Just like that, summer is upon us, and it’s time for our biannual review of what new shoes the Hypebeast staff has been enjoying this year. There’s been no shortage of supply when it comes to exciting releases, and this time around we’ve expanded our scope to include not just sneakers but all shoe styles. As a result, the brand range has grown to include everything from ASICS to Maison Margiela. Enjoy our personal breakdowns of each pair below, and let us know what your favorite shoe of the year is so far!
ASICS NOVALIS GEL-TEREMOA “Obsidian Black/Dahlia”
Desires constantly shift in the fast-moving world of sneakers as the barrage of new reveals, rumors and releases is everlasting. However, since Kiko Kostadinov revealed the ASICS NOVALIS GEL-TEREMOA in “Obsidian Black/Dahlia” last November, not a day passed where I wasn’t determined to buy a pair. Unfortunately, I could not fulfil this desire until April, but it was well worth the wait.
The debut of Kostadinov’s NOVALIS line and the GEL-TEREMOA was exciting — bringing forth a stylish interpretation of a modern runner — though its initial three colorways lacked the “it factor” that this pair delivers. Its black base combines masterfully with the black netting applied across the shiny textile overlays in dark red. From there, the bordeaux accents that are most prominent at the uniquely shaped heel and laces add another layer of texture to embrace. The cherry on top is that the shoe is as comfortable as you’d expect from ASICS. – Logan Fairbrother, Associate Editor
Maison Margiela Tabi County Loafer
Maison Margiela’s Tabi footwear, while a bit out of the ordinary, has become iconic and a staple for any high fashion rotation. First introduced in 1988 and inspired by 15th-century traditional Japanese tabi socks, these split-toe shoes blend cultural heritage and the avant-garde, which I enjoy tremendously. As for the Tabi County Loafer specifically, it brings the design into the modern era in its own way, with a chunky bold look that can easily elevate even the simplest outfit. – Arthur Parkhouse, Editor and Partnerships
HIDDEN.NY x ASICS GEL-NYC
The HIDDEN.NY x ASICS GEL-NYC sneakers are easily my favorite right now. I snagged a pair during the pop-up in NYC and haven’t taken them off since.
But what truly sets these shoes apart is the creativity and effort HIDDEN.NY poured into the entire experience. They launched a cryptic marketing campaign leading up to the release with posters plastered around the city. These posters weren’t just decorations; they were clues! Only the first 50 lucky scavengers who found the QR codes could claim an exclusive shopping experience at 41 Division Street and secure a limited-edition pair of shoes.
This kind of dedication to the community is rare in the sneaker world. HIDDEN.NY fostered a sense of mystery and adventure, making getting these shoes even more special. – Bryan Leon, Production Coordinator
Futura Laboratories x Nike SB Dunk Low
It’s a shoe designed by Futura. Arguably one of the most prolific artists of our generation and the mind behind some of the most legendary Dunks such as the FLOMs, the Sunblush, and the dUnkle — this was a chance for sneakerheads and the folks just getting into collecting to own a piece of Nike SB history. I’d like to think that there’s a kid out there who finally hit on SNKRS and won the chance to buy the shoe of their dreams, unbeknownst that their entire future will change based on them getting this sneaker — because now it’ll push them to pursue their love for design, art and footwear in the hope that one day they could be the next Futura 2000. – Dave White, Account Executive
18 East x Padmore & Barnes Oakledge Hiker Low
I’m a sneaker man through and through. It’s been that way since I got my first-ever job at Champs Sports when I was 15. These days, it’s rare that you’ll catch me in anything besides my beloved nordas (can’t wait for the 004 and 005). However, as I get older, I’ve also come to appreciate a good non-sneaker footwear option — and none have made my heart flutter quite like the 18 East x Padmore & Barnes Oakledge Hiker Low.
18 East and Padmore & Barnes have established a strong visual language, but what makes the Oakledge so cool to me is that it’s a totally original silhouette, a collaborative taking of the reins that’s worlds away from putting a spin on an existing classic. Where it seems like many brands wouldn’t be able to resist the primal urge of “going crazy” when given an opportunity of this nature, 18 East did what they do best: create a high-quality product with a look that’s at once fresh and familiar. Supple Italian suede uppers? Cordura collars? A rugged Vibram Bifta sole? Come on, man. As soon as the summer heat recedes, these are going directly into heavy rotation. The only thing better than the design is the secret story behind it. If you’re in NY, pop in the 18 East studio. If you catch Antonio in a particularly good mood, maybe he’ll tell it to you too. – Ross Dwyer, Managing Editor
Nike Air Max Dn “Sail/Coconut Milk”
As a lifelong Air Max fan, it’s difficult to pinpoint any one pair in a Best of list. It becomes even more challenging when introducing an entirely new silhouette when some of the classics and most worn en masse all date back to the ‘80s.
Alas, the Air Max Dn struck a chord with me in ways that felt both familiar and refreshing. Starting with the sole unit, Nike debuted the brand new Dn (Dynamic Air) technology, which comprises four dual-pressure tubes that offer a more seamless heel-to-toe transition. This technology provides a cloud-like fit with each step while still maintaining a stable level of firmness.
The upper is made of tapered lightweight breathable mesh, with a rubbery textured pattern that mimics the Air Max 97’s (another one of my favorites) iconic wave. It’s also complemented by subtle retro-inspired branding at the midfoot, tongue, and heel.
