Heatwave is a new series that gives readers our unfiltered opinions on the best (and worst) of this week’s sneaker releases.
The sneaker release calendar is unpredictable like the weather. Some kicks are pure heat, while others deserve to be left out in the cold. Sifting through the mass isn’t easy. That’s where Heatwave comes in. Think of me as your metaphorical weather man, providing an overview of the upcoming drops. As Highsnobiety’s chief sneaker meteorologist, I’ll judge the week’s notable releases on their “Heatwave Rating” — HTR for short — which is, from worst to best: glacial, cold, lukewarm, hot, and scorching.
This week couldn’t get any hotter if it tried, so make sure you have your hats, sunblock, and whatever else you need to keep from burning up out here. New Balance — especially — has some heaters in store for us this week, as do Nike and PUMA.
Read on for this week’s sneaker weather forecast.
WTAPS x New Balance 992
Highsnobiety
HTR: Scorching
Release Date: May 1
Price: $260
Buy: END. Launches
Editor’s Notes: Oh my days, has Japan’s WTAPS gotten us off to a hot start this week with its first-ever New Balance 992 collaboration. The combination of gray and olive not only works aesthetically but also speaks to both brands’ heritages. If there was ever a perfect collaboration, it would be this one.
PUMA Ralph Sampson Lo EU
Highsnobiety
HTR: Hot
Release Date: May 1
Price: $80
Buy: PUMA
Editor’s Notes: PUMA’s relaunched Ralph Sampson sneaker is definitely a classic, and this European version — featuring flags from around the continent — comes at the right time. With a global pandemic, it’s more important than ever to stick together, and why not remind people of that with the kicks on your feet?
Nike Air Jordan 5 “Fire Red”
Highsnobiety
HTR: Hot
Release Date: May 2
Price: $200
Buy: Nike and other retailers
Editor’s Notes: The Nike Air Jordan 5 is not my favorite sneaker in Jordan’s signature line, but the draw of an OG colorway can’t be ignored, which is why this week continues its unbelievable hot streak. If you’re intro retro Jordans, this is a can’t-miss.
New Balance M992NT
Highsnobiety
HTR: Hot
Release Date: May
Price: €220
Buy: 43einhalb
Editor’s Notes: Another New Balance 992, another red-hot release. This pair is much more colorful than the WTAPS version above, but it’s just as deserving of its HTR. If you’re looking for a timeless silhouette with a summery color scheme, stop scrolling.
On CloudNova
HTR: Lukewarm
Release Date: April 30
Price: $150
Buy: On
Editor’s Notes: Our sweat-inducing week cools off slightly with Swiss brand On’s latest lifestyle sneaker, the CloudNova. Don’t let its lukewarm rating fool you, though — this is a solid sneaker, and shows that On is making strides in the lifestyle game.
Wacko Mario x suicoke DEPA
HTR: Lukewarm
Release Date: TBC
Price: TBC
Buy: TBC
Editor’s Notes: If you need a sandal but want to stand out, Wacko Mario’s suicoke collaboration is the one for you. Wacko Mario’s characteristic “out-there” prints are combined with suicoke’s sandal comfort know-how, resulting in a stylish summer rotation option.
Credit: Highsnobiety – Click here to view the article.
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