The sneaker release calendar is hilariously overwrought. With all the new colorways, slight redesigns, mini-collabs and hyper-limited releases, it’s become virtually impossible to keep up. Here are the best new sneakers you can actually buy.
New Balance for J.Crew 791
J.Crew’s fruitful partnership with New Balance continues with another low-profile take on classic — this time, the 791 low-top. The new J.Crew version comes in nubuck suede with a rubber outsole and in three colorways, noting “sometimes the best way to make a statement is to keep things simple.”
Asics Tiger GEL-Diablo
Asics take on chunky sneakers is to simply re-release a mid-90s comfy shoe stalwart in yellow and black. Part of the brand’s “Welcome to the Dojo” pack — which, confusingly, has something to do with a Youtube anime series — is a limited run collaboration between Asics and Foot Locker featuring a variety of athleisure wear. The Tiger GEL-Diablo is a 2018 take on the shoe that releasedin 1995, and it is still considered among the comfiest ever.
New Balance X-90
New Balance’s X-90 sneaker is not a cool sneaker. There weren’t lines or “drops” associated with its release this month. It’s an updated, contemporary take on an older New Balance shoe, and it comes in a mountain of easy-to-wear colorways. The brand does describe it as “chunky,” but, compared to its contemporaries, it hardly fits that label.
Lane-Eight Trainer AD-1
Started by two brothers with previous experience at Adidas and Hypebeast, Lane-Eight is not a brand you should know (yet). The AD-1 is its first sneaker, and where many performance sneakers are shoehorned into a specific type of performance (running, lifting, sport, etc.), the AD-1s aim for general use. Stride-for-stride, ETPU pellets bring solid energy return. The shoe’s sock-like fit is cozy and breathable while the hard TPU sidewalls provide nice stability for quick turns and awkward landings. At launch, the AD-1 is available in chalk white, dusty tan and pink heather.
Oliver Cabell Erving
Independent footwear brand Oliver Cabell prides itself on its blending of the handmade with high technology, and its new Erving sneaker fits that bill to a tee. It uses a Margom outsole, which is one of the most coveted in the casual sneaker world (Common Project’s Achilles sneakers use it), a split suede upper, a removable full-grain leather insole and is hand-stitched in Spain. It also comes in half sizes, which is fairly unique in the luxury lifestyle sneaker world.
Adidas Ultraboost DNA LTD
When Adidas decides its done releasing updates and new versions (not any time soon), the Ultraboost will go down as one of the best sneakers ever. This update in the grand scheme of things will probably not be remembered, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a smart, problem-solving shoe. The DNA LTD Ultraboost uses the Ultraboost 4 frame, but replaces its usual knit with a reflective yarn weave, which makes it a great shoe for night runners.
Wolverine 1000 Mile Original Sneaker
Riffing on its classic 1000 Mile Boot, Wolverine opened up shop in the sneaker world with its mid-top 1000 Mile Original Sneaker. The shoe sports a Horween Essex leather upper (soft enough to avoid blisters on first wear), a super-lightweight Vibram outsole and a leather-topped PU sock insert. The 1000 Mile Original Sneaker is available in navy, black, brown and tan.
Koio The Avalanche
The Avalanche is made by hand in Italy with calf leather, suede and patent leather, with a mesh upper and nylon stitching (the mix of materials meant as an homage to Italian craftsmanship). It uses an EVA outsole, which is basically just a lighter, more shock-absorbing rubber replacement, and launches in three colorways — black, cream and a grey-red mix.