PAUSE Picks: Top Sneaker Releases of the Week

Putting in a solid shout for sneaker of the year so far, Aminé and New Balance have finally joined forces for a collaborative sneaker, with the Portland-born musician taking on the 610 silhouette. Arriving in a banana-themed ‘Mooz’ colourway, the sporty mesh-based sneaker boasts a brown and yellow colour scheme as the highly-detailed pair utilises a material mix composed of a yellow spacer mesh upper and a brown patent leather overlay. A speckled three-colour midsole, a close-knit mesh ankle collar, ripstop accents at the heel and rope lacing, as well as a selection of Aminé-lead design stamps such as iridescent panels, graphic jewel snow globe details, a co-branded tongue label, in addition to banana sticker inspired graphics taking the stage. Aminé comes through with an instant classic.

Coming in hot with a cool and collected effort are Notre and Salomon, who have linked up for a suave take on the XT-4. The mainstay hiking silhouette receives a light beige makeover with dashes of teal gradient designs lining themselves up with the midfoot and heel Salomon lettering, whilst a semi-translucent midsole, a signature black mudguard, as well as a typical Salomon lace lock gives this pair a seamless balance.

Tipped by many to be Nike’s next leading silhouette, especially as we head into the cooler months, the Oregon-born sports giants have laid out a brand new colourway for sneaker heads worldwide as this tasteful ‘Light Bone’ iteration hits the shelves. The relatively chunky mid-90s trail sneaker most recently saw an all-pink Jacquemus redesign and for this newest look, Nike have toned the pair all the way down through a greyed-out upper and a pale yellow set of accents across the Nike midfoot Swoosh and stitching, lacing area, as well as the rear “AIR” stitching. Get ahead of the curve.

Everything animal print is firmly upon us as snakeskin, leopard print, and everything in-between makes its mark on the fashion industry, with footwear being no different. For Diemme’s latest effort, a ‘Copper Brown/Napp W’ colourway adorns their high-top Anatra boot and provides the perfect conversation-starting transition piece you were looking for. Reinterpreting the ‘Duck Boot’, this latest release from Diemme provides an action-ready rubberised boot that bridges the old and the new as this classic shape is streamlined around the ankle, whilst a rich brown snakeskin leather blends perfectly into the metallic lace lock area. Whether you’re rocking with these or not, they’re impossible to ignore.

Reconvening for a high-top take on their original Superstar release, professional skateboarder Blondey McCoy and global sports brand adidas have unveiled their ankle-hugging Blondey Pro Model ADV. Like their first collaborative effort, a translucent design let your socks do the talking once again as a completely transparent material adorns the entire shoe, with signature black adidas Three Stripes, gold “BLONDEY” text, matching black laces, as well as stitched cream midsoles and shell toes completing the pair.