Heatwave is a new series that gives readers our unfiltered opinions on the best (and worst) of this week’s sneaker releases.
The sneaker release calendar is unpredictable like the weather. Some kicks are pure heat, while others deserve to be left out in the cold. Sifting through the mass isn't easy. That's where Heatwave comes in. Think of me as your metaphorical weather man, providing an overview of the upcoming drops. As Highsnobiety’s chief sneaker meteorologist, I’ll judge the week's notable releases on their “Heatwave Rating” — HTR for short — which is, from worst to best: glacial, cold, lukewarm, hot, and scorching.
This week, you’ll be sweating but you won’t be uncomfortable, as the likes of Nike, Reebok, A-COLD-WALL*, and All In have some high quality releases lined up for you. Interestingly, general releases dominate this week’s release radar, with only Reebok’s Kanghyuk collaboration finding a place on our forecast.
Read on for this week’s sneaker weather forecast.
Nike SB Nyjah Free 2.0
HTR: Hot Release Date: July 1 Price: $100 Buy: Sneakersnstuff Editor’s Notes: Nyjah’s second signature Nike SB sneaker is hot, hot, hot. I might get some heat for this (pun intended), but these give me a Janoski vibe. If these are half as successful, Nyjah and Nike are sitting on a goldmine.
Kanghyuk x Reebok Premier Road Modern
HTR: Hot Release Date: July 3 Price: $230 Buy: Dover Street Market London Editor’s Notes: I’m normally not a huge fan of triple black sneakers, but the complexity of the upper, which features several synthetic overlays, gives the Kanghyuk-designed sneaker an aggressive vibe that is hard to ignore — in a good way.
Nike WMNS Aqua Rift
HTR: Lukewarm Release Date: $130 Price: July 1 Buy: Sneakersnstuff Editor’s Notes: The split-toe tabi design of Nike’s Aqua Rift may not be for everyone, but it’s definitely for me. This fun colorway is perfectly paired with some colorful shorts and can be worn out and about, by the beach, or on a boat.
A-COLD-WALL* NC.1 SHALE
HTR: Hot Release Date: July 2 Price: £250 Buy: Available for 48 hours only at A-COLD-WALL* Editor’s Notes: A-COLD-WALL*’s NC.1 SHALE is part slip-on hiker, part water shoe. The seamless rubberized leather upper is water resistant and features an internal stretch neoprene sock. If you were thinking this shoe is "luxury meets comfort," you’re definitely onto something.
All In XOX
HTR: Lukewarm Release Date: Available now Price: $190 Buy: SSENSE Editor’s Notes: Montreal-based All In keeps the good weather going this week with its new XOX sneaker. The model features the same geometric designs as All In’s debut silhouette, but comes with a all-new midsole.
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