-focused R&D team for cranking out this absolute nearly perfect version of the Cheetos puff. Bearing the signature Cheetos tang, there is no shortage of cheesy creaminess despite the lack of artificial flavors. The puff itself has that signature cloud-like puffiness, along with an unparalleled light crunch. Lacking the iconic orange artificial Cheetos color, these yellow puffs still coat your fingers in a cheesy residue, so you get the full sensory experience. These may not fully replace the original on shelves, but they’re a great option.
There’s a certain confidence that comes with being early on a cultural icon, and Officially Ice of The Joe Budden Podcast has championed Max B for many years. When Ice curates a list, you respect the authority. You don’t debate it: you salute it. Forget the diss records and internet nostalgia — these are the joints Funkmaster Flex, or any DJ with taste and a pulse, should have on standby the moment Bigaveli touches a stage.
Did you boys not get the memo? Max B is home, and 2026 is lining up to be his true takeover year. Not a comeback: a continuation of an unfinished reign. Time for everybody to catch up and remember why his voice, melodies, street aura, and Harlem cool heated up the streets and changed how rappers talk and sing their truths.
So, as the holidays slow everything down, take a moment and reconnect with the catalogue that built the wave. Let it crash over you again.
20. Max B — “Picture Me Rollin” (2008)
19. Max B — “Porno Muzik” (2009)
18. Max B — “Never Wanna Go Back” (2009)
17. Max B — “No More Tricks” (2025)
16. Max B — “Eye For An Eye” (2008)
15. Max B — “Drop That Top” (2007)
14. Max B — “Prolific” (2007)
13. Max B — “Bad Whiskey” (2011)
12. Max B — “Cake (Remix)” Feat. French Montana and T.P. (2009)
11. Max B — “Ready To Ride (Remix)” Feat. Mak Mustard (2011)
10. Max B — “No, No, No (Hey We Love You)” Feat. French Montana (2011)
Without releasing new music, Oasis was perhaps the biggest band of 2025 thanks to their long-awaited reunion tour. The run is over now, but Liam Gallagher has been hinting that there will be more shows. They probably won’t happen in 2026, though.
On X recently, one fan implored Gallagher to “announce the 2026 dates mate,” to which he responded, “We’re not doing anything in 2026 sorry.” He told another user, “Nothing going on next year except the WC,” referring to the World Cup. A fan account tweeted about the odds that Oasis will perform at Knebworth next year and Gallagher replied, “ITS NOT HAPPENING.”
That doesn’t mean the Oasis reunion is done, though, as Gallagher hinted it may continue in 2027: He told another fan, “I don’t snizzle to do until 2027 I mean happy Christmas.” He said to somebody else, “were having a year off.”
One thing it seems fans definitely should not expect is new music from the band, as Gallagher recently wrote, “It’s not I honestly do t see the point it won’t be as good as the old stuff im quite happy singing the old stuff I’m not 1 of those WANKERS that need to keep pushing it forward or sideways or backwards in some cases NOSTALGIA forever.”
The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony isn’t far away now, as the show is set for February 1 (live at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, broadcast via CBS and Paramount Plus). Sabrina Carpenter will be one of the biggest stars of the night, as she has a handful of nominations. Aside from her biggest ones (Record, Album, and Song Of The Year), she’s also in contention for Best Music Video for the first time, for “Manchild.”
On Late Night With Seth Meyers yesterday (December 8), she discussed what that shoot was like. The most major mishap: falling on a cactus. She revealed that it made her cry and that she was “picking sh*t out of…” for the rest of the day. She also described the three-day shoot as “so ambitious,” revealing she had 37 different outfits to wear.
Carpenter and Meyers had a delightful 15-minute conversation, perhaps the most exciting takeaway from which is that today, perhaps as you’re reading this, they two are filming a “day drinking” segment, which is set to air next week.
Check out the full interview above and find Carpenter’s 2026 Grammy nominations below.
Record Of The Year
Bad Bunny — “DtMF”
Sabrina Carpenter — “Manchild”
Doechii — “Anxiety”
Billie Eilish — “WILDFLOWER”
Lady Gaga — “Abracadabra”
Kendrick Lamar and SZA — “luther”
Chappell Roan — “The Subway”
Rosé and Bruno Mars — “APT.”
