Sneaker News ∂ƒhThe looming anxiety and palpable pressure in the middle of August means one thing – it’s Back To School season. As the new semester is upon us (by us, we mean you), it’s time to reload your wardrobe with the freshest gear from head to toe. We trust you’ve got your heat on deck. The Yeezys, Off-Whites, Jordan Retros, and limited Nikes, what have you, are all ready to go. But how else will you round out your selection? No sneaker rotation is complete without some slick GRs (that’s “general releases” for those unaware). Below is a quick Back To School Shopping Guide guide in five categories, so check it out and we hope you find something worth picking up.
RETRO 90s RUNNERS
There’s no bigger trend in shoes right now than the retro runner stylings of the 1990s. Below are four options that’ll certainly insert some throwback flair to any sneaker rotation.
We’ll kick off the first category with one of the hottest trends of the year – the 1990s retro runner. The throwback look continues to be the wave, and Reebok’s newly re-released Aztrek Runner fits the bill – and it’s only $100.
Where To Buy Reebok Aztrek OG (Two Colors, $100)
- Urban OutfittersAvailable
- Asphalt GoldAvailable
- BSTNAvailable
Nike’s all about the 90’s runner as well, and currently the Air Max 97 is a serious must-have for any rotation of kicks. Nike just dropped this clean white/red colorway, but there are plenty more available right now.
Where To Buy Nike Air Max 97 ($160-190)
- NikeAvailable
- NikeMore Colors
- Foot LockerMore Colors
- FootactionMore Colors
- FinishlineMore Colors
We’ll populate this select category with a completely new shoe – the Reebok DMX 1200. It uses the DMX midsole from the Daytona sneaker, but the upper is a new design that speaks to the chunky, retro trend. Three colorways are available now for $100.
Where To Buy Reebok DMX 1200 ($100)
- Finish LineAvailable
Nike is bringing back some original flair to the Air Max 95, one of the best-selling and most popular sneakers in Air Max history. This “Dark Stucco” option just released in stores.
Where to Buy: Air Max 95 OG
- Nike SNKRS US 10am ET
- Nike SNKRS UK 8am BSTN/4am ET
- Footlocker 10am ET
- Footaction 10am ET
- Finish Line 10am ET
- SNS 9am CET/3am ET
- BSTN 9am CET/3am ET
- 43einhalb 9am CET/3am ET
- NoirFonce 9am CET/3am ET
- Titolo TBA
THE HYPEBEAST
All sneaker rotations need the one anchor that will garner the oohs and aahs from classmates. Here’s a round-up of the most hyped and coveted sneakers of the recent months. Note: all of the shoes are priced above retail.
The most celebrated collaborative collection of 2018 is between Virgil Abloh’s Off-White and Nike. Any one of the releases from this partnership will be a welcome addition to any sneaker rotation.
Where To Buy Off-White x Nike
- Stadium GoodsUse code SNBTS for 10% off
If you still haven’t added a pair of Yeezys to your collection, now’s the time to do it. They’re still considered one of the “hype”-est shoes out on the market, but re-sale prices have deflated a bit.
Where To Buy adidas Yeezy
- Stadium GoodsUse code SNBTS for 10% off
The best new sneaker of 2018 thus far is Nike’s React Element 87. Just four colorways have released thus far – and each of them have sold out immediately. Get ’em now before prices go up.
Where To Buy Nike React Element 87
- Stadium GoodsUse code SNBTS for 10% off
Pharrell and adidas Originals have produced some of the boldest sneakers over the last few years, bringing in audacious blends of colors inspired by African nations, global unity, and other righteous causes.
Where To Buy Pharrell x adidas
- Stadium GoodsUse code SNBTS for 10% off
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CASUAL HEAT
While the footwear industry is rooted in performance, brands are now producing stylish shoes exclusively made for walking. Here are four impressive options that belong in any collection right now.
It’s only right to kick this section off with Nike’s first-ever Air Max designed exclusively for lifestyle wear. The Air Max 270’s sporty, sleek look and striking heel bubble make for a certified head-turner that nods back to the roots of Air Max technology.
Where To Buy Nike Air Max 270 ($150)
- NikeAvailable
- Finish LineMore Colors
- Foot LockerMore Colors
- FootactionMore Colors
A spiritual successor to the legendary NMD, the POD s3.1 leads the new generation of casual adidas footwear with its “great alone, better together” mantra, streamlined upper, and striking split midsole design.
Where To Buy adidas POD s3.1 ($130)
- adidasAvailable
- Foot LockerMore Colors
- FootactionMore Colors
- FinishlineMore Colors
We have seen just about every sneaker brand under the sun throw their hat in the chunky modernized runner ring, but its quite possible that no one did it better than Puma. The Brand’s three-piece Thunder series resulted in a number of esteemed releases the likes of these two simple Thunder Deserts that can be yours for only $120.
Where To Buy Puma Thunder Desert ($120)
- PumaMore Colors
- Finish LineMore Colors
- FootlockerMore Colors
- FootactionMore Colors
A true modern-day classic that’s loved the world over, the adidas NMD offers a rare combo of an instantly recognizable look, lightweight all-day comfort, and a reasonable price point that you simply can’t find anywhere else.
