Zack Schlemmer 
Of course you know about the Yeezys, the Air Jordan retros, and the latest hot collabs hitting the market, but what about all the excellent sneakers out there that aren’t hyped up and covered by the blogs on an almost daily basis? That’s where our new feature entitled Under the Radar comes in, which presents a list curated by the Sneaker News staff of a few of the best new kicks on the market you may have missed. Whether it’s a budget-friendly yet stylish model for every day wear, an awesome retro model that slipped through the cracks, or a great new colorway of a shoe you’ve seen plenty of times before, we’re here to highlight some of the best sneakers of the month you may not already know about. Continue reading to see what we came up with for February, and be on the lookout for a new edition of Under the Radar each month.
ASICS GEL-Respector “Crystal Blue”
The ASICS Tiger folks have produced yet another impressive selection of retro runners again this spring, highlighted by this refreshing light blue pair of the GEL-Respector. One of the brand’s newest additions to the stable of vintage running silhouettes looks better than ever in the Crystal Blue premium nubuck upper with gold speckles on the midsole. Cop a pair while they last at shops like Sneaker Politics.
Vans Sk8-Hi “Snake Leather”
The Sk8-Hi gets a fashionable upgrade with this rendition in all-black donning a snakeskin texture across the upper. Easily one of the best Sk8-Hi’s of early 2016, find them now at finer Vans retailers like Bows and Arrows.
Nike Air Icaraus Retro
Back for the first time ever, the early 90’s workhorse runner from Nike is bringing a smile to the face of all vintage running shoe collectors this spring. The Air Icarus debuts in two original colorways, with your choice of red, white, and blue, or the vibrant Volt and fuchsia version. Take your pick, and grab a pair now from Nike Sportswear retailers around the globe like Footpatrol.
monkey time x PUMA Blaze of Glory
PUMA seems to be going hard on collabs of the Blaze of Glory, but few are anywhere near as nice as this rendition by Japan’s monkey time in a premium leather construction with a cool blend of tan, black and white hues. The idea from monkey time is for you to actually wear these often, because the tanned leather will change in patina over time, creating a pair with your own history left on the shoe. Pick up a pair while they last from finer PUMA retailers like Sneaker Politics.
adidas Skateboarding Matchcourt Low
In case you haven’t been paying attention, rubber toe caps are all the rage right now in the skate shoe world. adidas gets in on the action with the Matchcourt. The vintage tennis model is resurrected out of the adidas archives for new life on the board, and they’ll look pretty good on your feet even if you don’t skate. Premier has this black and white colorway along with an all-white version in stock now, and you can also find them at your local adidas Skateboarding retailer.
Nike Air Max 90 “Digi-Camo”
Looking as good as similar atmos collabs of the past, Nike Sportswear presents the “Digi-Camo” Air Max 90. The timeless Air Max silhouette features the digital camo motif across its suede upper, with bright orange accents in all the spots you’d find the original Infrared highlights. Hunt down a pair at select Nike Sportswear retailers like Packer Shoes right now.
Saucony Grid 8000
One of the newest vintage runner re-introductions to the Saucony Originals line is the Grid 8000, which we see here dressed to impress in a burgundy and teal color combination of suede. You can find the awesome silhouette now at sneaker shops like Renarts.
Reebok Club C
Headlining Reebok’s Year of Court is the Club C, the clean and stylish tennis silhouette from 1985. Reebok Classic brings the shoe back in ‘vintage’ form this spring, featuring premium leather and off-white detailing for the aged look. Find the Club C now at select Reebok Classic retailers and directly from their web store.
adidas Tubular Nova
adidas’ Tubular models like the X and Doom are pretty bold and certainly not for everybody, but there are also some more low-key silhouettes in the popular line of futuristic sneakers. Namely, the Tubular Nova, which features a more traditional look, but not without the line’s signature unique style. If you like what you see, find the Tubular Nova now at shops like Rise.
New Balance 597
New Balance adds another vintage runner to their lineup with the 597, a clean, simple, and affordable alternative to some of the brand’s higher-tiered Made in USA models. The classic New Balance aesthetic that you know and love can be found in the 597 with a suede and mesh upper in a classic blue and grey color combo. Find the newest New Balance retro runner arriving at shops like Kith right now.