Album Of The Year
Bad Bunny — DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
Justin Bieber — SWAG
Sabrina Carpenter — Man’s Best Friend
Clipse, Pusha T and Malice — Let God Sort Em Out
Lady Gaga — MAYHEM
Kendrick Lamar — GNX
Leon Thomas — MUTT
Tyler, The Creator — CHROMAKOPIA
Song Of The Year
Lady Gaga — “Abracadabra”
Doechii — “Anxiety”
Rosé and Bruno Mars — “APT.”
Bad Bunny — “DtMF”
HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI — “Golden [From ‘KPop Demon Hunters’]”
Kendrick Lamar and SZA — “luther”
Sabrina Carpenter — “Manchild”
Billie Eilish — “WILDFLOWER”
Best Pop Solo Performance
Justin Bieber — “DAISIES”
Sabrina Carpenter — “Manchild”
Lady Gaga — “Disease”
Chappell Roan — “The Subway”
Lola Young — “Messy”
Best Pop Vocal Album
Justin Bieber — SWAG
Sabrina Carpenter — Man’s Best Friend
Miley Cyrus — Something Beautiful
Lady Gaga — MAYHEM
Teddy Swims — I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2)
Best Music Video
Sabrina Carpenter — “Manchild”
Clipse — “So Be It”
Doechii — “Anxiety”
OK Go — “Love”
Sade — “Young Lion”
This past August, Mac DeMarco shared a new album, Guitar. It was his first release of the year but not his last.
As Stereogum noted last month, on his European tour, DeMarco quietly distributed copies of a new project called Dog On The Rock; One fan reported that they found a CD taped to the barricade at a show in Dublin, Ireland.
In an October interview with Paris’ Arte Concert Festival, DeMarco talked about what he was calling “Mac’s Secret Album,” saying, “I actually do have a bunch of recordings that I made in between these two tours, and I went to the print shop to make little album sleeves of that yesterday. So maybe there will be another secret album, but one that you can hear this time.”
Well, there is now more than one secret album: As Exclaim notes, a fan in Canada got their hands on another secret CD at a DeMarco concert, with this release titled Seven Off The Two.
They later uploaded the project to Soundcloud. The tracks on both this and the previous secret album are similar to the tracks on DeMarco’s 199-song 2023 compilation One Wayne G, meaning the recordings are all pretty loose and most often not things you’d find on a proper studio album. The opening track of Seven Off The Two, for example, is seven minutes of just drums.
The secret’s out: 21 Savage has new music dropping this Friday, What Happened To The Streets? And it’s pretty good (Larry David voice). Trust me. But at this point, why would anyone be surprised? 21 Savage isn’t just an Atlanta rapper anymore. He’s a living, breathing blueprint for survival, consistency and evolution in real time.
From the cold menace of Savage Mode to the reflective scars of American Dream, 21’s music hits like a left hook gut punch and lingers like a stern warning. You don’t want these problems. His songs have matured, but his aim hasn’t wavered — turning trauma into testimony, street instincts into strategy, and somehow making it all sound so effortless.
So on the eve of his next chapter, we salute Savage with 21 of his best. A catalog carved from pain, precision and pure presence. He is clearly one of rap’s most compelling voices. And still, the best is yet to transpire. On God.
21. 21 Savage — “All Of Me” (American Dream, 2024)
Over a riveting Rose Royce sample, 21 bares his soul, reflecting on his tragic upbringing.
Hip-hop’s only oceanbound musical festival is back. The Rock The Bells Cruise is returning in 2026 with a new ship, a new port-of-call, and more classic hip-hop acts. The new ship is double the size, and will embark to Montego Bay, Jamaica, for the first time.
The 2026 artist lineup consists of 8Ball & MJG, Bahamadia, E-40, EPMD, Jadakiss, Jermaine Dupri, Masta Ace, Paul Wall, Public Enemy, Queen Patrah, Rah Digga, Rob Base, Skyzoo & Torae, Teedra Moses, T.I., Too $hort, Uncle Luke, and Warren G. Meanwhile, cruisers can enjoy comedy sets from standup comics such as Alton Walker,Bill Bellamy, Kym Whitley, Tacarra Williams, and more. DJ sets will be played by DJ Diamond Kuts, DJ Epps, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Money, DJ Quik, DJ Scratch, DJ Spinderella, Jermaine Dupri, and Mannie Fresh.
