PAUSE Picks: Top Sneaker Releases of the Week

Bringing it back to basics, Chitose Abe’s sacai have opted for a clean white colourway as we head into the spring months ahead with yet another iteration of the Nike Blazer Low. Arriving in white patent leather, the entirety of the upper sticks to a plain colour scheme, with the traditional foam padding, doubled tongues, laces, and Nike ticks keeping their unmistakable place.

Ushering in a new take on a classic, Carhartt and Converse have released their collaborative effort for the One Star Pro silhouette, giving it a hardened makeover. The shoe seems a uniquely segmented design, with white leather and beige suede covering the upper and toe box, whilst a solid black lines the midsole, laces, and tongue. A gum addition has been added to the front of the toe for reinforced protection from scuff and grime, a quintessentially Carhartt feature.

Taking a slightly smarter approach, this pair of Ted Baker x Padmore & Barnes Moccasin shoes provides you with a sneaker alternative for the months ahead, giving you the chance to dress your outfit up or down. This pair arrives in a black brushed leather for the upper as well as a light beige rubber sole, with additional Ted Baker branding providing that touch of class.

Bound to be a pair that splits opinion, the Balenciaga Defender sneaker has seen a glamorous roll out as A-list celebrities donned this pair in the lead-up to their recent release. Inspired by car tires, the Defenders come in an all-black colourway with oversized tire-like soles, providing an extra bit of height for those that might need it. On the minimal amount of upper, there is an underlaying mesh material as well as a shiny nylon overlay, which provides that essential Balenciaga branding.

Bringing the fun to this week’s line-up is the Nike Dunk Low ‘Avocado’, which indeed does centre its design around the much loved breakfast food. The sneaker comes in a predominantly dark green colourway, mimicking the shell of an avocado, with hits of light green adorning the heel tab and sock lining. An additional product ‘sticker’ on the front of the shoe puts forward a nod to Nike and the everyday branding of a supermarket avocado. Be quick, these will sell out.