Image via Complex Original
lead
Russ Bengtson has been in this sneaker game for a long time, and has been referring to himself in the third person for one sentence. As the former editor of SLAM and KICKS and the current sneaker editor here at Complex, I of course am entirely unbiased professionally — but that doesn't mean I don't have my favorites. Click on to see my top 10 sneakers of the summer.
10
10. Rodney Smith x Vans Native American OG S
Russ says: New York City skateboard OG Rodney Smith (SHUT Skateboards, Zoo York) flipped the Old Skool and the lesser-known Native American mid in distinctive red and blue respectively. The Old Skool was a subtle banger, but the "what the heck is THAT?" quality of the Native American earns it a spot on here.
9
9. Jordan Melo M7 Future Sole "Syracuse"
Russ says: Never been much of a fan of Melo's line — the Melo M5 being a particularly hideous example — but the remix of the M7, specifically in Syracuse Orange, made up for all past mistakes. Allen Largin should be on the Jumpman payroll.
8
8. Diadora Heritage Borg Elite 81 "Legendary Gold"
Russ says: They don't make 'em like this anymore. Heck, they hardly ever made 'em like this at all. Kangaroo leather uppers, speed lacing, that distinct Diadora check in sparkling gold — somebody find me a headband and a wooden racket. Bjorn Borg is the illest.
7
7. adidas Originals Forest Hills OG
Russ says: High tech before high tech was cool. The adidas Forest Hills with the gold and yellow trim is a straight-up all-time classic. Plus, my mom is from Queens.
6
6. Converse Pro Leather Dr. J Mid
Russ says: While the Horween leather versions are undeniably fresh, the white/navy Dr. J retro is something that the 'Where'd You Get Those?' disciples have been waiting on for a long time. That little gold "DR. J" embossing on the side adds a whole new level of cool to an already classic sneaker. Respect.
5
5. Reebok Classic Workout Low
Russ says: A lot of companies have tried the "new vintage" thing, and no one's done it better than Reebok. Forget the Swizzy remixes, stick to these original style flips of the OG classics. The Workout Low's buttery soft leather makes me want to dig around for some acid wash denim and a beat-up flight jacket.
4
4. Nike Dunk SB High "Reign In Blood"
Russ says: Slayer's "Reign In Blood" dropped in 1986 when I was 15 years old. I was mowing a lot of lawns that summer, and I pretty much wore out my copy of the cassette, just letting it autoreverse over and over again in my Sony Sports Walkman (the album was short enough to be the same program on both sides, too). Brooklyn Projects's Dom Deluca flipped the murky colors of Larry Carroll's classic album art lovely, and the suede and denim uppers capture the time. Still reigning.
3
3. adidas Originals Malmö Sunshine/Bluebird/White
Russ says: While not nearly as well known as its city-inspired brethren such as the London and the Montreal, the adidas Malmö is essentially a Gazelle with a Swedish twist (just check the colorway). Hey, my name's "Bengtson," what do you expect?
2
2. adidas Originals Campus 2.0 "Fairway/Running White"
Russ says: The Campus got a ton of attention this summer, being that it's part of adidas's "Iconics" initiative (along with the Samoa, the Samba and the Superstar) and was the basis of the much-heralded "Back To School" pack. For me though, nothing beat this money green GR, topped off with gold lettering and that clean white trim. Gimme 10 pairs.
1
1. Converse KA-ONE "High Risk"
Russ says: Kenny Anderson's signature shoe from Converse is damn near perfect — a basic silhouette built off a classic Converse trainer that's eminently wearable on and off the board. The "High Risk" (read: RED) colorway blends a suede forefoot with a canvas rear and tops things off with a gum sole, and all for $60 retail. It doesn't get better.
