PAUSE Picks: Top Sneaker Releases of the Week

Another Joe Freshgoods x New Balance release is upon us as the iconic duo reunite for a panda-inspired iteration of the 990v4, titled ‘Outro’. The staple silhouette utilises a colourway as old as time in the form of a blackened white palette, with the robust sneaker utilising subtle nods to JFG and New Balance through co-branded accents alongside layered suede and mesh materials. Be quick, these aren’t going to stick around.

Coming through with a double collaborative New Balance whammy, the Boston formed outfit took a luxury step up for this joint effort as brand of the moment Miu Miu make their mark on the 574. The under-the-radar sneaker has proved to be a reliable runner in recent years, with this elevated iteration utilising a full brown corduroy across the blended upper, with a camouflaged New Balance midfoot emblem, white accents, a tonal midsole, as well as a co-branded tongue completing the long-awaited pair.

Taking itself slightly less seriously, The Powerpuff Girls x Nike SB Dunk Low finally makes its debut as the fun-loving collaboration comes to light, with the blue ‘Bubbles’ take being the pick of the bunch. Obviously coming in a trio of colourways, this standout ‘Bubbles’ version takes after the famous cartoon character, channeling her yellow hair on the fattened laces, Nike Swoosh, and insoles, whilst the rest of the shoe takes on her signature blue look as a woven canvas material adorns the upper. Sneaker heads get their way this time.

Love it or hate it, the ASICS x Gallery Dept. GT-2160 is set to make some appearances at this upcoming fashion month. Bridging the gap between the incoming ‘Runner’ shoe wave and the luxury scene, this luxe take on ASICS’ GT-2160 provides a rough and ready look that only a GALLERY DEPT. paint splat could provide, with multicoloured specks being dotted around the toe and midfoot area, while a silver and blue underlay keeps the pair ironically uniform.  The ready-for-anything pair also boasts a subtle flex in the form of GALLERY DEPT’s unmissable yellow brand tag, with white laces and a matching midsole unit adding another dose of uniformity.

It’s a debut for Bronx-born rapper and all-round creative Jae Tips as he releases his latest Saucony collaboration, gifting sneaker heads the Grid Shadow 2 ‘Wear for a Date’. Being as direct as can be for its purpose, the Jae Tips x Saucony Grid Shadow 2 strives for romance as this date-ready shoe features an ocean blue mesh base, roughened suede teal overlays, as well as heavy hits of light pink on the midsole and magenta stitching on the “Forever” toe lettering and co-branded tongue. Not stopping there, a colourful flower petal style graphic is stitched onto the heel as white laces and a teal outsole make sure to push this pair to the limit.