From Nike to On Running, 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 arrive for long-established collaborations — On x Post Archive Faction and adidas x Song for the Mute — as well as a Nike dress shoe that we're struggling to categorize.
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.
On x Post Archive Faction Cloudmonster Hyper
Release Date: October 9
Editor's Notes: As the name suggests, On's Cloudmonster sneaker is monstrously large. But you can trust Post Archive Faction to transform this imposing techy running shoe into something more sleek and minimal.
As has been the case with all of PAF's stylish On running shoes so far, the upper construction is streamlined, loud branding is removed, and the whole shoe is dressed in a single neutral hue.
PUMA x A$AP Rocky Mostro Gabbia
Release Date: October 9
Editor's Notes: One of the defining features of the PUMA Mostro is its spiked sole unit that spills out onto the upper. The A$AP Rocky-designed Mostro Gabbia turns the shoe even spikier, and adds a wraparound cage alongside faux snakeskin fabric for added effect.
adidas x Pharrell Adistar Jellyfish
Release Date: Available now from adidas, releasing at select retailers on October 11
Editor's Notes: This Pharrell-designed sneaker sits among the most chunky dad shoes in adidas' selection. And it's certainly the only one that counts jellyfish as its inspiration.
New Balance x WTAPS Abzorb 2010
Release Date: October 10
Editor's Notes: WTAPS has already upgraded all of New Balance's classic sneakers with its military-infused design language. So now, the Japanese label has moved onto a new model introduced earlier this year.
The WTAPS x New Balance 2010 keeps its signature grey mesh underlays and tops it off with textured olive green suede. The only contrast to this tasteful color combination is small hits of neon green at the heel.
Nike x Air Afrique Air Max RK61
Release Date: October 9
Editor's Notes: Is it a sneaker? Is it a leather dress shoe? Well, the Nike Air Max RK61 is kinda both.
The work of Air Afrique, a Parisian creative collective named after a shuttered Pan African airline, this curious hybrid concoction is effectively an Oxford shoe built like an Air Max.
adidas x Song for the Mute Taekwondo MEI
Release Date: October 10
Editor's Notes: There's a longstanding precedent of stylish tennis sneakers or basketball shoes crossing over into streetwear circles. Taekwondo, however, that is a new sport to mine for fashionable purposes.
Bad Bunny came first, reviving this long-forgotten sleek sneaker with a sole unit so thin it's barely there. Next comes Australian menswear label Song for the Mute, dressing the shoe in a shaggy pre-scuffed suede fabric.
ASICS x FACETASM Gel-Kayano 14
Release Date: October 11
Editor's Notes: Contrasting colors, textures, and fabrics all unite on the FACETASM x ASICS Gel-Kayano 14. And while it's an admittedly busy design, it all combines surprisingly effectively.
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