PAUSE Picks: Top Sneaker Releases of the Week

Whether you like it or not, Nike are pushing forward with hiking silhouettes going into 2025. Seemingly playing catch-up over this past year, Nike look to be finding some fresh inspiration, albeit from its archives. The retro sneaker takes inspiration from Nike’s late 80s silhouette, titled “Air Magma,” with this new iteration underlining a growing affection for hiking and urban exploration in the mainstream. The “University Red” entry boasts a red suede upper composition alongside contrasting yellow lacing, black metallic lace locks, as well as navy accents, a ridged midsole unit, and embossed Nike branding on the rear.

Yellow sneakers were all the rage in 2024, and expect more of the same this year, especially with adidas rolling out of its new take on the Japan. The slept-on heritage sneaker arrives in a rather “Kill Bill” inspired aesthetic, with deep yellow crinkled leather and suede upper materials contrasting with black leather Three Stripes that merge into the rubberised outsole. Additional black hits adorn the heel and tongue, whilst gold trefoil “ADIDAS JAPAN” lettering adds some extra detailing. A retro banger.

You ask and you shall receive: yes, it’s another yellow sneaker. However, this Carpet Company x Vans Old School 36+ isn’t just any old entry – it’s limited-edition. With just 1,977 pairs produced, the new hit release proves to be one of Vans’ best collaborative efforts to date, with crocodile yellow leather and matching softened suede elevating the humble Old School silhouette to new heights. An aged outsole, tongue and heel logo patches, a rear pull tab, and a painted waffle outsole puts the excitement back into collaborations, and we’re most definitely here for it.

Winding up for another year of success, Timberland has debuted its all-new “Crafted From the Core” collection, and a sleek pair of Heritage 6-Inch Boots appear in a monochromatic black leather colourway. Fashion’s current obsession with leather leads us all the way to this newest pair of Timberland 6-Inch Boots, s waterproof effort continuing to uphold the brand’s dedication to quality and durability, this time around utilising a premium Timberland leather. Additional features include a ReBOTL™ fabric lining made from at least 50% recycled plastic, a warming 400 grams of PrimaLoft® ECO Insulation, as well as a removable, anti-fatigue footbed. What’s not to like?

In need of a muse? Yet again, Nike have got you covered as its fast start to 2025 continues with the Air Max Muse. A “Black Metallic Silver” entry steps up to the plate here, pulling from all corners of the Air Max universe through various retro details. The silvery pair rock a bold two-pod cushioning system – reminiscent of Nike’s signature Air system – a signature metallic silver embossed mini-Swoosh and a typical “AM” tongue logo, black rope laces, as well as a futuristic arched sole unit.