PAUSE Picks: Top Sneaker Releases of the Week

We love a dig into the archives, and Wales Bonner have done just that. The Wales Bonner x adidas Adios Neftenga seems to take inspiration from multiple trending shapes and shades, with the predominantly mesh sneaker embracing the sporty lifestyle sneaker wave as well as the wider affection for block colours, with this pair standing out in a vibrant canary yellow. Picking up right where they left off.

This one is definitely going to ruffle some feathers, but isn’t that what we’re in it for? The Dr. Martens wave is one that is tried and trusted, a tale as old as time, and certainly one that has beaten all odds, with this heritage brand staying firmly in touch with the youth for this new Maybole Square Toe Leather Mary Jane. A faded vintage tone strolls through in the form of a “Black + Cherry Red” colour scheme, utilising Arcadia high-shine leather for a base red dye and a contrasting black topcoat that eventually rubs off over time to reveal the underlying colour. This new sculpted pair proves to be an unconventional take on the classic heeled Mary Jane silhouette, opting for ridged heel outers and a robust sole unit for a heritage insertion of something rebellious.

Get your Adam Sandler on with UGG’s latest “pumped up” Pumped Slide, which debut here in a stark – and on-trend – “Big Sky” blue. Seemingly being the colour of the summer, cobalt blue takes to UGG’s newest silhouette to new heights as a “Big Sky” colour scheme rules over this comfort-centric pair. Chunky footwear is back in and here to stay.

We’ve seen the sneaker-come-mule over and over again in recent years, but this Kiko Kostadinov x ASICS Novalis Gel-Styrax Mule just has something different about it. The heel-less pair takes the ASICS Novalis base and runs with it as Kiko Kostadinov’s mind roams free here, reinterpreting ASICS’ signature branding and spreading it across the mesh toe, instilling a winter-ready burgundy and green colour scheme, and utilising a striking ridged outsole unit. Futuristic footwear at its finest.

A new take on the ongoing Nike Air Max series make its way into the number five spot here, seeing the Nike Air Max Portal silhouette enter the fray. The 2024 release feature a significant cushioned midsole unit that is absorbed by a crisp shade of white as well as a “Volt” dash, with this vibrant gradient continuing to the midfoot. Contrasting red Nike Swooshes provide some brand recognition on the midfoot, tongue, eye stay, and heel, while a rear heel pull tab adds a dose of convenience. It’s big, it’s in your face, and it’s quintessentially Air Max.