If you’re like me and got the “Sail/Coconut Milk” model, you can rest assured the kicks will go with virtually any fit. – Shawn Ghassemitari, Editor
MM6 Maison Margiela x Salomon XT-4 Mules
Let’s be honest: anybody who lives in NYC has seen plenty of Salomon sneakers in the past few years, and we all know full well that only a handful of those pairs have ever made it to an actual trail. With that in mind, what I like most about the MM6 x Salomon XT-4 Mules is that they’re fully self-aware in their new clog format. They’re a pair of fashion sneakers, not trail runners co-opted by the cool kids. You couldn’t possibly hike or jog in shoes without backs, and that’s just fine with me.
I opted for the all-black colorway, and the white Margiela numbers on the toebox are just enough of a “what are those” moment to get Salomon people excited about them. But — and maybe I’m just getting old — I’m more excited about the fact that they’re an easier-to-put-on-and-take-off version of the fan favorite, stylish, technical, chunky XT-4: Perfect to slip on for a quick walk to the park, grabbing a snack from the bodega or maybe a trip to the local bar on a summer Friday. – Paul Heavener, Executive Creative Director EMEA & NA
Vans Half Cab 33 Vibram
Pretty biased on this one because my twin Greg Betty designed them, but the Half Cab 33 Vibram is arguably one of the best shoes Vans has released in recent years. Greg was able to refine this idea and make it a reality, merging elements from a new speed model and a traditional silhouette. This pair challenges traditional skate shoe conventions, sparks conversation within the skate community, and provides an elevated feel to a classic that we all know and love. If I’m not wearing my heavy boots, I’m wearing these! Haven’t enjoyed footwear like this in a long time. They’re just so versatile and durable. At $150 USD retail, you’d be insane not to have these in your weekly rotation. – Erik Dietz, Director of HBX Archives
Martine Ali x Converse Chuck 70 XXHi
After years of pushing shorts and boots as my ultimate uniform, Martine Ali has created the Converse collaboration to solve all my summer style problems. Featuring casts of vintage belt buckles from her studio, these knee-high sneakers combat the weight and stickiness (from humidity) of wearing stacks of metal jewelry.
I wore these front-row while seeing Insane Clown Posse at a music festival in Daytona, and they’re so indestructible that any amount of dirt, soda or chaos instantly wipes off the distressed material. Initially lacing my pair to perfection took at least 20 minutes, but they’re hot enough to impress both emo and goth style tribes. Martine drives trends — Converse actually released her collaboration before officially relaunching the standard All Star XXHi in “Black/White.” – Kirsten Chen, Creative Strategist
J Balvin x Air Jordan 3 “Rio”
The release of a Balvin shoe in LATAM is always a win for Latinos, especially as we witness Balvin’s soaring global career marked by a series of groundbreaking music releases and worldwide tours. Balvin embodies the essence of Latino culture on a worldwide stage.
The introduction of the Air Jordan 3 always adds an element of excitement, as we’ve seen iterations that challenge our notions of our favorite Jordans. A leaked glimpse during a casual street basketball game with Jimmy Butler in NY unveiled a new facet of Balvin’s collaboration — the sleek black iteration of the shoe. Initially mistaken for a friends and family version of the “Medellín Sunset,” this revelation marked a pivotal moment after we discovered the true essence of “Rio,” a new release christened in honor of the birth of Balvin’s son. This symbolic gesture pays tribute to a period of darkness in José’s life transformed into light, illuminating Balvin’s entire persona. While preserving the gradient details of the “Medellín Sunset,” the “Rio” edition exudes a profound elegance in its predominantly black palette.
As a sneaker enthusiast and a parent, I resonate deeply with the transformative power of family in one’s life journey. The narrative behind this release resonates as a beacon of hope and renewal, making it a truly special addition to the sneaker landscape in the first half of 2024. – Cesar Ortega, Senior Culture & Community Manager, Hypebeast LATAM
G DLP x Oakley Teeth 1 “Cheetah”
After decades of anticipation, Oakley revisited its archives for the re-release of the Teeth 1 – one of the models responsible for the brand’s success with the Brazilian public.
To generate excitement and build anticipation for the launch of the OG colorways, the Californian brand partnered with one of the leading exponents of sneaker culture in Latin America, G DLP Store, to develop a limited and numbered edition featuring the cheetah pattern from Oakley’s ’90s portfolio, among other distinctive elements. This collaboration became an instant success, selling out on the same day of its release.
A clear example of how honoring the past can break away from the ordinary. – Marcus Vinicius dos Santos, Social Media Manager, Hypebeast Brasil
Skepta x PUMA Forever
No sneaker has shined brighter this year than the Skepta x PUMA Forever — the first pair of PUMA shoes I’ve ever owned. At first glance, they look matte black, but they unleash an iridescent effect under a flash. Over the past couple of years, grime and UK drill have been in my listening rotation, so between Big Smoke’s co-sign and the overall design, I had to have these.
I appreciate the bulky, trek-style outsole paired with the chameleon-esque upper and its ability to create a unique look depending on the environment. I also enjoy that it, in some ways, looks like a super-sized Prada America’s Cup. I’m excited to see what Skepta and PUMA have in store for the upcoming seasons and will be wearing these faithfully in the meantime. – Nick Llanton, Senior Social Producer
