20 Sneakers You Need in Your Summer Rotation

The sneakers you need to check out for summer including the Nike Air Max 1 Breathe, adidas Originals ZX Flux, and more.

Jun 18, 2014
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Image via Complex Original

The start of summer is just around the corner and that means pool parties, barbecues, and good vibes all around. Most importantly, it's that time of the year where you can rock heat for the next three months without worrying about mother nature. From a crisp pair of white on white Uptowns to slip-ons and lightweight knitted runners, we got you covered with some of the best kicks you need to have in your rotation this season. Lace yourself in heat and check out our list of the 20 Sneakers You Need to Have for This Summer.

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ASICS Gel Lyte V

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Price: $110
Available: Buy It Now

The ASICS Gel Lyte V debuted over 20 years ago and has become a splash in 2014 with collaborations from the likes of Ronnie Fieg, Extra Butter, and Ubiq. ASICS even released a "general release" pair to commemorate the World Cup in Brazil.


New Balance 1300 "National Parks"

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Price: $160
Available: Buy It Now

New Balance is back with another Made in USA "National Parks" pack, and it includes a teal 1300 that you'd be crazy to pass on—clean color blocking paired with quality craftsmanship.

Nike Zoom Pegasus 31

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Price: $100
Available: Buy It Now

The latest and greatest in a long, storied history of the Pegasus model. Available in this GR colorway, or make your own on Nikeid.


Saucony Shadow 5000 "Grey/Red"

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Price: $90
Available: Buy It Now

One of three Shadow 5000 colorways that Saucony has brought back this year. This "Grey/Red" colorway debuted in 1989, so it's been 25 years since the original drop. For O.G. runner 'heads, this release is exactly what they've been waiting for.


Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low

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Price: TBD
Available: Releasing in July

Unless you were in Italy, it was nerly impossible to cop the Flyknit-equipped Kobe 9 Elite Low HTM. These general release colorways give 'heads an opportunity at a low-profile Kobe 9 constructed of knitted goodness.

Reebok GL6000

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Price: $80
Available: Buy It Now

This runner debuted nearly 30 years ago and still remains relevant today. The GL6000 began its comeback when it was re-issued by Reebok last year and is now available in several new colorways.

Nike Roshe Run Slip-On GPX

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Price: $80
Available: Buy It Now

One of the most lightweight, breathable runners just got more comfortable. Now you can slip into a pair of Roshes without having to deal with laces.

Nike Air Force 1 High "White/White"

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Price: $100
Available: Buy It Now

Everyone needs crisp pair of white on white Uptowns during the summer. #factsonly


Maison Martin Margiela x Converse Jack Purcell

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Price: $250
Available: Buy It Now

If there's ever a sneaker that fits with the "Wear Your Kicks" mantra, it's this one. The Jack Purcells are covered in a coat of white overpaint. With normal wear, the paint will loosen and crack to reveal a blue or red heirtage colorway. Wear 'em hard to reveal the true colors.

adidas Originals CNTR "Rayleigh"

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Price: $135
Available: Buy It Now

After releasing in 1984, the Centaur (CNTR) returns for UK-based retailer size? The two-sneaker collection is highlighted with pink accents and honors British physicist Lord Rayleigh.

Nike Air Max 90 / Air Max 1 Breathe

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Price: $130 (Air Max 90) / $120 (Air Max 1)
Available: Buy It Now

The Air Max 90 and Air Max 1 "Breathe" are two of the most breathable Air Maxes ever created. It's the same great runner silhouettes we love, but with some game-changing updates. Completely deconstructed and features a space mesh upper for proper ventilation and air flow. The inside also features moisture-wicking properties that will help you stay comfortable during your summer activities in the outdoors, or if you want to rock without socks.


New Balance 997 "Navy/Grey" (O.G. Re-issue)

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Price: $200
Available: Buy It Now

The return of an O.G. colorway that hasn't released since '91. And this time around, it's Made in USA. Need we say more?


Nike Air Footscape Woven Motion

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Price: $160
Available: Buy It Now

The Air Footscape Woven Motion is the perfect alternative to the Woven Chukka during the warm summer months ahead. You get a similar aesthetic with a more breathable upper.


Converse Cons Weapon

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Price: $130
Available: Buy It Now

The Converse Cons Weapon is back this summer with all-new designs and colorways. It's the same unmistakable high-top with a modern spin.


adidas Originals EQT Running Support 93

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Price: $140
Available: Buy It Now

The Three Stripes continues its traditional "City" series by way of the EQT Running Support '93. The collection honors places like Rio, NYC, and Berlin with monochromatic color blocking.


Nike Free Flyknit Chukka

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Price: $170
Available: Buy It Now

This is Nike's follow-up to last year's widly popular Lunar Flyknit Chukka. With the 10th anniverysay of Free technology, it was only right to lace the Flyknit Chukka with an outsole that still remains relevant after a decade in the game.


adidas Pure Boost

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Price: $120
Available: Buy It Now

The Pure Boost boasts a full-length foam cushion for max comfort. If you were a fan of the Energy Boost, then you're going to love this newest addition to the Three Stripes.


adidas Originals ZX Flux

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Price: $85
Available: Buy It Now

The ZX Flux has been in the market for less than half a year and is already making a serious case for one of the best sneakers of 2014.


Jordan Future

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Price: $150
Available: Buy It Now

This sneaker is like a mashup between Nike Sportswear and Jordan Brand. You have the lifestyle-driven woven upper with the performance tooling of the beloved Air Jordan XI. It's the best of both worlds.

adidas Originals Stan Smith Primeknit

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Price: $175
Available: Buy It Now

adidas' signature tennis sneaker just received a modern upgrade with its knitted technology. A good look that will feel great during the summer.

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