Image via Complex Original
It's been a year unlike any other, to say the least. Yet regardless of the coronavirus or other unpredictable variables, the sneakers still keep on coming. To assist in the transition from shorts and low tops to pants and functional wear, we've compiled a list of some of the best sneakers to wear during the brisker months that are available right now—and a few that have yet to release. With a variety of choices ranging from new models like the New Balance 920 to familiar pairs like Air Jordan 1s and Converse Chuck Taylors, we've got you covered when it comes to choosing your fall sneaker lineup.
Nike ACG Moc 3.0 ‘Union Exclusive’
Buy it now: $100
The Union-exclusive Nike ACG Moc 3.0 has the look and build of a shoe ready for the chilly months of fall. The Los Angeles retailer's iteration comes dressed in an Oil Grey cheetah-printed colorway with a quilted upper, paired with Solarsoft cushioning and a sticky rubber heel to give the sneaker extra traction. This updated iteration of the original ACG Moc, which was initially created in 1994 with the intention of being campsite ready, can now be worn both amongst the brush and leaves as well as on asphalt while you traverse the concrete jungle. The slip-on, slip-off construction makes it a casual move for fall while retaining the support and warmth needed as weather shifts and temperatures start to drop. But despite its All Conditions Gear lineage, you probably will want to pack these away in harsher winter climate, so get your wears in while you can.
Air Jordan 1 High OG 'Black Mocha'
Release Date: Oct. 31, $170
Perhaps the most hyped pair of sneakers on this list, the "Black Mocha" Air Jordan 1 High OG is arriving right on time for fall. With a color scheme that's impossible to not compare to Travis Scott's extremely coveted "Cactus Jack" version from 2019, this non-collab Jordan 1 lacks the bells and whistles like an oversized, reversed Swoosh and hidden stash pocket, but it doesn't really need them, either. It's a flattering color combination that works regardless of any name attached, but that won't stop Astroworld devotees from vying for these as the next best thing to the hard-to-get Travis pair. With what looks to be a quality leather upper and rich nubuck on the heel, this pair drops on Halloween day.
Salomon XT-4 Advanced
Buy it now: $249
A sleeper pick and one of the more unique silhouettes on this list, the Salomon XT-4 Advanced's Contagrip outsole makes it an ideal shoe for all of your socially-distanced autumn trekking needs. With a TPU film-coated mesh upper for abrasion resistance along with an EVA midsole for durability and splashes of vibrant colors for style, the Salomon XT-4 Advanced is just as suited for the great outdoors as it is the city streets. Salomon has been trending over the last few years, but this is the kind of shoe that's worthwhile far beyond any hype. Although it's one of the most expensive pairs on this list, it's also one of the most functional, and you'll be able to wear it for seasons to come. The brand has a number of strong colorways on the market, but this particular pair is one of the best you'll find for fall.
New Order x Adidas Wilsy SPZL
Buy it now: $150
Released in conjunction with British rock band New Order's first new single in five years ("Be a Rebel"), Adidas SPZL and designer Gary Aspden linked up with the group to deliver this revamped take on the retro-inspired sneaker. Inspired by lead vocalist Bernard Summer's favorite shoe to wear on stage in recent years, the Wilsy SPZL model gets updated here with premium white leather lining, reflective second laces, interchangeable lace jewels in various colors, gum rubber soles, and subtle branding that references the band. If you're looking for a solid white sneaker to beat up this fall, the New Order x Adidas Wilsy SPZLs will not only get the job done, but you can clean them up and do it all over again come spring. The shoes were released alongside a collection of New Order x Adidas SPZL apparel and are still available in most sizes.
Hoka One One Tor Ultra Low WP JP
Buy it now: $200
The Hoka One One Tor Ultra Low WP JP isn't a new sneaker—it was released last year—but it serves multiple purposes. Tricked out with all the features of a cold weather boot but delivered in low-top sneaker form, the Tor Ultra Low WP JP is built like a tank. The brand's signature oversized midsole is capped off with a durable and grippy Vibram outsole, while the shoe's upper uses waterproof eVent technology to keep your foot dry while maintaining breathability. Made popular in part thanks to a 2018 collaboration with Engineered Garments, this Hoka One One model was later released in more accessible colorways, including the Burnt Olive makeup pictured here. The only drawback of hunting these now is that sizes are getting harder to come by, but a handful are available from the link above in different colors.
