PAUSE Picks: Top Sneaker Releases of the Week

PAUSE are back for another year, and with that, another sneaker list. Kicking off 2023 are Stüssy once again, who have unveiled their collaborative Timberland World Hiker Boot. Debuting in a standout tank colourway, the pair boast a mixed suede and leather upper composition, with a full GORE-TEX bootie construction, metal D-rings, collaborative branding on the hooks, tongue, and ankle, as well as a removable anti-fatigue footbed proving to be central design highlights. A robust choice for any weather.

As always, New Balance and Joe Freshgoods bring the sauce. Bringing forward their collaborative 993 Made In USA, this baby blue iteration sticks to the ever successful script and boasts a mixed blue, pink and grey suede and mesh upper composition, with hits of New Balance 993 and Joe Freshgoods branding making their typical appearance on the midfoot, laterals, and heels. A comfy addition to any rotation.

Rick Owens DRKSHDW x Converse is the gift that just keeps on giving. The newly-introduced TURBODRK Chuck 70 channels a slightly more flamboyant side for Rick Owens DRKSHDW, seeing the famous Converse high-top sneaker take on a a bold zebra-inspired jacquard finish – which spreads across the entirety of the sneaker – a classic Rick elongated tongue, as well as the signature inclusion of a disruptive square-toe. Modernity meets a classic.

Giving sneaker heads a sleek take on workwear, under-the-radar brand CAT are well wroth your attention, putting forward a sneaker that moulds around any outfit you want it to work with. Boasting a robust shape, the pair also have multiple utility-based features, including a sport nubuck upper, soft breathable nylon mesh lining, an EVA foam footbed for longwearing comfort, as well as a breathable nylon mesh sock lining with CLEANSPORT NXT™ pro-biotic odour control. A win for the ‘Gorp-core’ crowd.

Tipped to be one of the breakthrough sneakers of 2023, the Mexico 66 from Onitsuka Tiger has been a popular low-lier coming into the new year, with this ‘Year of the Rabbit’ iteration embracing a more left-of-centre take on the typically simplistic sneaker. A ‘cream’ and ‘birch’-coloured recycled leather provides a sturdy upper composition, with faux-fur lining highlighting the brand’s logo on the medial and lateral parts of the shoe whilst also nodding to this year’s zodiac animal; the rabbit. Lastly, hits of gold adorn the tongue whilst bright red line the pair’s insoles. Hop on the wave or you’ll miss it.