Can Only Be Corteiz, The Air Max 95 ‘Honey Blacks’ Sells Out Within An Hour

Corteiz has been creating buzz in the streetwear space for years and with their latest Nike drop, the Air Max 95 “Honey Blacks”, they’ve continued their run as one of the most disruptive brands in the UK today.

Following previous Air Max 95 releases such as Gutta Green, Pink Beam, and Aegean Storm, the “Honey Blacks” marked another collaboration between Corteiz and Nike, and once again, they delivered a launch strategy that had everyone saying: Dammmmn (As Always, Can Only Be Corteiz).

So here is how Corteiz turned another sneaker release into a full-blown cultural event. It all started with anticipation.

Clint Ogbenna, popularly known as Clint419, the brand’s elusive founder, dropped hints via social media, creating early buzz around the mysterious “Honey Blacks” colorway. As always, Corteiz did not just rely on product shots; there are always boxes to be ticked before dropping from building a narrative to creating suspense, stirring community engagement, and quite a lot more.

On April 17, Corteiz announced the official release date of April 30 with a campaign film featuring Slawn, Central Cee, and Ronaldinho. A dream trio of creative chaos, football finesse, and London grit.

Cue Corteiz customising different buses in sneaker drop colours and featuring the brand Alcatraz logo on different yellow and black school buses plastered with various Corteiz social media graphics. The entire rollout was shrouded in mystery, prompting a plethora of ideas, mistaken guesses and conspiracy theories about what to expect. When the purpose was unveiled, it was obvious that this wasn't just promo, but instead that Clint and his team were cooking up the start of a full blown activation.

On a Saturday morning, Corteiz shared GPS coordinates, a now signature move that led fans to Potters Fields Park in South East London. There, they were greeted by an oversized replica of the Nike Air Max 95 shoebox — a 110-sized structure that housed a one-day pop-up.

Over 300 fans lined up for hours to enter. It was raw, chaotic, beautiful, and classic Corteiz energy.

Later that day, a second activation took place in Harlem, New York. Buses labeled “Honey Blacks High School” shuttled fans to Harlem Prep High School, which had been transformed for the occasion. Even those who didn’t score a ticket were encouraged by Clint to find their way there.

Once on-site, fans could cop the sneakers and the new apparel collection, while Clint greeted visitors personally, signing boxes and building face-to-face with the community. Oh, and rapper Jadakiss pulled up and bought four pairs for his family. Legendary.

The “Honey Blacks” come dripped in black leather uppers, murdered-out soles, and vivid Tour Yellow accents on the branding and Air support.

Inspired by the contrast of a bumblebee, this colorway is bold, stealthy, and made for the streets. The minimalist black interior ditches previous patterns for a sleeker look, while maintaining Corteiz’s commitment to quality and announcing presence.

And what’s a drop without something to complement the kicks, so Corteiz also dropped a full apparel collection includes Hoodies & sweatpant, Football jerseys, Tracksuits, Short and long-sleeve tees.