• Men's Fashion Guides

The Hottest Trainer Launches This Week

New Balance 801 Vazee

Before it was the bastion of hipsters, New Balance was best known as a solid supplier of athletic footwear. Attempting to bridge the gap between performance and lifestyle, the Boston-based company has dipped into its archive to revitalise its 801 model. Originally a trail shoe from the late 1990s, the trainer has been brought up to date with a modern Vazee sole unit – NB’s own cushioning system – in three colourways inspired by Japanese street culture. Available from 8 July exclusively at Size?, priced £75.

Fred Perry Umpire

Fred Perry may have been the Grand Slam champ, but this season the tables have turned and all eyes are on the Umpire. The brand’s classic style that was previously given a football-inspired lean has returned to its sporting roots. Perforated white leather uppers are matched up with green heel detailing, tonal sole and signature gold branding. Available at Schuh, priced £65.00.

Tricks Colour Pop At Dune

There’s no denying neutrals are big news, but after months of being mute when it comes to trainers, it may be time to invest in something that packs a little more punch. Dune’s Tricks Colour Block Cupsole Trainer holds on to the minimal make-up favoured by luxury brands, but packaged in two bold shades of red and blue. Available at Dune, priced £80.

Neil Barrett City Black Suede

Neil Barrett was born into a family of master tailors, but that hasn’t stopped the ex-Prada and Gucci designer reinventing menswear classics for over two decades. This season Barrett is building on his experience as creative director at Puma, with sleek trainer designs that carry his signature lightning bolt motif. Available at Harvey Nichols, priced £325.

Adidas Gazelle At Urban Outfitters

This summer marks the return of a three-stripe favourite. The Gazelle, one of Adidas’ most iconic designs, is moving away from its 1990s football association and as a result is tipped to replace the Stan Smith as the next big fashion sneaker. A select range of colours across premium leather and suede have been chosen to welcome the return of this unforgettable footwear icon, with updates expected throughout summer. Available at Urban Outfitters, priced £79.

Puma Ignite evoKNIT

It seems like everyone is getting into knitting these days. Nike has Flyknit, Adidas has Primeknit and now Puma has evoKNIT. The first style from the German brand to feature a woven sock upper pairs performance running features with a streetwear design, including a branded collar that’s like Calvin Klein underwear for your ankle. Available at FootLocker, priced £94.99.

Valentino Two-Tone Low-Top

Valentino’s Rockstud-heeled trainers have been a driving force in the Italian luxury brand’s dramatic renaissance since 2010. For the latest version of the leather sneakers, Valentino has dropped the camouflage in favour of a classic tennis shoe design with block stripe across the vamp. The laces are also gone, making them easy to slip into your everyday style in more than one way. Available at MatchesFashion, priced £445.

ASICS Tiger Tanabata Pack

The story of forbidden love between a princess and a cow herder might sound like an agricultural Romeo and Juliet, but it’s also the inspiration behind ASICS Tiger’s latest drop. By paying homage to the tale with the Tanabata Pack, the brand hopes fans will fall head over heels for its Gel-Kayano trainer, which features a suede moss upper and olive outsole. Available at Footpatrol, priced £120.

Russell And Bromley Blue Slip On

Sports luxe style is the order of UK footwear retailer Russell and Bromley. The chain’s new Sportive model is a luxury take on the slip-on skate sneaker. Rendered in navy velvet and sat on top of a contrast vulcanised rubber sole, rely on these to add swagger to any casual look. Available at Russell And Bromley, priced £145.

Luke Todd

As FashionBeans deputy editor, Luke Todd is tasked with filtering through the latest from the worlds of fashion, grooming, fitness, technology and lifestyle to deliver an indispensable edit of the most stylish stuff. Along with working on the site since 2009, he has written for leading titles such as ShortList, Drapers and GQ Style Germany and has consulted for brands including Bulldog Skincare and James Harknett.