The big man has been busy. Not Santa – although we hear he’s had a highly productive last quarter, as well as the distant tinkle of sleigh bells – but Mr Kanye West, who has had his sneaker elves working flat out. Speculation as to whether the rapper has made a list and checked it twice is yet to be confirmed, but those on the nice column of his spreadsheet might want to check out the kicks below. Also, we celebrate West’s old friend, the much missed Mr Virgil Abloh, who brought his industry and creative flair to another Nike collaboration. And like St Nick, expect them all to fly – off the shelves – by Christmas Day.

First released four years ago this month in a dusty off-white, as if reclaimed from the sands of Tatooine, the 500 has mostly been seen since in earthy tones, muting its protuberant profile. (The 2019 Bone White iteration illustrated how much this shoe resembles a cloud.) The Ash Grey colourway is the logical next step from the recent Clay Brown edition.

Those looking for choice quotes – and, indeed, quote marks – on the late Mr Virgil Abloh won’t fall short. Such was his industry, creative vision and compassion for those he worked with, there is much to say. Perhaps a good starting point when it comes to understanding the Off-White and Louis Vuitton creative director is, then, one of his many collaborations. Nike’s Blazer in particular was a shoe that he kept on returning to – its simple construction and bold branding an obvious canvas for him to work his magic. This latest reimagining is possibly his most out-there, given that it involves removing segments of the Blazer Low’s uppers. Note also, as if you wouldn’t, the second lace that wraps its way across the shoe, along with heel extension and signature details (in trademark Helvetica, obviously).

Not a trend to come out of the UN climate convention, but a truncation of “copper” and “fade”. The latest edition of the 700 V3 gives the biomorphic silhouette, which has previously come in colourways seemingly plucked from Swiss artist Mr HR Giger’s nightmares, a more down-to-earth palette. The browns are in keeping with the brand’s recent 500 models, although with the rubberised cage across the upper, this sneaker is somehow reminiscent of gummy candy.

One letter away from a collaboration with Mr Dwayne Johnson, this colourway is similar to the pattern seen on the MXT Moon Grey Foam Runner, if taken from the darker end of the colour gradient. Or perhaps borrowed from an executive sandscape toy. The Primeknit upper comes perched on top of a bulbous black-brown Boost-cushioned sole with matching laces and liner.