The 10 Best Sneakers to Buy for Summer

Image via Complex Original

Release date: May 30

At this point, Sacai’s LDWaffle collaboration may go down as one of the more peculiar drops of the year, but that doesn’t make them any less desirable. Following delayed release after delayed release, the Chitose Abe-designed sneakers are finally set to drop at the end of the month. The sneaker's juxtaposition of Nike’s vintage running shoes and today’s maximalist wave are a surprising-yet-welcome breathe of fresh air, and they're already one of the most hyped sneakers of the year despite not having an official stateside launch yet. —Riley Jones

Release date: May 28

Arguably the most popular sneaker worn by tennis legend Andre Agassi during his career, 1990's “Hot Lava” Nike Air Tech Challenge II is always met with excitement when its given the retro treatment. Its latest release coinciding with the 2019 French Open is no different. A perfect representation of Agassi’s vibrant wardrobe in the early '90s, the pair still doesn’t seem the least bit dated almost three decades later. If you care about the history of sneakers, this is one of the pairs you need to own. Bonus points if you can pull off rocking your pair with short shorts and a mullet like Agassi did during his prime.  —Michael DeStefano

Buy it now: $160

Originally brought back as part of A Cold Wall’s collaboration with rectangular block details, the Zoom Vomero 5 is now receiving a run of its own, sans heel piece. For those who weren’t feeling the hate-it-or-love-it adornment, the model has launched in a handful of summer-appropriate make ups including an all-white variation and a couple of colorful takes on the 2010 runner. More unique than a standard Air Max shoe, the Vomero is becoming one of those if you know, you know models. —Riley Jones

Buy it now: $140

While not as widely celebrated as other Air Max silhouettes from the mid-'90's, Nike has been giving the cult-favorite Air Max2 Light some of the spotlight in 2019. One of the best pairs to date is the retro of the OG “Habanero Red” colorway of the 1994 runner. You can never really go wrong with some shorts and a pair of Air Maxes on a hot summer day and this option will make sure you don’t blend in with the rest of the people opting for more common choices like the Air Max 1 or Air Max 95 either. —Michael DeStefano

Release date: June 7

While it doesn’t have quite the same level of fanfare as Sacai’s LDWaffle, the Undercover x Nike Daybreak is perhaps the best sleeper collab of the summer. With a late '70s-inspired design based around the Daybreak running shoe, Undercover designer Jun Takahashi’s take on the model includes nylon, hairy suede, and an aggressive heel counter which adds a 3D element. —Riley Jones

Buy it now: $120

The React Presto is one of Nike’s newest lifestyle creations and it is almost perfect for the warmer weather. The breathable “T-shirt for the foot” has been upgraded with a more modern look. Fans of the OG Presto from 2000 will take notice of some of the character-based colorways being brought back like the “Brutal Honey” option, but the real reason to add this pair to your summer rotation is the all-day comfort you’ll get from trekking around on top of React-cushioned midsoles. —Michael DeStefano

Release date: June 27

Virgil Abloh’s newest Off-White x Nike design is his most daring yet, which makes for a nice change of pace from the dozens of “The Ten” colorways seen in the past couple. The upcoming “Athlete in Progress” collection includes the a revamped version of the Zoom Terra Kiger 5 trail shoe in three colorways. Like the recent Cactus Plant Flea Market x Air VaporMax 19, this collection is releasing in women’s sizes, which could drive up the eventual resale value even more as guys try to get in on the larger sizes. —Riley Jones

Buy it now: $220

Undefeated and Adidas have developed a pretty consistent relationship with one another over the past few years. The latest offering from the duo, a patriotic take on the Ultra Boost 1.0, is one of the cleanest collabs we’ve seen on the Ultra Boost in quite some time. Its pure white upper, red and blue logos, and subtle American Flag hits on the heel make it the perfect shoe to lace up for Memorial Day weekend. Thinking ahead, they’d even be a solid option for your July 4th barbecue, too. Just don’t rock these to any concerts this summer unless you want them to get absolutely cooked. —Michael DeStefano

Buy it now: $175

Retooled with a modernized build, New Balance’s 990 series—which dates back to 1982—continues with the recently released v5. Like the iterations before it, this version is made in the U.S.A., and the updated design takes away some of the layers seen on previous models for a look that’s not quite as bulky. While connoisseurs have grown to love the previous 990s, the 990v5 does a solid job of maintaining the feel of the originals. —Riley Jones

Buy it now: $150

The “Ivory Snake” Air Force 1 might have sold out on Nike SNKRS when it released this past week, but with some searching there are still plenty of boutiques stocking this gem in various sizes. Last seen in 1996, the pair has always been a favorite among Air Force 1 collectors. Similar to the traditional white-on-whites because of its white leather upper, but upgraded with snakeskin on the Swoosh and heel, these are the perfect way to give your summer fit a premium touch. —Michael DeStefano