PAUSE Picks: Top Sneaker Releases of the Week

Joe Freshgoods x New Balance makes its triumphant return with the release of two iterations of the 990v6, with a “Prom Blue” version taking the cake as a leading favourite. The block colour sneaker is painted in an all over blue colourway, with the modernised classic utilising more up-to-date New Balance “N” midfoot branding, signature “Joe Freshgoods” tongue text, as well as a cushioned Abzorb midsole and a suede and mesh composition.

High fashion enters the fold now as divisive Spanish fashion house Balenciaga put forward their Circuit sneaker in a big way. An all black sneaker is pretty difficult to ruin, and this luxe pair does a stellar job of pushing the boundaries without playing with tradition too much, utilising a new take on a sporty runner through a streamlined arched shape, with additional features including a worn-out effect, an ultra-lightweight composition, signature Balenciaga logo branding, as well as a rear pull-on tab. Balenci are brewing.

Yes yes, we know, the adidas Samba has been around the block this past few years, but this latest tongue-in-cheek entry still might tickle your fancy. The adidas Samba OG Embroidered Floral in “White” doesn’t do much but spread some floral fun across the entirety of the white leather upper, with this base colourway sticking to the now iconic all white colour scheme. Give the adidas Samba one last go.

More New Balance means more collaborations, and longtime brand collaborator and musician Action Bronson presents an intricate take on 1906R. Continuing to propel the comfort-centric pair into the spotlight, New Balance enlists Bronson for this “Medusa Azúl” version of the hit sneaker, with multilayered pastel blues hitting the TPU and mesh upper, whilst a striking streak of cobalt blue colours in the midsole unit.

Stüssy x Nike can’t get enough of each other this season, with the former’s affections for under appreciated heritage Nike silhouettes continuing here as the LD-1000 gets another two colourways. Shades of golden yellow and neon pink adorn this soft to the touch mesh and suede sneaker, with a heavy stitched Nike Swoosh extending into the “Stüssy” heel lettering, which also gets painted in a stark neon pink.