Christian Louboutin Louis Junior Low-Top
You’ve probably heard your girlfriend, mum, hell even the woman in front of you on the bus harping on about Christian Louboutin’s death-defying heels with the red sole. But what you might not have heard is that the French shoe designer also creates highly-coveted kicks for us blokes, too. Fresh off dressing the Cuban Olympics team for Rio 2016, Louboutin has turned out these wild leopard-print low-tops. Made from tonal-brown and black leather, the rock ‘n’ roll-inspired sneakers are finished off with signature gold-tone metal spikes. Good luck getting them through airport security. Available at MatchesFashion, priced £595.
Adidas NMD_XR1
The wildly successful NMD has been described as the best Adidas model of all time, which is probably why the sports juggernaut is able to shift 400,000 pairs of the futuristic-looking sneakers in a single day. Proving that a little hype goes a long way, Adidas is looking to secure the NMD’s footing in the history books with the launch of 13 new colourways. The newest edition to the family, the XR1, gains a midfoot plastic support cage, improving stability across the Primeknit upper. Available from 26 August at Size?, priced £109.
Asics x Beams and Mita Souvenir Jacket Gel Lyte III
Pretty soon that sleek, satin souvenir jacket you’ve been rocking all summer will need to be swapped out for something a little more robust. Luckily, Asics has partnered with top Japanese sneaker retailers Beams and Mita to bring the outerwear favourite to feet. The three-way collaboration updates Asics Gel Lyte III with an all-black quilted velvet and suede upper, combined with a camo marbled outsole and traditional tiger head and Japanese text embroidered on the heels. Available at End, priced £119.
NikeLab Air Safari Royal
Legendary
Russell And Bromley Parkour Leather Sneakers
Sneakers may have transcended the track and landed on the runway but that hasn’t stopped even the most luxe-looking models retaining a sports-inspired design. The minimalistic Parkour style from Russell And Bromley has been built from the ground up. Starting with a vulcanised rubber sole, more often seen on skate shoes, the British footwear brand has added a combination of black suede and high-shine leather along with standout red laces. Available at Russell And Bromley, priced £195.
Saucony Originals Grid 8000 Cl Desert
There’s nothing worse than getting sand in your shoe. But on it? We’re okay with that. So if you’re looking for a sneaker that reflects just how damn hot it is at the moment, go with Saucony’s desert-inspired Grid 8000. The premium edition of the classic 1993 runner features sand-coloured uppers in deluxe nubuck and leather, with perforated overlays for much-needed breathability and a tan midsole wedge. Available from 26 August at Hanon, priced £109.
Axel Arigato is nothing if not relentless. The Swedish firm has released a new sneaker – each equally, if not more, stylish than the last – every week since it was founded in 2014. Its latest, the Clean Zip 90, builds on the bestselling low-top Clean 90 model. Along with adding a zip that cuts through the middle of the premium Italian leather upper, it also sits on top of an eye-catching white grooved rubber sole. Available at Axel Arigato, priced £205.
Paul Smith Mcgee High-Top
Offering an alternative edge to his immaculate tailoring, leading British designer Paul Smith’s sneakers are all about mischief. The Mcgee high-top achieves off-duty urban cool and shows off Smith’s eye for detail with its luxe cow hair construction, which has been printed with a camouflage effect. The model is capped off with a black rubber shell toe and unique branding. Available at Schuh, priced £150.
Converse Carnival Chuck Taylor All Stars
Notting Hill Carnival is the probably the only chance you’ll have all year to eat, drink and Dance Do The Reggae in the middle of a street without getting judged. The celebration of Caribbean culture turns 50 this Bank Holiday weekend, so as a birthday treat Converse has created a special edition pair of its Chuck Taylor All Stars. Match the bold colourway with a Red Stripe in one hand and some jerk chicken in the other. Available at Converse, priced £70.