PAUSE Picks: Top Sneaker Releases of the Week

Kicking things off with one of adidas’ most high-ranking collaborations, this newest dose of Sporty & Rich x adidas sees the iconic Samba silhouette come back out swinging for yet another week. For this release, three summer-ready colourways debuted, but this ‘Cream White/Blue Rush/Gum’ iteration proved to be the pick of the bunch as the vibrant dash of adidas Three Stripe branding and subtle “Sporty & Rich” text contrasts the rich cream leather upper across the upper, whilst hits of suede on the toe area and eye stays work alongside a rough and ready gum sole to provide sneaker heads around the globe with a certified summer hit. A pretty penny, but pretty nonetheless. 

Moving onto a more futuristic side of footwear, London streetwear and utility outfit A-COLD-WALL* have unveiled a new take on their Vector Runner sneaker. Keeping it typically neutral, this triple-black “Onyx” sneaker features a relatively simplified design palette, with signature hits of toned-down “ACW” lettering debuting on the toe, tongue and inside foot lettering, whilst speckled rope lacing and a ridged TPU heel piece further this sense of modernism. One for the rotation.

Bringing back Nike’s most divisive Stüssy collaboration yet, the Nike Vandal High ‘Deep Royal Blue’ had its release this week. The high-top pair focus the skate market as the ready-to-wear pair boast a strapped Stussy branded reversible ankle area as well as a flexible hemp material – which makes up the entirety of the upper – whilst a white midsole, a Stüssy branded tongue, in addition to a change of laces keeps the pair on theme. If these are up your street, an easy cop is on the cards. 

One of TikTok’s low-flying hit silhouettes is the adidas Orketro 2.0, which has made a significant come back of late. Acting as a model forward-thinking replacement for the premium Wales Bonner x adidas Samba ‘Silver’ that released last week, this budget-friendly pair feature a pearlescent grey colour scheme that stretches itself across the reimagined adidas Three Stripes on the toe, with an adiPRENE cushioning system and breathable mesh heel and medial foot inserts adding some comfort underfoot. 

Last but not least, Salehe Bembury and Crocs continue their happy marriage as they provide fans with another edition of the Pollex Clog silhouette. Coming in this off-white “Horchata” colourway, the pair keep their ever-present cool as Bembury’s signature finger-print design dominates once again, whilst the typical hardened TPU heel strap and toe features stay in line with the same “Horchata” shade that colours the rest of the sneaker, changing things up from a typically darkened tone.