In the press release, LL Cool J, Rock The Bells’ organizer since its revival in 2022, says, “The Rock The Bells Cruise keeps leveling up, and 2026 is our biggest year yet. The performances go crazy every year, but it’s the culture and connection that make this experience hit different. A concert can’t give you what this does. You’re bumping into artists at breakfast, hanging by the pool together, and having late-night talks while looking at views of the water. The energy out here hits different because it’s elevated and luxurious, but still feels like a Hip-Hop family reunion. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built.”
You can see the flyer below, and find more information, including tickets and reservations, here.
Buying gifts for your fashionable friends is tough. If you don’t make a concerted effort to stay on top of the hottest trends, it’s easy to be out of step with where the conversation is. And we don’t blame you for not staying on top of things, there are enough things in the world to worry about — like Rosalia tour tickets going on sale — which is why we’ve done all the hard work for you.
Our style experts have put together a curated list of the apparel, accessories, and sneakers that’ll have your giftee looking fly. Let’s dive in.
Wax London — The Whiting — Natural Houndstooth-Weave Overshirt
Wax London
Price: $230
If you’re looking for a statement piece to rock this winter (and early spring, weather permitting) we can’t think of a finer piece than Wax London’s Whiting. The Whiting features an eye-catching three-color houndstooth design made from recycled cotton (from a family-run French mill no less), corozo nut buttons, and two front patch pockets.
It has the sort of effortless chic vibe to it that feels designed to pop on camera, which is no surprise, considering the British menswear brand is a staple for Hollywood actors like Tom Hardy and Ryan Reynolds.
Buy it for your most stylish friend, they’re appreciate the versatility, as it looks great buttoned up or worn open over a basic t-shirt.
We can’t exactly explain why but the British just excel at making sweaters. Maybe it’s because they call them “Jumpers” — think about it, with a name that ridiculous, it has to look cool if you want to get people to wear it.
At first glance, Wax London’s Wilde might look like your run of the mill crewneck, but this is quality through and through. The crewneck sweater features a premium mohair build with a relaxed fit and a ribbed neckband, cuffs, and hem. The sweater comes in five beautiful colorways, our favorite being the brushed brown.
This piece absolutely exudes soft luxury, so you get for your most high-end but lowkey friend. Or you know, gift it to yourself, because speaking from experience, you’re not going to want to part with this one.
While an attention grabbing fit is important, don’t forget that you also need something to wear in between big events and gatherings. We’re talking about the clothes you throw on for that random brunch, or what you wear while you’re sightseeing in a new town. If you’re looking for something that is comfortable, but still flirty and cute, you’ll want to shop the Beverly and Beck collection at Pac Sun.
From cute tube tops to mini dresses, swimwear, and crochet pieces, the Beverly and Beck collection features light and pastel color tones that are sure to pop on your social feeds.
Ksubi has had an incredible year, from making merch with Rolling Loud to a recent drop with New York street-artist Faust. They’ve become one of our favorite streetwear brand, with sturdy craftsmanship that ensures their denim will last beyond the current fashion season and their hoodies will not lose their color or texture. Our favorite items we tried this year are the Serpent Ekcess Hoodie in faded black, which has a substantial weight to it that denotes quality fabric, along with embroidered back logo so you can wear the brand proudly. And for a brand known for denim, we have to recommend something in this class: The Doubledown Jacket in mekanik grey. The oversized, baggy fit while barely hitting the waste feels very contemporary in its fit, ensuring you look on trend while wearing quality that’s made for the long haul.
There are times when you need your fit to make a statement, and we can’t think of a bigger statement than walking into a room wearing Akira’s Daydreamer Rhinestone Mini Dress. This dress features a curve-hugging silhouette with a full body rhinestone fringe that catches and reflects light and demands attention.
This bedazzled mini dress will have you looking like you just stepped out of the year’s hottest music video, or right off the main stage. But be warned, while this dress is dazzling, it’s also heavier than any dress you’ve ever owned.
Pick up the Akira Daydreamer Rhinestone Mini Dress here.
Akira — Marie Floral Lace Up Corset
Price: $79.90
Are you trying to put together the ultimate coquette fit? If you are, Akira’s Marie Floral Lace Up Corset is a must-have piece. This piece has all the touchstones of the coquette look, from cute button closeres, rhinestone detailing, and a whole lot of lace!
It’s cute, flirty, and will have your giftee looking like they stopped off the set of Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette.
