PAUSE Picks: Top Sneaker Releases of the Week

The Jordan 3 has long been a favourite amongst the true sneakerheads, but has possibly been overlooked by the wider community as its Jordan 1 and 4 counterparts stole the headlines. Having its moment here, this simple Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro “White Cement Reimagined” colourway boasts rich white leather across the upper, whilst hits of retro grey cement patterning adds that signature Jordan touch. Not too much else to say about this one, just a solid choice for a spring rotation.

Without doubt being the footwear brand of the moment, ASICS are capitalising on the hype with a succession of standout releases, with the latest ASICS GEL-NYC ‘Black Clay Grey’ being the pick of the bunch. Maintaining the ever-present sporty look that ASICS shoes always provide, this pair utilise a striking combined mesh, suede and mixed material upper as layers of black, clay and light grey flow effortlessly throughout the low-lying silhouette. A hit of yellow ASICS branding towards the heel adds that extra pop, with ASICS yet again proving to be a front runner in the 2023 sneaker game.

Nike step up again with AMBUSH as the Yoon Ahn-led brand make their mark yet again on the Air Force 1, debuting a sleek ‘White’ colourway. Maintaining the signature design codes of AMBUSH, the sneaker boasts a rich leather composition across the all-white upper and input Yoon Ahn’s touch with an elongated hardened black 3D Nike Swoosh across the midfoot, rear AMBUSH embossed lettering, as well as a frontal AMBUSH lace lock, which also arrives in solid black.

Making a second appearance in two weeks, Salomon step forward with every ‘Gorpcore’ fan’s dream, debuting a pretty much all-black version of the Salomon XT-Pathway. Debuting in an official ‘Black Lunar Rock’ colourway, this hiking favourite dons a cushy mesh across the upper that is overlaid with Salomon’s signature rectangular design, which arrives in a gradient black and grey colour. Salomon lettering takes its typical place on the heel, whilst a darkened grey and white midsole breaks up the all-black colour scheme. An easy everyday shoe.

Rounding out this week’s line-up are New Balance, who make sure to keep their hot streak going well into 2023 as they unveil a new 650 colourway. Keeping the retro spirit of sneakers alive, this ‘White/Honeycomb/Rain Cloud’ colourway utilises a signature basketball-style high-top shape and decorates it with hits of yellow, which prominently adorns the sneaker across the ‘N’ an ‘650’ midfoot insignia, collar, tongue and outsole. The vintage leather upper is bolstered with a puff and stitch collar, adding a subtle reimagined version of moulded foam construction, whilst a raw edged leather eyerow adds further intricate detailing.