PAUSE Picks: Top Sneaker Releases of the Week

As seen on the feet of one Central Cee, the Nike Cortez “Oregon” get back to the sportswear brand’s iconic roots in more ways than one. Aside from their history on America’s rainy West Coast destination, Nike have consistently wheeled out the yellow and green colourway seen here, with this LA heritage pair keeping things classic with suede toe and heel hits, smooth material midfoot uppers, as well as vintage-style Nike lettering on the heel. An oldie but a goldie.

After its moment in the sun upon its initial debut, the Nike Air Max DN has taken a back seat… until now. A new colourway emerges for the modern silhouette as a “Sky Blue/Chamois/Hyper Blue” iteration hits shelves, arguably putting forward the best colourway to date. Mimicking the typical gradient stylings of Nike’s previous Air Max entries, this blue to black take features a spotted textured upper, a raised Air Max bubble midsole unit, as well as various doses of contrasting yellow tones. Road-ready.

Sneaker industry mainstays and cultural tastemakers Hartcopy are continuing their charge on the game as they take to the drawing board with Reebok for their collaborative Hartcopy x Reebok Premier Trinity “Grey.” The neutrally designed pair provide that sporty aesthetic whilst also toeing the line of traditional “dad shoe” vibes, with a hefty dose of white mesh crisply contrasting grey suede overlays and a raised lace unit, which in itself provides a looser feel that is primed for those summer slip-on moments. Chunky still has its way.

Still pushing onwards and upwards are the ever-present New Balance, with their latest 1906R providing a more balanced colourway that takes a leaf out of the ASICS playbook. Hitting back at the runner trend, this robust sports shoe manages to widen its surface area for additional comfort, changing things up from the competitors and their more narrow entries. A sleek silver, white, and black colour scheme makes sure not to fix what isn’t broken, integrating itself nicely into literally anybody’s wardrobe. A pair for the people.

An OG’s of the OGs, the PUMA Speedcat is back and better than ever as this race classic “Red/White” version comes to light, with PUMA DNA being littered across the suave pair. A red suede adorns the entirety of the low-lying pair, with stitched PUMA branding hitting the midfoot as well as the toe, where a signature PUMA cat purrs. The A$AP Rocky co-sign for this pair should not be snuffed at.