Pick up the Akira Marie Floral Lace Up Corset here.
Pacsun Casey Low Rise Baggy Jeans
Pac Sun
Price: $64.95
Pacsun’s Casey jeans help you to hit two hot trends at once: baggy and low-rise. Featuring a worn-in indigo wash, the Casey are made from sustainbly sourced cotten and feature a five-pocket body, wid leg opening, and a slouchy fit for that casual lived-in vibe.
The wash has a subtle green tint to it, which will slot nicely into your winter and spring fits.
Does anything say y2k fashion like a pair of True Religion jeans? Cosplay your favorite 00’s celebrity papparazi moments with these classic low rise jeans. The Becca Low Rise sports rose good hardware for a subtle touch of elegance, a rich indigo colorway, button-fastened pockets, and that classic Big T stitching and Horseshoe pattern.
The NFL has had some major collabs over the years with the best and biggest apparel brands. Some push design to the front, others are made for rarity collector’s status. But with the recently launched line with Lululemon, comfort is the biggest signifier.
Which makes sense, as football is most often watched on a couch, with your family, on a lazy Sunday. There’s plenty of gear to wear to a game, but I love that this line looks great and feels great for a day at home or in the neighborhood, repping the Rams while I walk the dog between games. No one does comfort like Lululemon. Our favorite piece is the Steady State Jogger, but you’ll find all of Lululemon’s biggest hits here: Define, Scuba, Align, and more. You can even get 49ers gear, though I don’t know why you’d ever want to do that. But regardless of what team you are looking for, this is a great gift for the sports fan in your life.
Price: $189 for a jersey, varies for other gear, with some items qualifying for seasonal sales
This year, the NFL introduced Rivalries uniforms for the NFC West and the AFC East. In a league where throwbacks often get the biggest fan reaction — is there anything better than seeing the Bucs in their creamsicle colors or the Eagles in kelly green? — these have been an unqualified hit for the most part.
Some of the best include the Patriots “Nor Easter” which was a rare occasion where a new shade of blue appeared on the football field, and the Dolphins Dark Water which incorporates black seamlessly into their team’s colorway. For us, though, we most love the Rams’ Midnight Mode, which offers up a blue so dark that it appears to essentially be black, which looks perfect with Puca Nakua’s name on the back. I can’t vouch for every team’s on-field look — the Cardinals’ Built To Last is a miss in that it just looks like the uniforms are wet or dirty, and I can’t ever advocate for supporting the San Francisco 49ers — but all of these programs have included some really cool apparel outside of jerseys. From hoodies to hats, the Rivalries program is a new way to support your favorite team while keep your look fresh as can be.
No matter what music festival you’re hitting next year, you’re going to want a stylish and sturdy pair of shades. Our go-to brand right now is So-Cal brand Barton Perreira. We’ve been loving the Hamilton, which drops in five different colorways, is handmade in Japan, and features a classic rectangular shape with a keyhole bridge, and polarized anti-reflective lenses.
The brand makes nearly 100 different men’s, women’s, and unisex shades, so if you’re not feeling the Hamilton, check out the full collection and shop your shape.
The Sally is exactly what people mean when they talk about “quiet luxury” — soft, unfussy, and so nice that you immediately start plotting outfits around it. Knit from a brushed cashmere blend that’s 95% cashmere (with just a touch of nylon and acrylic for durability), it lands right at that sweet-spot length — about 23 inches — so it skims the hip. The antique white color reads less “stark winter white” and more “off-white stylish,” which makes it incredibly easy to style with denim, slip skirts, or over a dress.
Having just bought this cardigan, I’ll just say that it feels like a true multi-scenario piece: it’s polished enough to wear to the over a button-down, cozy enough for Sunday coffee runs, and romantic enough to toss over a dress. The lines are minimal and the knit has that brushed texture that made cashmere beloved by everyone but George Costanza.
This is the kind of gift that quietly becomes someone’s default layer — the sweater that lives on the back of their chair and somehow goes with everything.
If your dream aesthetic is “eternally on the way to a poolside Negroni,” this is the hat. Dandy Del Mar’s Bucket Hat in Rouge is cut from lightweight, water-resistant nylon with just enough stretch (94% nylon, 6% spandex) to feel comfortable but not floppy like Gilligan.
The quick-dry fabric and embroidered monogram give it that sweet spot between beach-bar casual and “I thought about this outfit.”
