This year has seen a number of high-profile sneaker releases. New Balance has continued its strong run of form with sought-after collaborations, while Nike and Jordan Brand have had some of the biggest and most hyped drops so far this year.
While coveted, a lot of these collaborative sneakers also bring big queues and high prices. Often unnoticed in the chaos of raffled releases are the general release sneakers that are a sure and affordable bet to add some heat to your rotation. These are the kicks that tend to have a longer shelf life than their hyped counterparts, and we've selected some of the latest and greatest.
Below, we’ve scoured Highsnobiety Shop and some of the best retailers on the web to bring you a selection of some of our favorite general release sneakers you can buy right now. We’ve made sure to include a variety of styles, aesthetics, and brands. Everything from classic models that unfairly fly under the radar to experimental designs that might not be everyone’s cup of tea but deserve a closer look by many are included in our curated list.
Some, like Nike’s Air Force 1 or the New Balance 550 are obvious picks, while others, such as the ASICS UB2-S 1130 or the Raf Simons Cylon-21, wouldn’t be the first sneaker on your shopping list. Below, however, we’ll tell you why that should change.
Browse our pick of the best general release sneakers available now.
ASICS UB2-S GEL-1130
UB2 S Gel-1130
ASICS
Ever since Kiko Kostadinov was brought in-house at ASICS, the Bulgarian designer and his team have elevated the brand’s line of general release sneakers through more fashion-conscious color schemes and subtle updates to archival designs. This UB2-S GEL-1130 is one of the partnership’s best, but isn’t getting the love it deserves.
Raf Simons Cylon-21
Cylon 21
Raf Simons
Raf Simons was ahead of his time with the adidas Ozweego. So it stands to reason, that he could very well be ahead of his time with the Cylon-21. If you’re looking for a new luxury sneaker to add to your rotation, look no further.
Kiko Kostadinov Harkman Sneakers
Harkman Sneakers
Kiko Kostadinov
Kiko Kostadinov isn’t just creating magic in ASICS’ kitchen. His eponymous line has been cranking out some attention-worthy kicks, too.
Salomon XT-Wings 2 ADV
XT-Wings 2 Advanced
Salomon
Often overshadowed by its big cousins the XT-4 and XT-6 ADV, the XT-Wings 2 is a sleeper Salomon pick if you want to buy into Gorpcore without having something everyone has.
HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7
Bondi 7
HOKA
HOKA sneakers might have too much chunk in their midsole for some people, but, as someone who wears them regularly to run, I can attest to the functionality of that comfort via first-hand experience.
New Balance 550
BB550HR1
New Balance
The New Balance 550 is one of the brand’s hottest new sneakers, which impossibly get even hotter when you put a classic “Chicaco” color scheme on them.
Nike Air Force 1p
Air Force 1 Luxe Sneakers
Nike
Weatherized, black Nike Air Force 1s with a gum sole? Where do I sign up?
adidas Y-3 Boxing
Boxing
Y-3
adidas Y-3 is the personification of stealth, though some of its designs can verge on absurdity at times. This subtle pair is different though. It’s got the Y-3 cool factor without standing out too much.
Vans Old-Skool
Og Style 36 LX Sneakers
Vans
Did you really think we were going to make a list of the best general release sneakers and not include a pair of Vans? Think again.
Converse Chuck 70 Hi Climate Escapism
Climate Escapism Chuck 70 Hi
Converse
The same goes for Chuck 70s, though this time around we’ve gone with a pair that has been weather-proofed to infinity and beyond.
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