Where To Buy adidas NMD R1 ($130)
- adidasAvailable
- Finish LineMore Colors
- Foot LockerMore Colors
- FootactionMore Colors
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BASKETBALL SHOES
The new school semester means more hooping sessions and team tryouts. Kyrie, Steph, Harden, and Westbrook have some great options at $140 or less.
We couldn’t start our back to school basketball sneaker list off any other way, as Kyrie Irving and the Swoosh have all but locked up having the league’s number one signature shoe line. While the Nike Kyrie 4 may be nearing the end of its incredible 2017-18 campaign, the Swoosh still has plenty of new and exciting colorways for the Fall semester at a reasonable $120 price point.
Where To Buy Nike Kyrie 4 ($120)
- NikeAvailable
- Foot LockerMore Colors
- FootactionMore Colors
- FinishlineMore Colors
Show up to the first day of school with a clean new colorway of the baby face assassin’s fifth signature sneaker, the UA Curry 5. Shoot your shot with that special someone you’ve been crushing on since last school year with the swagger that Steph displays on the court each and every night.
Where To Buy UA Curry 5 ($130)
- UAAvailable
- Foot LockerMore Colors
- FootactionMore Colors
- FinishlineMore Colors
James Harden finally got the MVP recognition he deserves, and now you can swagger through the halls on your first day back feeling like an MVP too with the Beard’s adidas Harden Vol. 2 in this patriotic color scheme.
Where To Buy adidas Harden Vol 2 ($140)
- adidasAvailable
- Foot LockerMore Colors
- FootactionMore Colors
- FinishlineMore Colors
What better way to start a fresh new school year than with the confidence of a triple double machine at your disposal? Russell Westbrook’s Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 is available now in a number of lifestyle-ready colors that will undoubtedly impress your classmates.
Where To Buy Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 Low ($115)
- NikeAvailable
- Foot LockerMore Colors
- FootactionMore Colors
- FinishlineMore Colors
CROSS COUNTRY KINGS
If hooping isn’t your thing, these running shoes are perfect for running, other sports, or even casual wear.
Really, what else could a running shoe list begin with? There’s no runner held in higher regard than the Pegasus. You know a shoe is doing something right when it’s on its 35th model, and the Pegasus continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with its sleek look and legendary performance.
Where To Buy Nike Zoom Pegasus 35 ($120)
- NikeAvailable
- Finish LineMore Colors
- Foot LockerMore Colors
- FootactionMore Colors
UA’s unique mid-cut running silhouette—offering a look that’s as at home in the streets or school hallways as it is on the track—utilizes brand new Under Armor tech and an ultra-light construction for maximum efficiency.
UA HOVR ($130)
- UAAvailable
- Finish LineMore Colors
- Foot LockerMore Colors
A versatile shoe designed for the urban runner, the adidas Pure Boost Go’s flexibility, durability, and outstanding comfort ensure that you’ll be ready for whatever’s thrown at you during the course of your day—and that you’ll look real good while doing all of it.
Where To Buy adidas Pure Boost Go ($120)
- adidasAvailable
- Finish LineMore Colors
- Foot LockerMore Colors
- FootactionMore Colors
You never thought you’d see the iconic Jordan 3 in running shoe form, did you? The Jordan 88 Racer takes the 3’s classic details and distills them down to their core essence, making for a runner that’s as commemorative as it is competitive.
Where To Buy Jordan 88 Racer ($100)
- NikeAvailable
- Finish LineMore Colors
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THE MODERNIZED RUNNER
Brands are now blending running performance style with contemporary design cues. These four models may look sporty, but they’re meant for the street.
Another new lifestyle shoe from the Swoosh, the Nike EXP-X14 blurs the line between performance running shoes and casual footwear in a way that’s never been done before, offering a unique crossover of style and substance.
Where To Buy Nike EXP-X14 ($120)
- NikeAvailable
- Finish LineMore Colors
- Foot LockerMore Colors
- FootactionMore Colors
Reebok’s lovably chunky DMX Run 2000 helped inspire a brand new generation of footwear, and now you can own part of that history by picking up this eye-catching Mars Dust pair today. You’ll be able to walk through the halls knowing your not wearing the same generic shoe as everyone else.
Where To Buy Reebok DMX Run 2000 ($140)
- Finish LineMore Colors
- FootlockerMore Colors
- ReebokMore Colors
New Balance’s rich lifestyle heritage came through in spades with the finely crafted X90, taking inspiration from its illustrious history. Priced at $120, you will have a hard time finding a better made product at such a reasonable MSRP.
Where To Buy New Balance X90 ($90)
- FootactionMore Colors
- New BalanceMore Colors
- Finish LineMore Colors
- FootlockerMore Colors
Puma’s brand new Hybrid Rocket silhouette introduces brand new technology into the running field by merging IGNITE Foam and NRGY beads to create one cohesive offering. Its unique color blocking has lended to its release in a number of noteworthy colorways that will liven up your rotation for the new school year.
Where To Buy Puma Hybrid Rocket ($120)
- PumaMore Colors
- Finish LineMore Colors
