The temperature drop in April slaps you awake quicker than a mouthful of breath mints – suddenly we’re painfully aware of the fact thongs and singlets are no longer a uniform that can carry us through the next few months. It can be a difficult moment to process, particularly when you take a discerning eye to your footwear: breathable mesh, boat shoes, the kind of sandals that scream “Yes, I do yoga and happen to take cold showers, too.” But before you go bemoaning the arrival of the cold, take comfort in the fact that there’s still much to love when it comes to footwear styling – and no, we’re not talking about those ugg boots sitting next to your bed.
This is the time of year that styling gets fun. When it comes to mastering the casual look, you might be able to play around with accessories like scarves, hats or the odd beanie, while layering will have you investing in bomber jackets, coats, and shirts, but let’s not forget the all-important topic at hand: footwear. When it comes to the art of sartorial style while still keeping things casual, sneakers are for most a go-to staple in the wardrobe.
As the temperature drops, you want to consider new alternatives to those sneakers that carried you through summer. But with a saturated market where sneaker drops seem to land online every other week, knowing where and what to invest your money in can be a prickly topic, one that sees you amass numerous tabs on your browser as you deliberate the agony that is choice. Thankfully, we’ve rounded up six of the best new sneakers that will have you looking the part.
New Balance M2002RHB, Price TBC
It takes something special to turn a running shoe into a design that proves equally as alluring to sneaker fiends alike. New Balance have done just that with this sneaker decked out in the “nightwatch green” colour way and featuring a mixed-material upper.
Nike Offline Pack, $209
Make a statement with these futuristic kicks that are inspired by puffer jackets – the ultimate winter look. With its blue shade and unique lacing system, these will turn heads for the right reasons.
New Balance Fuel Cell RC Elite x District Vision, $350
If you’re not aware of District Vision, know that the Los Angeles-based inner peace collective know a thing or two about technical apparel that’s as stylish as it is functional. In collaborating with New Balance, they deliver a sneaker that’s not only stylish, but also designed to make you go further, faster.
Puma Slipstream Lo Reprise Sneakers, $150
With details like a translucent outsole and moulded PUMA Formstrip and eye stay, these kicks will become a go-to for any occasion. They’ve since been reimagined with a paired back look for the modern sartorial stylist.
Diadora S8000 Camo, $199
Don’t sleep on Diadora, this sneaker may have been crafted for dirt roads but it’s also just as comfortable on city streets and casual office spaces with an earthy-tone colour palette that goes with everything.
Salomon Raid Wind, $229
The Raid Wind from Salomon is crafted with mesh uppers designed for trails and life outdoors. We personally love the bungee lace system that keeps your feet secured while hiking and rubber soles that have a Contagrip traction to ensure they combat any terrain.