PAUSE Picks: Top Sneaker Releases of the Week

Bode x Nike is not the team-up we knew we ever needed, but it’s now definitely the one we want as the duo come together for their debut. Taking things all the way back to Nike’s origins here, the Astrograbber silhouette is as simple a runner sneaker as you could possibly ask for as the low-lying silhouette modernises a usually darkened colour scheme with a cream woven canvas upper styling, whilst a white midsole, black Nike Swoosh, and “Bode” tongue lettering completes the central design features. Permitting a fun-loving insertion of customisability, several minute plastic adornments are available for this pair, including a plastic lobster, plane, and cow.

Coming for the quality crown, the latest adidas Samba OG ‘Made In Italy’ follows an ongoing trend of elevated simplicity with the industry powerhouses, as seen most recently with their JJJJound collaboration. For this effort, a rich leather luxe taps in with adidas OG silhouette as the Samba gets dressed in a smooth white, with a gum sole and a grey suede toe breaking up the one-colour winner. A high price for a lifetime of luxury? It’s up to you.

You can run from the Marie-Jeanne, but you can’t hide. The emerging silhouette of 2024 is certainly not everybody’s cup of tea, but it’s a pair that are making waves across both streetwear and high-fashion, with Salomon stepping into the frame to bridge the widening gap between fashion fans and sneakers. The buckled grey pair feature everything from a 3D mesh upper with a wide opening, low-key “S” Salomon branding, and smooth nubuck overlays to a lightweight EVA underfoot, providing a sense of comfort along with an on-point and trendy product entry.

The AURALEE x New Balance WRPD Runner has made the rounds this week and this striking one-colour “Phantom” entry keeps you stealthy going into the summer months. If a darkened colour palette is your bread and butter, this effort between New Balance and AURALEE has you covered as navy suede overlays decorate themselves over a heavy mesh base and a raised wavy midsole unit puts a spring into your step.

If you’re not on the Bode x Nike timing, fear not, the Nike Field General 82 is a cheap and cheerful alternative that makes sure to hit all the same notes. The low-top shape arrives in a simple black and white and keeps its American football heritage as a textured outsole keeps you gripped to the ground, whilst leather panelling, tonal black midsoles, and classic Nike tongue and heel branding keep things classic.