The sneaker game these days is wild. Half the time you see a shoe you would consider buying and wearing, but when you go to (attempt to) purchase it, it is already sold out or it’s hidden behind a maze of raffles. Even the “inline” shoes you might want that you can grab from your local footlocker seem to be sold out. What is this madness? Is it a supply chain issue? There simply isn’t enough inventory or is it something even more diabolical. Have the sneaker resalers just started buying up all the shoes everywhere so no matter what that $120 pair will cost you $200. Okay, we are exaggerating a bit but sneaker shopping has become a bit of a wild adventure.
Well, no stress we are here to help you out. We have compiled a list of the sneakers that you will want to be wearing this summer. Some are “hype,” some are “inline” but all are cool and we’ll even tell you where to buy them. Sounds good right? Let’s go!
Air Jordan 1 Low – Mystic Navy
A classic lowkey summer vibe. These look like they have some real nice leather on the upper with the textured black around the swoosh. But also Nike is famous for faking that and their leather quality has been pretty garbage lately so don’t hold your breath. The black and blue work well together and these could go perfectly with jeans or shorts.
Price: $130 USD / $170 CAD
Resale Price: $200+ CAD
Release Date: June 30, 2022
Converse x Comme des Garçons PLAY
One time we posted an outfit on Tiktok wearing this shoe, and amongst all the comments was one that has stood out forever and has since become a bit of a joke, and that is “Heart shoe bad.” There was no further context and we were left to draw our own conclusions as to what that meant. Now it’s on you to decide. What I will say about this shoe is it is the perfect gateway sneaker, if you are a sneaker enthusiast and want to start leaning into designer then this is a nice cost-efficient option, your first designer kicks. If you are a designer brand enthusiast and can’t envision yourself ever stooping to the level of sneakers, these are a nice simple, entry-level shoe. It’s a safe bet at $200 (which is still crazy for a pair of Converse), especially when considering some of the luxury brand alternatives at well over a G$. If you’re neither and just think they are cute, well they are. So maybe after heart shoe isn’t that bad after all.
Price: $150 USD/$200CAD
Release Date: All the Time
Vans X Anderson .Paak Authentic
Classic California skate shoe Vans has once again partnered with multitalented musician Anderson .Paak for their third collection named ”Vanderson by Anderson .Paak”. Constructed with a premium suede upper with a paisley print, gold eyelets and aglets, and of course the signature rubber waffle outsoles. Lowkey but still eyecatching, these Vans are a hard under-the-radar flex and the only pair of Vans you need.
Price: $99 USD / $120 CAD
Release Date: Out Now
adidas x Wales Bonner Samba
Inspired by 1970s and 1980s soccer apparel British designer Wales Bonner and adidas Originals have teamed up once again on a fly throwback pair of sneakers. Taking the classic adidas Samba and elevating to the level of luxury featuring a nylon upper, suede detailing, thick contrast topstitching, lined with satin and the signature Wales Bonner crochet laces. These are a super fly option for your summertime hangs.
Price: $ 120 USD/$160 CAD
Resale Price: $280+ CAD
Release Date: Out Now
Reebok Club C 85 Vintage
Clean, classic, and something about that vintage yellow colour that just makes it look a little more classy than you would expect. Taking their cue from the ’80s court classic, these shoes have a leather upper and an EVA midsole for lightweight cushioning. These are timeless, easy-to-wear styles that everyone should have in their closet.
Price: $ 90 USD/$120 CAD
Release Date: Out Now
New Balance 550 in ‘Black/Sea Salt’
Ever since Aimé Leon Dore and New Balance teamed up and reintroduced the world to the 550 silhouettes, they have become the most coveted sneakers out there. For people who once swore they would never wear New Balance and people who simply never wore sneakers, this is the shoe of their dreams. Made with actual premium smooth and perforated leather, compared to some other brands’ “leather” choices, these are actually worth it., and tbh, they are comfortable. Couple that with their throwback old-school vibe everyone really should have at least one pair of 550s in their collection.
What hits different with this particular 550s is the ‘Black/Cream’ colourway, in which the stark contrast gives them a real balanced feel. Plus so far in their renaissance, NB hasn’t utilized black in this way; it has mostly been a white body with various colours highlighted on the sole and the N.
Price: $109 USD / CAD $149.99
Release Date: July 1, 2022