The Best Sneakers on the Internet This Week

This week's best shoes include pairs from Nike, New Balance, and several collaborations.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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It gets really tiring to look at sneakers everyday on the Internet. Everything tends to look the same after awhile and very few shoes catch your eye or stand out. Dozens of new shoes are previewed by brands, retailers, celebrities, and leakers on a daily basis, and there's more product on the market than anyone could ever consume. But every so often, there are a couple shoes that stick out in the best way possible; leather, suede, and rubber gems amongst a pile of indistinguishable footwear. This week, there were three sneakers (or collections) that treaded above the rest.

Comme des Garcons x Nike Vapor Max (pictured above)

The Nike Air Max line has lost some line has lost steam in recent years, partially thanks to the brand preferring Zoom technology over its bubbly counterpart. That might change soon: The Vapor Max, the most "Air Max" shoe of all-time, will soon be upon us, and the first collaboration on the shoe comes from Japanese fashion brand Comme des Garcons, which has worked with Nike through the years. They're a crazy futuristic shoe and fit perfectly into Rei Kawakubo's (the brand's designer) wheelhouse. Expect them to drop next year.

Nike Air Max 97 "Italy"

The Nike Air Max 97 is an undeniable classic in Nike's archive, but it's most popular in Italy. With the 20th anniversary of the shoe creeping up, the brand decided to celebrate the place where the sneaker is most loved with a twist on the original silver-and-red colorway. What made these shoes special, besides their Italy-only release, was the Italian flag on the tongue and heel pulltabs. It's such a subtle touch on a great shoe. Hunting down a pair might be a bit pricey right now, though.

Nike Air Max 97 "Italy"

J.Crew x New Balance 998

 

J.Crew and New Balance have a good thing going on. They've been working together for several years now and the two Americana-focused brands keep putting out hits. The latest project between the two is on the 998, the first shoe that they worked on together, and this pair is ready for the fall. The green-and-gold shoes may look like they'd be worn by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, but they're perfect for the fall, too. These are best described as "money green," but they're also Made in USA, and have buttery suede. Get yourself a pair very soon.

J.Crew x New Balance 998

Nike Mag

Auto. Lacing. Nike. Mags. That's all we need to say. They're finally here. 

Nike Mag 2

 

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