The Après Pant is what happens when sweatpants grow up, get a job, and still somehow keep their surfer soul. This version, in Natural Sashiko, uses an 11-oz organic cotton with a high-texture sashiko weave — a Japanese stitch pattern originally designed to reinforce hard-working garments. Taylor Stitch gives the fabric a heavy garment wash, so it arrives already broken-in and soft, like something you’ve owned for years but somehow never managed to destroy.
Fit-wise, it threads the needle: medium rise, a tailored leg that tapers into elastic cuffs, a 30″ inseam, and an elastic drawstring waist that doesn’t scream “gym short.” These are pants you can wear on red-eye flights, coffee runs, or a casual dinner without ever feeling underdressed. They’re sturdy daily drivers, designed to be “responsibly built for the long haul,” and they only get better as the sashiko texture picks up character with each wash and wear.
If your giftee lives in that nexus of “comfort goblin” and “Japanese-influencer surf style,” these are going to be their new go-tos.
Like many men who give gifts, I like to think of myself as something of a swimsuit expert. And Bydee makes some of the best swimsuits on earth, in my estimation.
The magic is in the detailing: delicate lace trims the edges, there’s subtle beading along the binding, and right at the center sits a burnt-orange rose framed by a baroque-style heart charm and cherub hardware. The print is a dreamy mix of painterly florals, ornate scrollwork, and soft blues and creams that look like they were pulled off the ceiling of some crumbling Mediterranean palazzo. The suit is double-lined with REPREVE® nylon made from recycled plastic bottles — which is a little technical but means that it’s friendlier to the planet than your standard fast-fashion swim.
It’s the rare gift that hits every note at once: eco-luxe, insanely photogenic, and fully ready for a day of getting and and out of a pool.
If your giftee has ever paused a movie to say, “Wait, those aviators are so 1907s!” this is your layup. The 1986 Aviator in Black Metal is a rerelease of BluBlocker’s original frame — the ones that started life in an in-flight shopping catalog and went on to become a low-key cultural artifact. You get that classic metal aviator silhouette, black frame, and BluBlocker’s signature amber gradient lens that instantly warms up the world and makes every late-afternoon walk feel like golden hour.
But these aren’t just a vibe play. The glass lenses block 100% of UV and blue light, which means less squinting at the beach, fewer headaches on bright days, and a genuinely crisp, high-contrast view — hence the very loyal fanbase 9we’ve covered them at least five times now!). Size-wise, they hit that sweet spot where they feel bold without overwhelming your face, and they ship with a drawstring pouch to keep them from getting annihilated in the bottom of a bag.
This is a gift that taps into full retro-main-character energy while still being practical enough to wear every day.
One of our favorite releases of the Year, the Ja 3 “Scratch 3.0” sports a lightweight and game-ready textile mesh upper over a full-length Hybrid ZoomX Foam sole for enhanced energy return and increased bounce. The upper is designed to be highly durable, and put up with quick court play and abuse, and features small textured elements that spell out “Ja.”
The colorway, with its mix of teal, University Red, and black, makes subtle references to the original Vancouver Brizzlies logo, which still feels a bit more iconic than the current Memphis colors. So this doubles as a great gift for Ja Morant fans and hardcore Grizzlies fans!
Step out in full Y2K regalia with the ABZORB 2000. This chunky sneaker features a lightweight mesh upper over a full-length ABZORB sole equipped with futuristic ABZORB SBS pods, a sculted midsole design, and printed overlays.
We love this sneaker’s subtle yet eye-catching icy colorway and understated grey detailing and would make a great gift for the sneakerhead in your life who rides hard for NB.
Pick up the New Balance ABZORB 2000 Blue Ice at JD Sports.
P.F. Flyers — All American Luxe Black/ Sea-Salt
PF Flyers
Price: $86.25
This high top silhouette is the stuff of legends! If the sneakerhead in your life exclusively wears classic designs, this is a nice way to elevate their wardrobe as the All American Luxe takes the classic P.F. Flyers high-top shape and updates it with a premium leather build.
The sneaker is available in two colorways, Taupe and Black Salt — both are neutral enough to pair with any outfit, but if we had to pick an absolute favorite, we’re going with the Black salt thanks to its classic vibe.
Buy the P.F. Flyers All American Luxe sneaker here.
