We might only be two months into the calendar year, but that hasn’t stopped the biggest brands and sportswear labels from dropping some fresh kicks. When it comes to footwear, the world of sneakers never sleeps and as a result, fresh collaborations, colourways, designs and releases are dropping quicker than a TikTok trend. And while all of this is good news for sneaker fiends around the world, it’s also rather exhausting. To snap up a new release is to have to set multiple alarms on the phone, to stay awake and alert behind the laptop monitor with hands at the ready, anticipating that moment where the page refreshes and a single click will determine whether you’re proceeding to finalise your payment and check-out, or looking at an empty cart with dissatisfaction.
Thankfully, we’re here to help you out and when it comes to the latest sneaker drops, these kicks are sure to serve your every purpose. If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that the sneaker trend is here to stay, with the footwear becoming the trend du jour of late, occupying a place in high fashion as well as the gym. From ECCO, Puma, New Balance and On Running, these sneakers will have you running to that gym class and turning heads out on the street. And while it’s often been said that style comes at the price of function, these kicks prove that you can have it both ways: with designs that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are comfortable and practical for the task at hand. So, don’t put a foot wrong as you round out the summer in style with our top picks of the best new sneakers on the market.
Puma Pacer Future Sneakers, $120
With its running-inspire design, the Pacer Future Sneaker ensures you’re ready for whatever it is life throws at you. With long, sleek lines and a SoftFoam+ sockliner, you’ll be living your day out in the upmost comfort, aided of course by superior cushioning and lace-through mid foot caging for added support.
ECCO Biom 2.0, $269.95
Engineered for athletes, this sneaker will ensure you hit your fitness PBs all while looking stylish. With an asymmetric midsole, this sneaker offers support for your heel and mid-foot, while maintaining full flexibility. And with its sock-like construction and wider lacing, the result is a sleek sneaker that will carry you through every season.
New Balance 550, $180
When it comes to those sneakers that have firmly cemented their place in the canon of pop culture and sneaker history, you can’t look past the 550 from New Balance. The OG continues to be the sneaker of choice for countless sartorially-savvy dressers today and it certainly gets our pick as the versatile sneaker you can wear with anything, anywhere.
On Running Cloudstratus, $259.95
Offering maximum cushioning, this sneaker from On Running is designed for those who want to go further and faster in their running. With its re-engineered midsole, and a recycled upper, this sneaker offers superior comfort and the right amount of support to see you smash your fitness goals.
ASICS Gel-Resolution 8 (Hardcourt), $220
If, like the rest of us, you watched the Australian Open and immediately started a WhatsApp group with your friends declaring the next weekend one to spend on the tennis court, then look no further than the Gel-Resolution 8 from ASICS. You might not be the next Rafael Nadal, but you can still experience the comfort and support of a professional out on the court.
Allbirds Men’s Tree Dashers, $170
With its contoured cushioning and lightweight, breathable design, it’s hard to look past the Tree Dasher from Allbirds as your go-to running shoe. Perfect for the warmer months thanks to eucalyptus fibre, this sneaker breathes and flexes with every step. The best part? It’s good for the planet too.