Nike Air Max 90 'Laser Blue'
Buy it now: $140
There's not much about this sneaker that makes it functionally suited for fall, but what it lacks in prevention against the elements it makes up for in style. This "Laser Blue" Nike Air Max 90—which the brand is calling the Air Max 3, a nod to its original distinction as the third Air Max model—is one of the first drops in a wave of OG colorways that includes the upcoming Infrared retro. Sure, Air Max 90 releases are plentiful, but it's hard to top the original styles, especially when they're delivered with this much attention to detail. Purists have called this one of the most accurate Air Max 90 retros to date, which is welcome praise after years of bulbous toeboxes. Plus, it's not often that original Air Max colorways sit on (virtual) shelves like this—especially these days—so fans of the brand's history would be remiss to pass this one up.
Reebok Beatnik Sandals ‘Collegiate Navy’
Buy it now: $120
When it comes to coziness, we don't discriminate between sneakers and sandals. Thus, this Reebok Beatnik Sandal earns a spot on this list because it checks all the right boxes with a corduroy textile upper mixed with a rugged saw-tooth rubber outsole for traction and adjustable straps for accessibility. Plus, the Beatnik's sole gives it more of a sneaker edge than your usual sandal, making it able to handle whatever fall throws its way with ease. The Beatnik was originally released in the early '90s and saw considerable success in Japan, where it was embraced for its easy-going yet striking design. Part of a three-pack along with mostly sold out brown and green colorways, this new navy style is on point for the season and you won't have to pay resell to pick them up, either. Throw on a slouchy pair of hiking socks, strap up the Beatnik, and you're good to go.
New Balance 920 ‘Grey’
Buy it now: $209
This new retro-inspired model by New Balance borrows different aspects from the 900 and 1000 series, featuring new Encap cushioning and a rubber outsole. While many fans consider New Balance's made-in-America output some of the brand's most premium sneakers, its British-made line is just as impressive, and this is proof. The new model, which was used for Patta's collaboration in September, references different hallmarks of New Balance's history like shades of grey and navy on mesh and suede, but updates them in a sleek new silhouette. One of the most impressive things about this pair is it actually looks like it could've been part of the brand's archive, rather than forcing the retro look with dated concepts and details. Like most New Balances, this pair is sure to get better with wear, so you won't need to fret over beating them up throughout the colder seasons.
Air Jordan XII Retro ‘Black Concord’
Release Date: Oct. 23, $190
The Air Jordan XII has always been one of the more durable models to come out of the historic line, and this new colorway follows suit with a look and feel that is equipped for the fall's elements. Covered in a tonal black upper with hits of Dark Concord on the upper lace loops, midsection, and back tab, the Air Jordan XII "Black Concord" is almost boot-like with its stealthy upper and rugged materials. Despite not being an original colorway, the black and Dark Concord colors are reminiscent of other significant sneakers from the same era, namely the Air Jordan XI. One of the best things about these is you could wear them all the way through the winter if you really wanted to, but in that case you might want to go ahead and double up on them if possible. Look out for this Air Jordan XII to drop on Friday, Oct. 23.
Converse Chuck 70 Vintage ‘Seasonal Color’
Buy it now: $80
Get ready for one of the best sneaker bargans you'll find this fall. True to its name, the low-top Converse Chuck 70 Vintage "Seasonal Color" collection comes in various fall flavors with eight unique colorways to choose from. Not only does the classic Chuck 70 have a wide mix of different colors ranging from a Cactus Flower violet to Midnight Clover (pictured above) on its canvas upper, but at a retail price of only $80, fans can afford to cop different pairs to complement a variety of fits. This fall, it's going to be hard to top the aforementioned Midnight Clover, Black Currant, and Nomad Khaki colors, but you really can't go wrong with any of them. For the uninitiated, the Chuck 70 model is a retro-inspired spin on the Chuck Taylor All Star with details and shape that more closely resemble the versions from the 1970s.