Adidas Samba JP Shoes
Adidas
Price: $100
If you’re looking to replicate the iconic silhouette of the Adidas Samba while shaking things up a little, check out the Samba JP. Tipping a little more toward the Samba’s soccer heritage, this updated version opts for a longer tongue while swapping in a quilted look at the toebox. The aesthetics are undeniably pleasing. Less aggressive than the Samba LT, the stitching seems to flow naturally into the iconic three stripes.
It’s a Samba, so cushion isn’t necessarily king, but it’s a low, sturdy ride with good traction that won’t make you regret your footwear choice on step 9,999 of your day. If there’s one drawback to the Samba JP over the OG model, it’s that there aren’t as many different colorways and textures, but the six on offer give you your basic style food groups.
If you think abundant retro releases and the passage of time have started to downshift some of the cache of the Air Jordan line, let me introduce you to the AJ40. A clear, beefy upgrade from recent years’ flagship releases, the sueded paneling, lush cushion, and herringbone stopping power combine to deliver premium feel and a little old-school elegance to the performance basketball sneaker market.
An uphill battle to find on store shelves, you’ll likely need to go the GOAT/StockX route to snag these as a gift for yourself or a loved one. But it’s worth it. While there’s something to be said for the kickoff black and white “Classic” and the dusty rose colorways, I picked up the crisp, icy blue model and haven’t looked back. Dubbed the “Blue Suede,” these sneakers are tight if you go true to size, so go up ½ to a full size when you order them.
Adidas Ultraboost technology was a game-changer for me when I got turned onto it a few years ago after years spent wearing a procession of sometimes unforgiving basketball sneakers, Chucks, and Sambas. Like clouds with laces. The EVO is, appropriately, an evolution, offering another smooth, Adidas-branded ride. These everyday runners are light but formidable (and critically lauded) with tons of statement-making colorways.
Another top-of-the-market basketball sneaker, but at a substantially lower price. These Donovan Mitchell signature sneakers in their 7th iteration are an absolute expression, with some wild, Hot Wheels-style color mixes. Another contrast to the Jordans, these feel light, but without sacrificing stability. The upper materials feel firmer than you expect from a textile and the zipper enclosure and extra padding surrounding the heal and ankle allow you to feel locked in and secure. Get these for the hooper in your life who likes to fly and show off their wild style.
Whether going to a formal party or a red carpet event, your feet need to be dressed their best. And if you’re like me, you may have noticed Taft shoes making the presence more known of late in the fashion world. It turns out it is for good reason, as the European craftsmanship and elegant designs provide quite the range of fashion-forward looks.
We were looking for a classic black dress shoe to add to our event rotation and have been very pleased with both the fit and the look of The Miles. Made with genuine leather, featuring a classic laced design and a polished, shiny finish, it’s a young look that doesn’t drift into passing fashion fads. Instead, it is the kind of classic dress shoe that can stay in the rotation for the long term. If that’s not to your liking, Taft’s full line of shoes for men feature tons of high-end options, from flashy boots to skate shoe-inspired sneakers.
The roots-heavy soundtrack of the 2000 movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? was one of the most iconic of its era. The movie celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, but the party really kicks off in 2026: T-Bone Burnett, the producer of the soundtrack, is hosting a special concert in celebration of the film’s music.
The show goes down at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry on February 28, 2026, as part of the venue’s 100th-anniversary celebration. The show is set to feature artists from the original soundtrack and more, although a lineup has yet to be revealed. More information on tickets can be found here.
Furthermore, the soundtrack is also getting a vinyl reissue in three pressings: Standard Black, Sunshine Gold (available exclusively at the Lost Highway Records store), and Dapper Dan Red (available exclusively at independent record stores).
Check out the reissue tracklist below.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (Reissue) Vinyl Packshot
Lost Highway Records
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (Reissue) Tracklist
Side 1
1. James Carter & The Prisoners — “Po Lazarus”
2. Harry Mcclintock — “Big Rock Candy Mountain”
3. Norman Blake — “You Are My Sunshine”
4. Alison Krauss — “Down To The River To Pray”
5. The Soggy Bottom Boys — “I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow”
Side 2
1. Chris Thomas King — “Hard Time Killing Floor Blues”
2. Norman Blake — “I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow”
3. The Whites — “Keep On The Sunny Side”
4. Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch — “I’ll Fly Away”
5. Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch — “Didn’t Leave Nobody But The Baby”
Side 3
1. Sarah, Hannah and Leah Peasall — “In The Highways”
2. The Cox Family — “I Am Weary (Let Me Rest)”
3. John Hartford — “I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow”
4. Ralph Stanley — “O Death”
5. The Soggy Bottom Boys — “In The Jailhouse Now”
Side 4
1. The Soggy Bottom Boys — “I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow”
2. John Hartford — “Indian War Whoop”
3. Fairfield Four — “Lonesome Valley”
4. The Stanley Brothers — “Angel Band”
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (Reissue) is out 2/20/2026 via Lost Highway Records. Find more information here.
