WHEN you ask what’s new in sneakers, the answer is almost always “old.” Sneakerheads get their laces in a twist every time there’s wind of a relaunch, or remix, of a classic.
“Everything on the market is still old school. That’s the trend, how can you revive old school,” says Josiah Lake, footwear product director for Nike’s Brand Jordan. “One of the big things for fall is celebrating old school but giving it a new attitude and flavor.”
He should know – Brand Jordan has been making must-have sneakers for 22 years. This year, the company is giving Carmelo Anthony’s shoes a twist with metallic purples and golds and gearing up for next year’s 23rd anniversary of the line (Jordan wore 23 on his uniform), which includes a special sneaker designer by Tinker Hatfield, inventor of the first-ever Nike cross trainer.
Lake says fall’s must-have colors include purple, teal, gold and deep orange – a break from the Bape-colored insanity that previously ruled the streets (see bape.com). Here are the sneaks that will keep you on top (high or low).
New Balance M1400 Fanzine, $200, at Alife Rivington Club, 158 Rivington St.; (212) 375-8128
Why you should care: New Balance’s latest is inspired by European fanzine culture. If you ever got out the scissors and paste to make your own “zine,” this shoe’s for you.
Adidas Metro Attitude, $120 at Union, 176 Spring St.; (212)
226-8493
Why you should care: Like a lot of this season’s must-have pairs, the Metros are a throwback to ’80s basketball style. This year’s updates include shiny leather and laser-print star graphics.
Alejandro Ingelmo gold lamé low-top, $395, at Jeffrey New York, 449 W. 14th St.; (212) 206-3928
Why you should care: Because you look like you star in “Boogie Nights.” And unlike so many other hot shoes, these are under-the-radar cool.
Adidas x UNDRCRWN C-Billups, $150, at Moe’s Sneaker Spot, Coliseum Mall, 89-01 165th St., Jamaica, Queens;
(718) 291-2499
Why you should care: As part of Adidas’ five-shoe ’90s-inspired Remix collection, NBA guard Chauncey Billups’ pair gets remodeled to look like a Coogi sweater, one part Biggie Smalls and one part Cliff Huxtable.
Claw Money x Nike Blazer, price not yet set, at Dave’s Quality Meats, 7 E. Third St.;
(212) 505-7551; due July 28
Why you should care: This is the first of Claw’s two-part collaboration with Nike – in October the local graffiti artist and designer will launch customized Vandal Hi’s.
Reebok Freestyle Reign-bow, $75 at rbk.com
Why you should care: This year marks the Freestyle’s 25th birthday. The shoe was originally designed for women in the ’80s at the height of the aerobics craze. And the new colorways, including this crazy pink pair, are still exciting.
Pro-Keds Third Avenue Royal Blue Gradient, $60, at prokeds.com
Why you should care: Perhaps the craziest color combination on the market, and for $60, they’re a bargain.
Converse by John Varvatos Chuck Taylor All Star, $110, at Barneys Co-Op
Why you should care: Everyone needs a pair of Chuck’s, and these painted-on ones are gorgeous.
Women’s Air Jordan Retro II in black and metallic gold elephant print, $125 at jumpman23.com
Why you should care: There aren’t that many hot sneakers for women, and this one even has a matching black-and-gold elephant-print tee ($23) at jumpman23.com
Umbro by Kim Jones Leather Woven High, $150, at Valley, 48 Orchard St., (212) 274-8985
Why you should care: British fashion bad-boy Kim Jones consistently delivers a line of cool, casual kicks.
Air Jordan ZZ2PE Limited, $150, at jumpman23.com in October
Why you should care: Some of fall’s best performance sneakers, complete with a skyline print of Hotlanta.
Adidas EQT B-Ball Neon pack, $110, at David Z. For store locations, visit davidzinc.stores.yahoo.net
Why you should care: Neon is an on-court statement you want to make – it’s certainly not subtle.
Wes Humpston x Vans Syndicate, $65, at Supreme, 274 Lafayette St.; (212) 966-7799
Why you should care: Syndicate is a more exclusive division of Vans that’s usually stocked only in smaller skate shops. And the company is pretty picky about who gets to sell them. This season, Vans partnered with Wes Humpston, skater and graphic designer and co-founder of the legendary Dog Town Skates.
Vintage Nike Running, $120, at Urban Outfitters starting July 21
Why you should care: Because they’ll make you look like an aficionado. Thirty years ago, Nike released its first running shoes. But this year, you can still get the original Daybreak, Oregon Waffle or Nylon Cortez styles, complete with 1970s-grade nylon, aged laces, weathered foam and crazy old-school colorways.
No Mas x Puma Lottery Hi Top, $110, at Classic Kicks, 298 Elizabeth St.; (212) 979-9514,
in August
Why you should care: Local designer and sports junkie Chris Isenberg teams up with Puma for a limited-edition collection inspired by the NBA draft, with little graphic lottery balls.
Patta x Asics, $350-$650, at Alife Rivington Club
Why you should care: Amsterdam shoe boutique Patta (Surinamese slang for sneaker) teamed up with Asics for this super-limited pair. There are only 200 in the world, and Alife has 24 of them. Plus, they’ve been going on eBay for up to $1,100, which makes these prices a bargain.
VisVim Cowan Hi, $210, at Union
Why you should care: Sneakerheads and street-fashion junkies alike crush on this Japanese cult label. Plus, they’re pretty hard to find around here, and that automatically ups your cred.
VisVim Cowan Hi, $210, at Union
Why you should care: Sneakerheads and street-fashion junkies alike crush on this Japanese cult label. Plus, they’re pretty hard to find around here, and that automatically ups your cred.