We’re quickly closing in on September, which ushers in back to work season and the end of the carefree summer. Hey, don’t shoot the messenger. With the turning of the season comes a turning of your attire, at least a minor one. When it comes to footwear, that means you’re free to move beyond all white kicks and your favorite pair of beaters. Luckily, there are plenty of new sneakers to consider this fall. Here are 8 of our favorite pairs.
adidas ZX 500 RM
You can turn back to black sneakers now that shorts season is over, but this pair of ZX 500 RMs lets you do so without letting go completely of those carefree vibes. That’s because the black upper stands next to orange accents that push into pink territory. It’s a pop of color to an already sleek shoe. Three stripes can do little wrong as of late, and this silhouette’s colorway is yet further proof of that. $140
Reebok Aztrek
If you haven’t been paying attention, the ’90s are in again. From bright-colored windbreakers to baggy jeans, if Zach Morris wore it, it’s back in style. So it stands to reason that these Reebok Aztrek sneakers are in as well, as they are pure ’90s. The retro runner boasts bright teal accents, a synthetic suede and textile upper, and a diamond-studded outsole pattern. Lace a pair, grab your Trapper Keeper, and get to class. $90
Nike Zoom Blazer Low GT QS “Cat’s Paw”
Cat’s Paw Saloon is a haven for skaters in the Portland, Oregon, area. The sneakers you see here draw inspiration from that skating wonderland, with a Cat’s Paw emblem on the back and a black and vibrant orange colorway. Even if you don’t own a deck, these are the perfect sneakers to knock around this season. $85
adidas Stan Smith Recon
Okay, that whole thing about shelving the all whites? There is a caveat. If you opt for more durable, professional fabrics—à la leather—your plain white kicks are just fine for the changing of the season. And just in time for that, adidas Originals has put a refined twist on the classic Stan Smith. The Stan Smith Recon features an all-leather upper, leather tongue, and soft leather lining. That all adds up to an all white sneaker that you can wear around the office. $105
Greats The Rosen
Greats consistently puts on new silhouettes that rival those of bigger labels. The latest is The Rosen, a clean take on the classic running shoe. The uppers are made of durable high-density nylon with suede accents, while the outsole is courtesy of Vibram. There are a few monotone options if you want to keep things simple, but our favorite is Grey Multi, which shines thanks to blue, orange, and purple striping cascading down the bottom of the shoe. $79
New Balance 501 Ripple Sole
While other outfits are playing with crazy silhouettes and even crazier colorways, New Balance likes to kick back and keep it simple. But simple doesn’t mean boring. Just look at the 501 Ripple Sole you see here. A timeless silhouette clad in timeless colors, the 501 Ripple Sole will draw compliments without shouting for them. $70
Nike Air Max 1 Premium
It’s been over 20 year since Nike dropped Nike Air cushioning on us, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that sneakers haven’t been the same since. These Nike Air Max 1 Premiums throw it back to the early days of Nike Air, with an iconic silhouette decked out in premium materials. $139
adidas POD-S3.1
The new P.O.D. system from adidas relates to the cushioning of the shoes in the line. Here, knit uppers are paired with the system for a pair of performance sneakers that are ready for your autumn jogs. The terminology is a bit ridiculous, so bear with us. There’s adidas Boost cushioning repurposed within a podular heel, which we get, as that’s where it’s most needed. Then there’s something called a “Point of Deflection Bridge.” The idea here to bring stability and flex to the podular design. Then, up front, you’ve got some high rebound EVA for added comfort. Look, all we know is these sneakers look good, Point of Deflection Bridge or not. We’re in. $120
