From Birkenstock to Nike, the Seven Best Sneakers to Cop Right Now
This weekly guide sorts the very best from the rest when it comes to the saturated world of sneaker releases, with information on release dates and where to buy. Please note: Some sneakers may sell out at speed.
Raffles, friends and family releases, and player exclusives — all of that before a mere mention of the many fire general sneaker releases out there. The world of sneaker drops can be a tricky place to navigate, but we’re here to help. Behold, the best of the best of what's arriving on shop floors this week.
This week’s selection sees new chapters in long-running collaborations — such as adidas x Brain Dead and Basketcase x New Balance — as well as a Nike Air Force 1 themed around a vintage Chanel bag.
The cream of the sneaker crop awaits you. What are you waiting for?
Shop the best sneaker releases on the market, as well as upcoming sneaker drops, below.
Nike Air Force 1 Baroque Brown and Desert Moss
Release Date: December 19
Editor's Notes: Remember those Vans Old Skool sneakers that looked suspiciously similar to Chanel's 2015 "On the Pavement" messenger bag? The ones that sold out immediately? Well, now there's a Nike Air Force 1 version.
These distressed bouclé sneakers appear to take inspiration from the same vintage spray-painted Chanel bag, complete with fuzzy yarn-style laces and a beaded swoosh.
Brain Dead x adidas Taekwondo
Release Date: December 18
Editor's Notes: Of all Brain Dead and adidas' weird and wonderful footwear collaborations, it's a thin-soled taekwondo sneaker that emerges as one of the most refined. By decking the sporty silhouette in all-black leather, Brain Dead brings out the dressier side of this slipper-like sneaker.
Basketcase x New Balance 204L
Release Date: December 19
Editor's Notes: Californian streetwear label Basketcase was one of the first brands to put a spin on New Balance's 204L sneaker. In June, before the shoe had even released, Basketcase launched a friends-and-family-only version with thick grey pony hair covering the upper.
This newest version is a completely different proposition. This 204L is available to shop, and it's considerably more rugged. Mountain-style speed lacing and reinforced soles steer the silhouette toward the outdoors.
Nike G.T. Future Metallic Silver
Release Date: December 20
Editor's Notes: Nike's GT Future debuted in a "fire" colorway, now it's being followed up with an icy version. This sci-fi-looking silhouette isn't all looks, it's Nike's new performance basketball shoe loaded with its most advanced underfoot technology.
OFFSPRING x adidas Superstar Vintage
Release Date: December 19
Editor's Notes: UK retailer OFFSPRING and adidas have been working overtime this holiday season. Following a charm-studded pop-up in London, the duo has reimagined the Superstar from the ground up.
Referencing the original Superstar from 1969, this sneaker features a wheat-toned rubber sole that extends up and over the signature shell toe, creating a striking textural contrast.
Carhartt WIP x Salomon X-ALP
Release Date: December 18
Editor's Notes: Salomon and Carhartt WIP are brands synonymous with ruggedness and reliability in their respective fields. It’s no surprise, then, that their latest collaboration has produced a hard-working trail shoe
Building on one of Salomon’s toughest silhouettes, the X-ALP, the duo has added camo details and a robust grainy leather upper.
BIRKENSTOCK x CNCPTS Boston
Release Date: December 17
Editor's Notes: How do you make a Birkenstock Boston clog even cozier? Turn it into a sweater.
Swapping classic nubuck leather for a wool felt upper, this collaboration with sneaker boutique CNCPTS adds warmth while introducing two vibrant colorways, orange and graphite, to a typically muted silhouette.
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