14 MORE EARLY SPRING SNEAKERS
When we published our 12 Early Spring 2018 Sneakers list, we were a bit disappointed at the new sneakers that were releasing. Sure, we are big fans of the Yeezy Powerphase Calabasas in Black and we want the Sean Wotherspoon x Nike Air Max 97/1 when they release next week, but both of those have been talked about for some time. Overall we were left a bit uninspired. Since then, sneaker companies have stepped up. We get it, most people aren’t looking to buy anything the month of January and February so why release your best when most of us are still paying off our holiday gift debt. Here are 14 more early spring sneakers we want right now.
[1] Nike Air Max 97 – Corduroy
Undoubtedly these playful Air Max 97’s owe their existence to Sean Wotherspoon. Corduroy brings a much welcome texture to sneakers. Additionally, like Wotherspoon, Nike nailed the colors hear with primary red and blue with light yellow and pink accents (reminder the Wotherspoon also sports some blue, pink and yellow). This colorway also comes in classics, Nike Air Max 95 and Nike Air Force 1 Low, but we are digging the Air Max 97 the most. These are dope and anyone wearing them this spring/summer earns our respect. Look for these to drop around Air Max Day at Nike.com.
[2] Bo Jackson’s Nike Air Trainer SC
It’s all about the colorway of these classic Nike Air Trainer for us. We are digging the soft blues contrasted with the white swoosh and the purple accents. You can find these now at ShopHNY.
[3] Taka Hayashi & Vans Chukka 75 LX
Vans and Taka Hayashi are back together to create new premium looks for those of us who can’t quit the black and white checkers. They are out with Slip-on, Sk8-hi, and Chukkas and launch on March 24. Uppers include vibrant patterns like Hawaiian Floral and our favorite checkerboard. You can find these at Vans.com starting March 24th. The collection ranges from $110 to $175.
[4] Nike Air Max 90 Black/Volt
There is nothing more versatile than a black sneaker. However, most all black sneakers fall flat. The new Nike Air Max 90 Black/Volt that takes its inspiration from a 2008 KAWS collaboration. This multi-texture show sports a blue gum sole and just the right amount of neon yellow/green pop to make these the hottest all black sneaker we’ve seen in a while. Expect these to drop sometime in April at Nike.com.
[5] JUICE x adidas Gazelle
adidas and Hong Kong retailer JUICE are following up their very successful NMD Racer with a contemporary Gazelle sneaker. These sport a new tech-fabric woven upper that allegedly is flexible and adaptive while offering the brand’s state of the art Primeknit technology. The materials here are not something that we are used to seeing in sneakers which makes these kicks even more exciting. Expect these to drop March 24th globally at Kith.
[6] Karhu Linnut Pack
Like Asics’s Karhu knows how to make some comfortable sneakers. And yes, Karhu and Asics do look similar. Karhu just announced the release of new Linnut Pack and Tonal colorways. Since we are heading into summer, we are feeling these white/gray pair. For those weary of buying a pair of white sneakers, we think these will only look better over time. Scuff them up! You can find these now at Karhu.com.
[7] Umbro Bumpy
These have already sold out, but we still want them. Isn’t that way sneaker hype is all about anyway? Wanting a pair that probably never even released in the first place. If you follow up, you know we are into the chunky sneaker craze. Why shouldn’t sneakers push the envelope? We dig the Umbro bumpy for a few reasons. 1. They are unisex. 2. The colorway is sick. 3. They aren’t from one of the big sneaker brands. 4. We grew up wearing Umbro shorts and 4. They are impossible for us to find. These released exclusively in South Korea. Here is to hoping they have a global release this summer.
[8] ASICS Tiger x HIGHS and LOWS x Money Time “Ichimatsu”
Not feeling the Karhu above but dig the style? Then these sneakers might be for you. Our favorite ASICS Tiger kicks are when they collaborate with other brands. With these shoes, ASICS Tiger joins Japan-based Monkeytime, and Australia based High and Lows. These monotone sneakers made of nubuck and suede are expected to release sometime this month. Check out United Arrows for updates.
[9] KITH x adidas Terrex Agravic GTX
Kith’s Ronnie Feig teased these this week. According to High Snobiety, “the collaboration boasts a blue/aqua/black/orange colorway with black BOOST cushioning and green accents on the neoprene tongue, nylon heel tab, and ankle color.” These sneakers might be the perfect kicks for those of us who like to be a bit more active in spring and summer while maintaining a suitable streetwear accepted look.
[10] REEBOK CLASSICS WORKOUT PLUS MVS Stark Grey / Washed Blue / Ash Grey / White
Not all must have sneakers need to come with all the hype. Like we did last summer, we are still really feeling Reebok Classics Workout Plus MVS. The gray, blue and white colorway will go well with our Yankees wardrobe which is the main reason these lie on this list. With that said, these come in other colorways if you aren’t that big on the best baseball team ever. Find them at reebok.com
[11] MIZUNO WAVE RIDER 1
This Osaka-based brand, Mizuno was founded over 112-years ago and are launching a new sports style category. The Wave Rider 1 OG is their take on contemporary sneakers and we are digging them. They nail the chunky dad sneaker look while also given off a functional look. Expect to hear a lot more from Mizuno in the months to come.
[12] Nike Air Force 270 Wolf Grey/ White-Dark Grey- Sail
It’s Air Max month or year so this could never have enough air on it. The Air Max 270 is Nike’s latest offering in the Air Max line. The Nike Air Force 270 certainly pushes the boundary a bit, which we appreciate. We specifically dig the pop or orange and gray stripped strap. These are out this week at Nike.com.
[13] adidas Stan Smith W
We are big fans of pink. We are even bigger fans of people who wear pink. So we are especially glad that adidas (without Raf Simmons) went cotton-candy pink when reworking the Stan Smith. You an find these at Foot District.
[14] KAWS x YEEZY 700 (Concept)
Dear Kanye/Yeezy — MAKE THESE HAPPEN!
