Zack Schlemmer 
December is never an easy month on a sneakerhead’s wallet. Between the heavy flow of some of the year’s best (and most expensive) releases and buying presents for friends and family, you need to save every dollar you can. We’re here to help in the sneaker department, as we supply another edition of Budget Heat filled with some of the month’s best releases that won’t set you back as much as the biggest sneaker drops of the month, but will still keep you looking fresh. Continue on to see ten affordable sneakers you should be copping, ensuring you’ll be able to spend more money on your mom’s Christmas presents.
ASICS Gel Saga “Scratch and Sniff” – $100
Part of the fun new pack from ASICS Tiger with colorways inspired by classic scratch and sniff stickers, the Gel Saga gets a “Blueberry” colorway. Unfortunately, they don’t actually smell like anything but a new pair of sneakers when you sniff them, but they do come at the nice price of $100 and can be picked up today at select ASICS retailers like Premier.
Nike Air Force 1 Low “Miami Linen” – $100
Nike revisits South Beach to give the city of Miami gets their very own edition of the Air Force 1 Low. The shoe sports a new take on the classic “Linen” colorway, with a light tan canvas upper, white and pink accents, and special Miami Vice style Nike logos. You don’t have to be in Miami to enjoy a pair, because they’re available now directly from Nike.
adidas Stan Smith Suede “Night Indigo” – $85
The Stan Smith drops in a stylish all-suede and all-blue edition with this “Night Indigo” colorway of the iconic sneaker. If dark blue isn’t your color, Bows and Arrows also have them in all-red.
Vans Slip-On “Cali Christmas” – $55
Those out in California get the advantage of wearing canvas Vans during the Christmas season instead of winter boots like the rest of us, so a Christmas-themed edition of the Slip-On is only fitting. This yuletide Slip-On features a scene complete with a Christmas palm trees, elves, snowmen, and skull-laden wreaths for an interesting take on the holiday. Pick up a pair now at select retailers or straight from Vans.
Saucony Shadow Original “Bluewash” – $70
Saucony keeps things clean and classy with this latest look for the Shadow, featuring a subtle blend of light grey, blue-grey, and white. Good luck finding another sneaker built with this kind of quality for only $70. Grab a pair from select Saucony retailers like Rise.
Greats G-Knit – $89
Direct-to-consumer sneaker brand Greats impresses once again with another stylish and affordable sneaker. The G-Knit features a one-piece knit textile upper with a Vibram sole for a prefect blend of style, durability, and comfort. You can purchase a pair from the Greats web store for only $89.
PUMA Suede Iced ‘Russet Orange’ – $65
The “Iced” versions of the PUMA Suede with tonal suede uppers and semi-translucent sole units continues with this blazing orange colorway. The all-time classic silhouette with a stylish modern twist is available now from finer PUMA suppliers like Rock City Kicks.
Pendleton Vans Sk8-Hi MTE – $85
One of the best sneakerboots of the year, and it clocks in at only $85. You won’t want to miss your chance at the stylish collaboration from Pendleton Woolen Mills and Vans for the winterized Sk8-Hi, which won’t last long at select Vans retailers like Sneaker Politics.
Nike WMNS Roshe One Winter “Sweater” – $80
If you’re a guy searching for the perfect sneaker to gift your lady this winter, look no further. If you’re a girl, add these to your boyfriend’s list, or grab a pair right now yourself because this fun sweater themed Roshe isn’t going to last long at shops like Bodega.
adidas ZX Flux “Triple White” – $90
These aren’t the best December sneaker option for most of us, but if you live in a climate friendly this time of year to an all-white sneaker, this crispy all-white ZX Flux is an excellent option at only $90. Find them now at adidas stocked shops like Sneaker Politics.
