PAUSE Picks: Top Sneaker Releases of the Week

Kicking off this week’s list are Gucci and adidas, who have come together for a not so new collaboration, having previously released several iterations of adidas’ infamous Gazelle sneaker. However, this time around they have unveiled an elevated iteration of the silhouette, putting forward the Gucci x adidas Gazelle Platform sneaker in a rich golden colourway. The pair feature the gold and brown Gucci monogram pattern seen earlier in the release process, with hits of Gucci and adidas branding also adorning the heel and midsole. The real highlight arrives in the pair’s massively elevated rainbow sole, which features a white, orange, yellow, and blue striped design. This is a pair to elevate your style… literally.

This attention-grabbing pair strays away from the typical Nike and adidas domination, as MSCHF step forward with their collaborative ‘Gobstomper’ shoe, tapping American talkshow host Jimmy Fallon for it. Putting the U.S. TV personality at the forefront of the campaign, the chunky skater silhouette boasts an array of standout features, including a cut up suede upper, an overlapping lacing system, as well as a ‘wear away’ design feature that reveals a plethora of colours the more you wear and beat up your sneakers. A pair for the long-term.

Putting forward an oldie, but most certainly a goldie, are COMME des GARÇONS PLAY and Converse, who have reconvened for a collaborative iteration of the One Star sneaker. CDG PLAY take this infamous Converse silhouette and give it their love heart makeover, with this white colourway boasting pops of red on the customary One Star logo as well as CDG PLAY’s infamous love heart motif, with a typical canvas upper, silver eyelets, and black midsole piping completing the sneaker. A classic for any season.

Adding a pop of colour to this week’s roster are Nike, who take the vibrant shade of ‘Volt’ all the way to the bank with this Nike Air More Tempo sneaker. Being reminiscent of Nike’s recent collaboration sneaker with singer Billie Eilish, this thick-set sneaker takes Nike’s infamous silhouette and gives it an all-over ‘Volt’ makeover, with additional features including signature ‘Air’ lettering across the midfoot, elasticated lacing, and the typical Air Tempo air unit in the sole. Not one to match with much, but they’re certainly a statement pair.

There’s no rounding out a sneaker list in 2022 without the inclusion of a New Balance sneaker, with the ‘it’ brand of the moment making their mark again. Unveiling their latest 990v2 Made in USA “Chrysanthemum” sneaker, New Balance take a more tonal approach as they use multiple shades of dark red for the mixed soft and rough suede upper, with a black mesh base, light cream midsole, and black signature New Balance insignia on the midfoot, tongue, and heel completing the aesthetics of the pair. Lastly, a built-in air unit covered by the midsole prioritises both comfort and style, making sure you’re styling all day without sacrificing your feet. New Balance are always a reliable choice.