It’s late August. Which is just another way of saying it is the d-o-l-d-r-u-m-s when it comes to sneakers. Except! Well, except for the fact that even in this typically underserved time, there’s a brand-new fashion sneaker from Marni that nods to none other than Andy Warhol. And there’s also a riff on a cult-classic, early-2000s Japanese Nike Dunk, except now it’s an Air Max 90. Oh, and Liam Gallagher—yeah, the frontman of Oasis—made a sincerely great pair of sneakers with Adidas. The doldrums? Who cares!? September is nearly here and sneakers are kicking back into gear! Enjoy.
Marni Banana Sneaker
SHOP $650, marni.com
The idea is right there in the name of Marni’s newest sneaker: It’s designed to evoke a banana (specifically, the pop-art version you might find on, say, the cover of The Velvet Underground & Nico). There are a couple different versions, but this one, with a banana-y sole shape and a shot of yellow on a mostly-black shoe, is our favorite.
Release: 8/26
Nike Daybreak ‘Metallic Silver’
SHOP $100, nike.com
This isn’t the first we’ve seen of the Daybreak, and by the look of things, it’s far from the last. But it’s still one of our favorite colorways to date, blending black, gray, and metallic silver for a little sheen and a lot of wearability.
Release: 8/28
Nike Air Max 90 ‘Viotech’
SHOP $140, nike.com
This is the second time around for the Viotech version of the AM90 this summer—the first one hit last month. Both play with a colorway full of bright, saturated hues first seen on a Japan-exclusive Dunk from the 2000s. But, if we’re being honest, we’re just a little more excited about this one, being that it has more of the signature “Viotech” purple.
Release: 8/29
Asics Tiger Gel-Kinsei ‘OG’
SHOP $189, sneakersnstuff.com
The Asics Tiger Gel-Kinsei is a lot. Like, a whole lot. There’s the mostly metallic-silver upper. And the big ol’ plastic shank around the heel. And the generally techy vibe of the, admittedly, very techy running sneaker. But try it with jeans. No, really. It actually looks kinda great.
Release: 8/29
Adidas LG SPZL
SHOP $120, adidas.com
Do you like Oasis? Have you been that person, the one who insists on belting out “Wonderwall” or “Don’t Look Back in Anger” at karaoke? Well, let’s be real…so have we. But! But. You don’t have to give a damn about frontman Liam Gallagher to know these SPZLs are one for the books. And if you are a fan? Well, all the better.
Release: 8/30
Nike ACG Air Wildwood ‘Desert Sand/Teal Nebula’
SHOP $109, sneakersnstuff.com
Nike’s ACG line is fully back to its original outdoorsy roots at this point. Well, at least most of the time. Because while some shoes take that original mandate literally—think waterproofing and trail-ready tread—some are more about looking the part. With a full leather upper, the Air Wildwood is one of the latter. But it looks so cool, who really cares if you can’t hike in it?
Release: 8/30
Artefact No.11 ‘Orcafact’
SHOP $195, artefact.nyc
Artefact is all about responsibly made—and, frankly, beautifully made—sneakers. The New York-based brand does things right, working with Portugese craftspeople, using leather that doesn’t poison the planet, and teaming with organizations like Oceana, which helps protect ocean life like the orca whale. Every paint-splattered pair of these shoes is one-of-a-kind, and helps keep our oceans healthy.
Release: 8/30
Air Jordan 1 ‘Obsidian’
SHOP $160, nike.com
There are a million and one ways to re-contextualize the Air Jordan 1. And, sure, this new colorway pays homage to MJ’s legacy with navy, white, and (naturally) Carolina blue. But really? It’s just a great looking shoe. No explanation necessary.
Release: 8/31
Air Jordan X ‘Woodland Camo’
SHOP $190, nike.com
If blue and white isn’t your thing, and you’re more of a ’90s MJ fan, how about a pair of Jordan Xs in woodland camo? It’s a specific look, but it’ll make some fans very happy.
Release: 8/31
Adidas x Arizona Continental Vulc
SHOP $99, sneakersnstuff.com
The first shoes from the Adidas x Arizona collaboration nearly caused a riot when they appeared at a New York pop-up that promised pairs for the low, low price of $0.99 (the same as a can of Arizona). The pop-up was shut down before any sneakers actually sold. So, sure, these Continental Vulcs are a little more expensive, but you’ll actually be able to get them. Plus, they look pretty damn cool. Win-win.
Release: 8/31