From New Balance to adidas, 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 is the first of the new year (happy 2026, folks!), and it's a rare collaboration-free list. From Nike's mind-altering slides to Hender Scheme's artisanal leather remake of a classic skate shoe, we're ringing in the new year with top-tier in-line shoes.
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 Mind 001
Release Date: January 8
Editor's Notes: The Nike Mind 001 is a mind-altering shoe. Yes, seriously. The new slip-on model comes with a series of massaging nubs protruding from the bottom, which are strategically placed to engage sensory areas of the brain. The idea is that wearing these shoes will improve your mind-to-body connection.
adidas Superstar Lux Made in Italy
Release Date: Available now
Editor's Notes: This isn't really an adidas Superstar sneaker. This is a $410 Italian-made leather adidas dress shoe that has some adidas Superstar features.
New Balance 1906L
Release Date: January 6
Editor's Notes: Yes, sneaker-loafers are staying for 2026, and New Balance is kicking things off with one of its classiest 1906L's yet. This style of two-toned, black-and-white loafer was popularized by preppy Ivy Leaguers during the '50s. Except, instead of being a dapper leather shoe, this one is New Balance's weirdo snoafer.
Nike Baltoro
Release Date: January 9
Editor's Notes: Nike offers far more than just air-bubbled sporty sneakers. The American sneaker giant has a huge archive of stylish hikers that it's increasingly mining. First came the rugged suede Cyngal boot, followed by the hard-working Nike Gaodome, then streetwear OG's Stüssy initiated the return of Nike's long-lost Baltoro hiking boot.
Here, the Baltoro receives a fittingly outdoorsy colorway. The mix of khaki and black makes this already rugged shoe only look tougher.
Hender Scheme Manual Industrial Products
Release Date: January 10
Editor's Notes: Hender Scheme doesn't only do luxurious veg-tanned leather "Nikes", it also does "Vans". The Japanese label is bringing its leather mastery onto one of the world's most famous skate shoes, bolstering the huge influx of luxury Vans Authentic remakes entering the market.
New Balance AC Runner
Release Date: Available now
Editor's Notes: There's a fresh New Balance runner on the scene. As to be expected from New Balance, the technology is impressive, including the sportswear giant's most cushioned foam midsoles, but what makes this pair exciting is its sleek looks. The textured upper and scultped midsole make for something more casual-looking than your typical performance-first runner.
Nike Shox R4
Release Date: January 7
Editor's Notes: Normally, Nike's Shox sneaker leans into spacesuit-inspired look through shiny silver panels that cover the upper. But this time, the shoe's gotten entirely dressed in cracked black leather, that's both more stealthy and adds a cool textured look.
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