The Most Underrated Sneakers of the Summer

Image via Complex Original

Proper high-tops are the best kind of throwback. And although everyone is focused on basketball sneakers from the '90s, check what adidas Originals brought back from the '80s. The Pro Conference Hi is from the days of when people wanted as much support and padding as possible, and it caused the sneakers to be a lot bulkier than today. But although you're probably not lacing these up and hitting the court unless you've got old-man game, these go perfect with some camo, non-cargo, shorts and a tank top.

J.Crew has been on-point with its New Balance collaborations, but sneakerheads aren't exactly bypassing Foot Locker at their trip to the local mall to cop these. But they should. The 998 is Made in USA and features pigskin leather. Basically, these will be the longest-lasting and most comfortable sneakers in your rotation. And this color scheme has the right amount of pop that the primarily all-grey brand lacks.

The Nike LDV 1000 is an integral piece of the brand's running history, and this year, the sneaker received a considerable upgrade. Dubbed the Lunar LDV Trail, the sneaker features a big, chunky Lunarlon sole, that's way, way more comfortable than its original inspiration, but was released in colors that runners back in the day wouldn't have scoffed at. Take this Marina/Orange color scheme for example.

You're probably saying, "But these look like Roshe Runs, why would I spend $400 on these?" Well, the Y-3 Qasa High isn't for everyone, but if you can afford these joints, you're going to be the envy of all your friends. Sure, you could buy a handful of Roshes for that price, and we co-sign that move, too, but if you're looking to set yourself apart—reach for these Y-3s.

How can a collaboration with one of the world's best sneaker stores be underrated? It's easy, this summer everyone had their eyes on Retro Air Jordans, Foamposites, Flyknits, and the like, but not too many people were rocking Sauconys. Even if they came in buttery purple and blue suede, and were designed by Hanon. If you got your hands on these "Midnight Runners," you're one of the lucky ones.

It's tough to find a pair of camo sneakers that aren't too loud, but Vans' Floral Camo Suiting Era 59 Cas were ever so subtle and just sparsely placed with camo flowers. Vans are the ideal summer sneakers, and while we have the tendency to beat up our Vans, you might want to keep these around for next summer. Oh, the tough decisions.

Everyone has huge expectations for Adrian Peterson this season, and rightfully so. The man is a beast carrying the football. But his sneakers go under the radar more than his play. Out of nowhere, Nike dropped a pair of Free Trainer 7.0s that were a readily-available PE for Peterson. They came in a black cement print and purple color scheme, and had Peterson's logo on the tongue. You just don't see things this exclusive all the time anymore, and that's why we were up on these.

New Balance's heritage traces back to Boston and New England, but the brand decided to show love to New York City, and we're not complaining. The result was the Baseball Pack, and instead of using the navy and red that's familiar to the Red Sox faithful, New Balance decided to rep the Mets' colors in this buttery suede 574.

Mark Gonzales is an eccentric artist and skateboard legend. But his shoes are simple. The adidas GONZ Pro is more similar to an indoor soccer shoe, but gives an incredible amount of board feel because of its slim design. It doesn't hurt that it came in a burgundy color with a gum sole.

Overkill is an underrated sneaker boutique in Berlin, Germany. And equally underrated are the KangaROOS Coil R1s that it designed this summer. The sneaker was dubbed "Abyss" and came in a navy and turquoise color scheme that was inspired by the ocean. It's good to see KangaROOS get cred again, and sneaker fans expand their taste to other brands. Sometimes, it just takes a left-field release such as these KangaROOS to put them on.

Nike Roshe Runs get plenty of love, but the mid-top version is just starting to catch on. They're almost as airy as their low-top counterpart, and can transitioned into fall a lot easier. Plus, who can turn down a high-cut running sneaker, seriously?

Tie-dye was one the biggest style trends this summer, but we didn't see too many sneakers that liked to get trippy. But thanks to Concepts, we could get wavy in these Sperry Top-Sider Striper CVOs. This sneaker is underrated because of how Concepts was able to implement psychedelic prints into what is normally a prep staple. These are the perfect sneaker for the kid who's stuck on a boarding school campus somewhere in Connecticut or New Hampshire, but no one can hold back his waviness. 

ETQ Amsterdam is silently making some of the best luxury sneakers on the market. And they're offered at a price point—that if you save up a little bit—you can afford. They can literally be worn with anything, and while they might not be the standout kicks that some search out for, you're going to need something in your wardrobe with a touch of class for all sorts of situations. The Desert Top model comes in the most premium of suede and its white midsole perfectly balances the model out.

White suede sneakers should only be worn in the summer, and even then, it's hard to keep them fresh. They're dirt magnets. But when you're rocking sneakers that were made famous in the '92 Summer Olympics, the same Olympics that fielded the Dream Team, it doesn't matter. Nike's Air Pegasus 92 came back in the USA Track and Field edition this summer, and it's hard to have a clean pair of these by summer's end.

The Nike Free sole can be slapped on any silhouette and it looks great. It also makes the sneaker lighter and perfect for summer. The Free Inneva Woven was a luxe pair of runners, and with a $180 price tag to match. But they featured details such as a leather lining that you don't see on other running sneakers. It also makes the sneaker easier to wear while barefoot. Leather naturally breathes (like your skin), and doesn't get as damp and smelly as its cloth counterparts.

If a limited-edition sneaker is released at a boutique in Spain, then you know not too many Americans are going to have a pair. Make it a pair of Sauconys, and even fewer people are going to rush to get their hands on them. 24 Kilates collaborated with Saucony on the "Mar y Montana" pack, which equates to "Sea and Mountain," and was something not too many people were buzzing about. But they should have been. When you throw in multiple colors of suede, gum soles, and tons of mesh into the mix on a pair of Shadow Originals, it's a combination that's hard to screw up. 24 Kilates hit the jackpot twice with this pack.

Tennis sneakers don't get enough love. And if they do, it's because they're getting banned or were worn by Andre Agassi. Still, for this US Open, Nike created a pair of blackout Zoom Vapor 9 Tours for Roger Federer, but they featured a 3M-laced upper to shine under the New York City lights. Sport a pair of these, and you'll get to stunt when the time calls for it. And, um, don't lose to Tommy Robredo.

A great pair of New Balance sneakers is something that isn't too loud, but draws you in with its quality and the fact you can wear it without hesitation. The New Balance 1500 is a little chunkier than most of the brand's models, but when it comes in simple color schemes such as black, grey, and white, you know we had to have a pair. Even if no one else was up on them.

Even though everyone is running out for each Ronnie Fieg x ASICS release, the brand still remains low-key to the average sneakerhead and general releases such as the GT-II in Navy and Fiery Red don't require line-ups. This doesn't mean that these sneakers are any less great. And to circumvent the hoopla that is a sneaker drop, you should roll with these instead.

Brian Anderson has a history of designing cool sneakers for Nike SB, but the 6'3 skater finally got his own signature sneaker with the Swoosh after years of being on the squad. And they weren't just like any other pair of skate shoes, either. The Project BA was designed by Anderson to look like a running sneaker, but had a lowered heel to ensure it felt like a skate shoe. Plus, the color schemes, such as a Miami-inspired edition with a gum sole, were sick.