This is a bit of a rough week for sneaker releases. And this time we don’t even have anything to rant about! While the offerings stateside are a little slim and uninspired, the UK seems to be in the midst of great releases. Thanks to the power of the internet we don’t have to miss out.
This week we have cutting-edge Japanese design, reimagined classics, and utility-based sneakers that are as functional as they are fashionable. We’re officially in the spring season, which means we’re all about to spend a lot more time in the great outdoors soaking up nature and sneezing our lives away.
Here are all the best shoes out this week, get your wallets out and prepare for the new season.
Reebok Aztrek
Reebok and FILA are having a bit of a resurgence lately, and we’re all for that — we can get a little tired of Nike and Adidas constantly dominating the sneaker game. The Reebok Aztrek silhouette has been proving particularly popular as of late. Featuring Hexalite cushioning, mixed synthetic suede and textile upper, and a removable EVA foam sockliner makes for a lightweight and comfortable all-terrain running shoe. We’re loving this Teal Fog colorway with yellow accents — seems like it would make a perfect addition to your workout look (we’ve been watching you, Kevin).
The Reebok Aztrek spring colors are available now and retail for $98. Pick up a pair at Reebok’s UK webstore.
Oi Polloi Reebok Workout Clean MU
Reebok has linked up with UK-based retailer Oi Polloi for a retro take on Reebok’s Workout Clean MU silhouette. First of all, let me just say, I f*cking love these. I know 90s silhouettes and looking like a dad are the thing right now, but a good old fashioned sleek tennis-inspired silhouette will always be my true sneaker-love. Premium white leather, green Reebok branding, and a brown gum sole — simple and classic.
The Oi Polloi Reebok Workout Clean MU is a UK-exclusive and retails for $125. Pick up a pair online at Oi Polloi.
Nike Air VaporMax
I’ve always been a fan of the weird alien-like cushioning of the VaporMax, but usually, the colorways are a little too sci-fi for me. Luckily, the UK Nike store is releasing a set of VaporMax for spring that features bright and pastel colors, unluckily they’re only being released in women’s sizes. Come on Nike, get with the times and just release your shoes in sizes for everyone!
This teal tinted pair caught my eye in particular. Stretch woven materials, flexible Air Max cushioning, and a beautiful translucent upper — seriously Nike, consider a wider release, people would cop them in a second.
The Nike Air VaporMax is available now on the UK Nike store. Pick up a pair online where they retail for $215.
Undercover Nike SFB Mountain
It’s spring now, time to get out there and take in nature. One of the best ways to greet the changing weather is to go on a refreshing and mind-recharging hike. Which means you’re going to need some gear, and instead of just throwing on an old pair of shoes and slipping and sliding across trails because you failed to check the traction like I always do, consider buying shoes that are actually designed for hiking.
Japanese fashion label Undercover has teamed up with Nike for a new take on the SFB Mountain silhouette. Featuring a toggle lacing system, utility-inspired midfoot straps, and a dope and vibrant colorway, the SFB Mountain is a testament to Undercover’s Jun Takahashi’s attention to detail. If the red, black, and white combo is a little too flashy for your mountain hikes, consider the all black colorway for a little more neutrality.
The Undercover SFB Mountain is a UK retailer exclusive and retails for $390. Pick up a pair at the UK Nike webstore.
Neighborhood BAPE POD-S3.1
If you aren’t looking to Japan for style inspiration on a regular basis, what are you doing with your life? The resurgence of 90s shoe silhouettes and baggy comfort-focused clothing? You can thank Japan for that.
Shinsuke Takizawa of NEIGHBORHOOD fame and BAPE (another Japanese brand) have teamed up with Adidas for a retread of the 90s POD system sneaker. The upper is made from lightweight neoprene contains BAPE’s iconic camouflage print and shark face, with a comfortable and responsive BOOST cushioning.
The Neighborhood BAPE POD-S3.1 is set to drop on April 19th and will retail for $200. Pick up a pair at Adidas online store.
