Sneaker FOMO: Jae Tips x Saucony Jazz 9 Has Me Reaching for My Wallet… Again

Look, I wasn’t planning to buy another pair of sneakers this month. My credit card is still giving me side-eye from my last shopping spree, and I literally promised my partner “no more shoes until summer.” But here we are again, folks. Jae Tips and Saucony are dropping another banger, and suddenly all my financial responsibility is flying out the window.

The Jae Tips x Saucony Jazz 9 “I Love You But I’m Busy” is hitting shelves on March 28th, and I’m already rearranging my schedule to make sure I can try to snag a pair. If you’ve been following my blog for a while (thanks for sticking around, by the way!), you know I have a serious weakness for collaborations that bring something fresh to classic silhouettes.

A Color Story That Screams “Look at Me!”

I was sipping my morning coffee when the first images popped up on my feed, and I literally spilled some on my keyboard. These kicks are LOUD in the best possible way. The bright yellow mesh base makes them pop from a mile away, and those blue and hot pink accents? Chef’s kiss. It reminds me of those wild 90s windbreakers my dad used to wear that I thought were so embarrassing but now would pay good money to find in a vintage shop.

The grey and silver tones balance things out just enough to keep them from being completely overwhelming. But let’s be real – these aren’t shoes for the shy. When you wear these, you’re making a statement. That statement is probably something like, “Yes, I have excellent taste, and no, I don’t care if you think these are too bright.”

The Name Says It All

Can we talk about that name for a second? “I Love You But I’m Busy” embroidered right on the heel is just… perfect. It’s exactly what I want to say to half the people in my life most days. It’s also what my wallet is currently saying to me about this release.

I was telling my friend Sam about these shoes yesterday over lunch, and we both agreed that the name alone makes them worth considering. There’s something refreshingly honest about rocking a pair of sneakers that basically tell people, “I have priorities, and you might not be one of them right now.” In our constantly-connected world, sometimes we need that reminder that it’s okay to set boundaries.

Jae Tips: The Collaboration King

This isn’t Jae Tips’ first rodeo. Last year, his collaborations were practically inescapable in the sneaker community. I remember standing in line for his previous release, making friends with fellow sneakerheads while we all pretended we weren’t worried about missing out. The guy behind me had flown in from Chicago just for the drop! That’s dedication I both respect and slightly worry about.

It’s no wonder his designs received multiple “Shoe of the Year” nominations in 2024. The man understands what makes a sneaker special – that perfect balance of wearability and standout design that makes you want to build outfits around your footwear rather than the other way around.

Will They Be Hard to Get?

If history is any indication, these won’t be sitting on shelves for long. The good news is that they’ll be available through both collaborators and select retailers, which means slightly better odds than some more limited releases.

I’ve already set about fifteen alarms on my phone and warned my boss I might be “having technical difficulties” during the morning of the 28th. He’s a sneakerhead too, so he just nodded knowingly. Sometimes I think half our workplace bonding happens through comparing our latest pickups.

Are They Worth It?

Here’s my honest take: if you’re looking for a subtle, goes-with-everything sneaker, keep moving. There’s nothing understated about these.

But if you’re the kind of person who likes your footwear to do the talking – or if you just appreciate bold design and want something that’ll brighten up even the dullest Monday morning – then yes, they’re absolutely worth trying to cop.

I’m already planning outfits in my head. These would look amazing with some simple black jeans and a white tee, letting the shoes be the star. Or maybe with some light wash denim and… and I’m doing it again. Planning how to style shoes I don’t even own yet. Classic sneakerhead problems.

Will I be setting my alarm for this release? Absolutely. Will my partner roll their eyes when another shoebox appears in our already-crowded apartment? Definitely. But some things are worth the relationship tension, and from where I’m sitting, the Jae Tips x Saucony Jazz 9 “I Love You But I’m Busy” definitely qualifies.

Who else is planning to go after these? Drop a comment below and let me know if I’ll be competing with you on drop day!