PAUSE Picks: Top Sneaker Releases of the Week

Kicking off this week’s line-up of sneakers are Palace and the ever-present New Balance, who have finally joined forces for two editions of the 580 silhouette. Arriving in a standout purple, teal and electric yellow colourway, the pair boasts a mixed hairy suede overlay and mesh underlay composition, whilst the duo also incorporate TPU add-ons towards the heel, a speckled ROLLBAR midsole, as well as a host of New Balance branding on the midfoot, tongue, and heel. Some hits of the Palace name also adorn these areas in addition to “PALACE” labelled lace dubraes. A must-cop for any streetwear fan.

Nike bring sneaker heads something different for this release as they step forward with the 00s classic: the Nike Air Kukini. Recently donned by the ultimate sneaker trendsetter, ASAP Nast, the Nike Air Kukini has long been a decisive pair, but with the sneaker market becoming so congested, many are beginning to look to left-of-centre choices to stand out. Enter, the Nike Air Kukini “Topography”. Arriving in a muted blue colourway, this slip-on silhouette dons breathable mesh with smooth neoprene panelling, a cushioned sole, a clear TPU cage, oversized pull tabs, as well as Nike’s signature heel Air unit. Take a leaf out of ASAP Nast’s book… you won’t regret it.

Useful all year around, every sneaker head needs a trusty pair of slip-on shoes for everyday wear, and there’s not many better than Salehe Bembury’s ongoing Crocs Pollex Clog collaboration. Arriving in a “Tide” colourway, the latest release between Bembury and Crocs sees the Pollex Clog silhouette receive a teal makeover, with Bembury’s signature textured finger-print mould still adorning the entirety of the shoe. Additional features include darker shades of teal on the toe, heel and strap, while co-branding is placed on the hardware and footbed. An easy cop.

Adding a much needed sense of luxury are Japan-born brand Comme des Garcons, who have teamed up with Nike for two iterations of the infamous Air Max 97. Debuting in a standout black colourway, this frosted and rugged pair boast an all-black upper colour scheme with subtle white smudging, with other standout features including rope lacing, a textured tongue, a black midsole, a signature Nike Air Max midsole Air unit, as well as an ‘Air Max’ labelled pull tab and collaboratively branded Comme des Garcons x Nike insoles. Name a better duo than black-on-black and winter.

Lastly, adidas put their name out there to round out this week’s sneaker list, with the sportswear giants taking it old school as they unveil the adidas Forum 84 Low AEC. Boasting a worn aesthetic and a white and red colour scheme, the classic silhouette stick to the script shape wise, maintaining the Forum Low 84’s signature velcro strapping and Three Stripes placement. Some highlights from the ‘rough around the edges’ pair include hits of faded red across the rear heel, a white mixed leather upper composition, an aged cream midsole, as well as a grey outsole and subtle adidas branding on the tongue and midfoot panelling. An adaptable everyday wear for an affordable price.