Welcome to SNX DLX, your weekly roundup of the best sneakers to hit the internet. With only three full weeks of the year left, any one of these weeks could be our last SNX of the year! We’re at the point where every time we check the sneaker release calendar, we wince a bit.
Surprisingly, this week is a strong one. New LeBron XXIIIs, the latest Fear of God drop, Stranger Things branded Converse, Swarovski Crystal encrusted Vomeros — there is nothing internet-breaking here, but any one of these releases could be someone’s favorite of the year.
Currently, LeBron sneakers are in an imperial era. Each release feels elevated and is a reminder that LeBron is simply one of the greatest players to ever run the court. This minimalist take on the 21 sports a woven jacquard upper with a bootie lining over a full length ZoomX Foam which gives nice energy return and bounce.
The Nike LeBron XXIII From This Point Forward is out now for a retail price of $210. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app or aftermarket sites like GOAT and Flight Club.
Sleek, minimalist, and harkening back to a time when sneaker design was less reliant on recreating y2k era designs and more obsessed with biting Yeezy — the Fear of God Athletics II feels out of step with current trends. That’s not necessarily a bad thing if you’re into that elevated luxury look.
This sneaker sports a synthetic upper, translucent monofilament striped panels, and a Lightstrike midsole with Fear of God branding on the heel.
The Adidas Fear of God Athletics II Carbon is out now for a retail price of $180. Pick up a pair at Adidas or aftermarket sites like GOAT and Flight Club.
Embody that Rockin’ Robin vibe with this pair of distressed and worn Chucks. This sneaker features a canvas upper with double stitching, a series of stitched rings emanating out from the All Star logo, and WSQK branding (Rockin’ Robin’s radio station). Rounding out the design, Nike has replaced Converse’s All Star logo with the open — mouth? Face? both? — of a Demagorg.
It’s a sneaker made exclusively for hardcore Stranger Things fans, but we’re not mad at it!
The Converse x Stranger Things Chuck 70 is out now for a retail price of $110. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app or aftermarket sites like GOAT and Flight Club.
We’re actually surprised it took this long for the Vomero to get the Swarovski treatment. This sneaker is easily one of the top three most popular sneakers for women right now, and now it’s getting an elevated revamp.
The sneaker sports a breathable yarn mesh upper encrusted with Swarovski Crystals across the upper, midsole and swoosh, giving each step an eye-catching shimmer. This sneaker would be a great gift for your favorite Vomero-wearer.
The Nike Women’s Vomero Plus with Swarovski Crystals is out now for a retail price of $230. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app.
Era-wise, this week is all over the place. You’ve got the 2010’s repped with the Fear of God, the 00’s covered with the Vomero, the ‘60s and ‘70s repped with the Chuck, and now the Air Diamond Turf is here to serve you some ‘90s style.
The Air Diamond Turf sports a mid ’90s design with a durable leather upper, an Air-unit equipped heel, and a mid-foot strap. It’s a welcome blast from the past!
The Nike Air Diamond Turf White and Metallic Silver is out now for a retail price of $155. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app.
Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Sail and Pale Ivory
As cliche as it is, few things look as good as a simple Jordan 1 in a great colorway. Case in point, this high top Sail and Pale Ivory iteration of the sneaker. Elevated with a premium leather upper, this sneaker sports a translucent outsole, red contrast stitching, and a minimalistic white on white colorway that helps to emphasize the sneaker’s shape.
The Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Sail and Pale Ivory Is set to drop on December 6th at 7:00 AM PST for a retail price of $185. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app or aftermarket sites like GOAT and Flight Club.
Disclaimer: While all of the products recommended here were chosen independently by our editorial staff, Uproxx may receive payment to direct readers to certain retail vendors who are offering these products for purchase.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
