Valentine’s Day 2026 is so close I can practically smell the roses and Fannie May candy. Dinner reservations and weekend getaways are being planned, all in the name of love.
All of that is fine, but nothing says love quite like sneakers. For sneakerheads, Cupid’s arrow looks like Air Jordans, Nikes, and New Balance—and finding the perfect sole mate.
I recently covered the 7 Best Sneaker Drops of February. Now it’s time to take a look at the top five sneakers you can get your sole mate in time for Valentine’s Day.
Sole retriever H/T Rabakali
5. Air Jordan 8 WMNS “Valentine’s Day”
- Release Date: February 9, 2018
- Style Code: AQ2449-614
- Colorway: Gym Red / Ember Glow / Team Red
- Original Retail Price: $190
- Where to Buy Now: StockX, GOAT
The women’s-exclusive “Valentine’s Day” Air Jordan 8 originally dropped in 2018. A bold red nubuck upper screams romance on a retro built for performance. If you order soon, depending on seller, they should arrive before February 14. Prices vary by size and availability.
4. Nike Air Force 1 "Valentine’s Day" University Red
- Release Date: January 16, 2026
- Style Code: IB6836-600
- Colorway: University Red / Black / University Red
- Retail Price: $125
- Where to Buy: Nike.com
Arguably, Nike’s most successful sneaker of all time is dipped in red and covered in hearts. This is the pair you wear when you want your love on full display. They’re currently available in a wide range of sizes directly from Nike.
3. New Balance ABZORB 2000 “Lunar New Year”
- Release Date: January 2, 2026
- Style Code: U200011D
- Colorway: Black with Shadow Red and Castlerock
- Retail Price: $160
- Where to Buy: New Balance
Not specifically designed for Valentine’s Day, the “Lunar New Year” New Balance ABZORB still fits the moment. Its black-and-red colorway delivers festive energy, backed by a 4.8-out-of-5 customer rating. Comfortable, wearable, and easy to gift—for him or her.
2. Air Jordan 4 “Valentine’s Day” / “Sierra Red”
- Release Date: February 7, 2026
- Style Code: HV0823-108
- Colorway: Pale Ivory / Tough Red / Sierra Red
- Retail Price: $220
- Where to Buy: Nike SNKRS
Nike says there’s not much better than the velvety nubuck and smooth leather on these premium AJ4s—and I have to agree. With a February 7 release date, they should arrive just in time to slip them into a box, add a bow, and call it love.
1. Nike Air Force 1 "Valentine’s Day" Black
- Release Date: January 16, 2026
- Style Code: IB6836-001
- Colorway: Black / University Red / Black
- Retail Price: $125
- Where to Buy: Nike.com
Much like its red counterpart, the Air Force 1 “Valentine’s Day” Black embodies love. In this case, it doesn’t shout or put it on display—it whispers it intentionally. An all-black textile upper paired with subtle red accents makes this sneaker wearable well beyond Valentine’s Day.
Final Thoughts: Love and Sole
Love is patient, humble, kind, and honorable. Valentine’s Day is another reminder to celebrate and acknowledge the people who matter most. And for some of us, the best way to do that is with fly footwear.