So we certainly didn’t plan this, but every single sneaker to snag a top-five spot in this week’s SNX is mostly white. Maybe it’s an interesting coincidence or maybe the brands are just unloading the last of their white sneakers before the summer season ends. Either way, we’re here for it. White and black sneakers are always solid. They go with just about every outfit and are right for just about any occasion, so you can never have too many of either color.
Our only rant of the week is, why couldn’t the big brands deliver these earlier? We would’ve loved to rock them all summer long and would’ve loved for the Yeezy 500s in Bone White to drop in June instead of the endless supply of dirty cotton-candy colored 350s we got.
Better late than never we suppose. Here are all the dopest sneakers out this week!
Air Jordan 12 White/University Red
In honor of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Jordan Brand is releasing a special Air Jordan 12 that pays homage to FIBA’s host country of China. Featuring Zoom Air cushioning, an all-leather upper, and metallic gold accents, the Air Jordan 12 also sports Chinese characters on the heel tab that, according to Nike, roughly translates to “Loving The Game.” I’m digging the simple white colorway with the bright red contrast, it’s a strong look even if the gold accents are a little gaudy to my eyes.
The FIBA-themed Air Jordan 12 is set to drop on August 23rd and will retail for $190. Pick up a pair at the Nike online store.
Vans AVE Pro
Vans has joined forces with pro skater Anthony Van Engelen for the AVE Pro, a signature design that blends traditional Vans fabrics with functional upgrades like RapidWeld no-sew technology. The AVE Pro consists of a mostly mesh upper, with premium grey suede paneling that is specially designed for traction against the grip tape of a skateboard. The AVE branding is tastefully done, affixed to the heel tag, and translucent material reveals colorful impact cushions hidden deep within the shoe.
The Vans AVE Pro are set to drop on August 22nd exclusively at the Vans online store. A set price has yet to be announced but we’re going to estimate a price tag of $120 tops.
Adidas Continental Vulc Cloud White
As I’ve said, again and again, the mass appreciation of the 80s silhouette is back! The Adidas Continental Vulc take inspiration from 1980’s tennis court shoes and will satisfy any Adidas-loyalist who has always dreamed of owning a pair of Reebok Club-C. Seriously, these are almost identical but feature Adidas branding and design flare. What do you think the Reebok Club-C took inspiration from in 1985 though?
Featuring a durable vulcanized outsole, suede toe-cap, and mixed nubuck and smooth leather upper, the Adidas Continental Vulc look fly to us. Probably even better on the streets or in the club than on a tennis court.
The Adidas Continental Vulc in Cloud White are out now and retail for $70. Pick up a pair at the Adidas online store.
Nike Killshot 2
The Nike Killshot 2 has just been officially restocked at Nike, previously the iconic sneaker was a J. Crew exclusive since its reintroduction into the market in 2012. This sneaker is clean — a white leather and grey suede upper, with a classic midnight blue wrap around swoosh and vintage Nike branding on the heel atop a gum sole? Come on, it rarely gets better than this.
No, the Nike Killshot 2 is not the most modern-looking sneaker. It’s a bonafide classic and that goes far. The shoe is out now and retails for $90. Pick up a pair at the Nike online store.
Adidas YEEZY 500 Bone White
The most popular YEEZY is the 350 — Kanye spent the whole summer releasing endless iterations of the silhouette, but we’ve never really understood why more love isn’t given to the 500s. Does it look like a puffy cloud has consumed your entire foot? Sure, but if you’ve ever seen a pair of these sneakers in person you’ll know that pictures don’t really do them justice. The colors and subtle accented detailing change with the light and seemingly with what you wear. It’s a cool effect that photos can’t really capture so if you’re on the fence about — ahem — dipping your toes into a pair, find a retailer that has them and give them a test spin. And please Ye, no more 350s. They straight up look like bumper cars.
The 500’s upper consists of suede, leather, and mesh with a rubber wrap around the midsole for added foot support and abrasion resistance. The Adidas YEEZY 500 in the Bone White colorway is set to drop on August 24th and will retail for $200. Pick up a pair at the Adidas online store or select Adidas retailers.
