PAUSE Picks: Top Sneaker Releases of the Week

Nike’s iconic Foamposite sneaker is continuing its mini revival, with this slip-on iteration seeming to be a natural evolution for many retro silhouettes in the modern sneaker age. The comfort-centric entry take the heel out of the equation here as the aforementioned slip-on shape takes hold, with Nike opting for one of its classic “Chrome/Black” colourways in order to instil some heritage styling. The 1999 born shoe continues to champion the signature Nike Foamposite upper composition, with a black stretchy neoprene panel on the midfoot section giving the pair that extra dose of comfort.

This unisex, lightweight entry from ASICS puts sporty fashionistas ahead in more ways than one, capitalising on the upturn in popularity for running through the release of the striking METASPEED Edge Paris. Designed for racing and cadence-style runners, this standout pair from ASICS look to increase stride numbers and conserve energy with each step, utilising a bouncy midsole foam and a propulsive carbon plate to do so. Arriving in an eye-catching “Safety Yellow/Black” colourway, this pair opt for a vibrant gradient colour scheme and balance out the technical with the aesthetic, whilst FF TURBO PLUS cushioning aids compression and instils a noticeable spring in the step of each and every run. Get up and at them, ASICS know their stuff.

It may have come too late for some, but the summer-ready CLOT x adidas Gazelle by Edison Chen bridges the gap between a sneaker and something more formal, adopting the design of classic espadrilles. The design features of this heritage Spanish silhouette are most prominent through the pair’s woven sole unit and textile upper composition, with Edison Chen’s affections for texture rising to the surface through the hand-embroidered glass bead adidas 3-Stripes on the midfoot. Rope laces, gold trefoil “GAZELLE” lettering, and suede eye stays and toe guards continue to shake up the pair’s textures.

ON’s recent reign at the top of the running game has been an important step for the future of footwear, with their hit Cloudtilt silhouette bringing lifestyle and sportswear closer than ever. Enlisting the likes of Zendaya as a brand ambassador, ON continue to sore as this “Lime/Ivory/White” Cloudtilt hits store fronts and continues to champion fashion’s recent neon afflictions. The list of tech-heavy design features is endless with this pair as a mesh upper starts things off by making up an ultra-lightweight construction, whilst speed laces a rocker shape, a breathable membrane, temperature resistance, a helion superfoam sole unit, as well as Cloudtec technology and a hardy rubber outsole cover the other main bases.

Jordan’s tactile approach to 2024 as not gone under the radar, with this Nigel Sylvester approved Air Jordan 4RM rightfully taking this number five spot. Debuting in an “Oxidized Green,” the latest take on the Air Jordan 4 does in fact reinvent the wheel, with OG version’s signature shape being redefined through a reimagined TPU stronghold, boasting a more robust foundational base across the midfoot and back. A mixed material upper consisting of leather, canvas, mesh, and hairy suede finds itself spread across the pair, with an elegant sail white midsole unit breaking up the stark block colour upper.