PAUSE Picks: Top Sneaker Releases of the Week

The only way we could start this week’s sneaker round-up is with the adidas x Wales Bonner Samba, a shoe that needs no introduction. The low-riding smash hit sneaker is dressed in one of Wales Bonner’s most outlandish designs yet, with a ‘Pony’ hair material boasting an all-over leopard print design along with classic off-white adidas Three Stripes, heel counters, as well as a co-branded flap tongue. Lastly, a striking blue sock lining breaks up the earthy tones, providing a pair that is very much in line with current trends.

Nike x Off-White makes its return as the New York classic Air Force 1 Mid gives the colour yellow a final shot at 2023. Having largely been one of the shades of the year so far in terms of street style trends, yellow adorns this pair across the overlaying leather upper materials, with a white smooth base layer and a stitched Nike Swoosh contrasting against the vibrant centre tone. Off-White’s spiked outsole keeps its place on the mid-top pair, whilst a stitched Grim Reaper heel graphic, a heel pull tab, velcro ankle strapping, and typical Off-White upper detailing make this pair a modern classic.

Keeping the collaborative theme going, Vans’ Rowley XLT has received several makeovers from LA-born luxury brand Gallery Dept, with a “Neapolitan” colourway proving to be the pick of the bunch. Being reminiscent of sneaker grails of the past, this pink and brown iteration of Vans’ Rowley XLT stays in line with the chunkier sneakers currently on trend, providing a puffed tongue, a mixed brown leather and pink suede material composition, as well as orange Vans striping and a hardy gum sole. Lastly, a much-needed dose of branding arrives on the solid yellow tongue patch, with “GALLERY DEPT” lettering sitting loud and proud.

The Nike TN Air Max Plus proves that a good silhouette stands the test of time, with this 25th Anniversary edition underlining the silhouette’s legendary status in the sneaker world. Having firmly arrived back on the scene in recent months, the Nike TN continues its reign of supremacy as it debuts in this striking split gradient colourway that takes from several classic TNs of the past, ranging from the the “Hyper Blue” to the “Sanguine”. Staying true to what has made the pair such a mainstay, this iteration boasts a classic TN composition, with a breathable mesh upper, thermoplastic overlays, a TPU caging system, and a signature Air sole unit making sure to maintain that TN level of class. This pair is for the sneaker historians.

Toning down a rather vibrant selection of sneaker picks, the adidas Stan Smith x Sporty & Rich humbly steps in to provide the more lowkey of sneaker heads with a new pick-up. The classic white and green colourway that has become so synonymous with the Stan Smith shape adorns this pair in a tasteful way, with a textured white material upper working alongside an aged midsole, a stitched green adidas logo on the midfoot, in addition to green “Sporty & Rich” text on the tongue and heel counter. Simple and clean.