September 2008 – The NA Times

M576 Hologram: atmos x New Balance (2008)

A look back at the 2008 atmos x New Balance M576 Hologram collaboration, featuring a dark iridescent upper, bold lime and purple accents, and a distinctive take on the classic 576.

The atmos x New Balance M576 Hologram is a standout example of the bold sneaker collaborations coming out of Japan in 2008. Built around New Balance’s classic 576 silhouette, this limited-edition release takes a dramatic approach to materials and color.

The upper is finished in a dark, holographic patent material that shifts with the light, creating an iridescent effect across the shoe. Lime and purple accents add contrast, while the colorful lining and distinctive details give the pair its unmistakable look. It is a design that balances the familiar shape of the 576 with atmos’ willingness to experiment.

The collaboration was expected to release through atmos in September 2008, continuing the retailer’s creative partnership with New Balance. For sneaker collectors, the M576 Hologram remains a memorable snapshot of the era when Japanese boutiques were helping push collaborative footwear in new directions.

Original photos:

atmos x New Balance M576 Hologram black iridescent sneaker, 2008

atmos x New Balance M576 Hologram sneaker detail

atmos x New Balance M576 Hologram alternate view

Read more about the original 2008 release at Sneaker News.

Supra Skytop Red Patent (2008)

A look back at Supra’s bold Red Patent Skytop from September 2008, featuring a glossy red patent-leather upper, white accents, and limited retailer availability.

Back in September 2008, Supra’s Red Patent Skytop was one of the season’s most eye-catching releases. The high-top silhouette was finished in glossy red patent leather, giving the shoe a bold, almost liquid shine, while a clean white sole and white accents provided contrast.

The colorway had originally been expected earlier in the summer, but its release was pushed back. By September, the shoes were arriving at Supra retailers. Contemporary sneaker coverage noted that availability was limited, and recommended contacting local Supra dealers for a pair.

The Red Patent Skytop was part of Supra’s Fall 2008 NS lineup, a collection that leaned into statement-making materials and fashion-forward styling. It captured the energy of the late-2000s Skytop era, when Supra was pushing skate footwear into a more expressive streetwear space.

Red patent leather Supra Skytop high-top with white sole and white eyelet accents — Red patent Supra Skytop reference image. Image source: GOAT.

For more from the original release coverage, see Nice Kicks’ September 2008 feature on the Supra Skytop Red Patent.

Air Jordan Fusion 3: A Jordan III and Air Force 1 Hybrid (2008)

A look back at the 2008 Air Jordan Fusion 3, combining the classic Air Jordan III upper with an Air Force 1 sole, ahead of the September 6 release.

The Air Jordan Fusion 3 brought together two iconic Nike designs: the upper of the Air Jordan III and the sole of the Nike Air Force 1. The result was a hybrid that kept the instantly recognizable Jordan 3 shape and elephant-print detailing while adding the Air Force 1’s sole construction.

September 2008 was a big moment for the Fusion 3. On September 6, the White/Fire Red-Cement Grey-Black and Black/Fire Red-Cement Grey-White colorways were scheduled to hit stores, with a reported retail price of $135. The timing made this September 5 post a preview just ahead of the weekend release.

The Fusion concept was not aimed at every Jordan purist, but it offered a different way to revisit a classic silhouette. The Air Force 1 sole also gave the shoe its own feel, while the Jordan III upper kept the look familiar.

Air Jordan Fusion 3 hybrid sneaker combining Air Jordan III upper design with Nike Air Force 1 sole — Original BrooklynSneakerFan archive photo

Air Jordan Fusion 3 White, Fire Red, Cement Grey and Black colorway, released September 2008 — Additional product photo via SneakerFiles. See their original Air Jordan Fusion 3 feature.

For a look back at the original release-day coverage, check out Nice Kicks’ September 5, 2008 Air Jordan Fusion 3 release preview and Sneaker News’ September 6 release reminder.

SQR1NY War-King Class Collection (2008)

A look back at SQR1NY’s War-King Class collection, previewed at the 2008 MAGIC trade show in Las Vegas, featuring premium-leather sneakers and coordinated streetwear.

Take a look at the “War-King Class” collection from SQR1NY, first spotted at the MAGIC trade show in Las Vegas in 2008. The lineup brought together premium-leather sneakers and coordinated streetwear, giving the collection a bold, fashion-forward look.

The original preview showed several color options, including green, red and black sneakers, alongside graphic tees and apparel. The mix of footwear and clothing gave the collection a unified streetwear identity rather than treating the sneakers as a standalone release.

At the time, the collection was reported as being slated for an exclusive release through Undefeated. The images below are the original 2008 photo references from the archive.

Green SQR1NY War-King Class sneaker from the 2008 collection — Green SQR1NY War-King Class sneaker

SQR1NY War-King Class jackets and apparel from 2008 — SQR1NY jackets and apparel

SQR1NY War-King Class sneaker colorways — SQR1NY sneaker colorways

SQR1NY graphic tees from the War-King Class collection — SQR1NY graphic tees

Red SQR1NY War-King Class sneaker from 2008 — Red SQR1NY sneaker

Black SQR1NY War-King Class sneaker from 2008 — Black SQR1NY sneaker

SQR1NY War-King Class collection overview from 2008 — War-King Class collection overview