Image via Complex Original
Didn’t cop the latest hype shoe to sell out the second it hit shelves? Who needs it! In our new series Northern Soles, Toronto sneakerhead Andy Dang (who you may know as @certified on Instagram) gives a rundown of new sneakers in Canada that are criminally slept-on, and which you’ve actually got a chance of grabbing. From some PUMA Suedes honouring the late Nipsey Hussle to an adidas collab with one of Berlin’s hottest streetwear stores, there’s a whole bunch of under-the-radar heat worthy of your attention this month.
Watch the first episode of Northern Soles below, and keep scrolling to see Andy’s full list.
Nike Air Max 96 II 'Goldenrod'
Price: $210
Where to buy: Livestock, Off the Hook, Capsule
This year marks the return of the Nike Air Max 96 with the recently released OG “Goldenrod.” This classic silhouette has already seen a few colourways drop along with a recent collab with Supreme this year. With a few more upcoming Air Max 96 colourways on the release calendar, we’re definitely going to have more opportunities to own one of the brand’s most memorable models. The “Goldenrod” colourway is white and midnight navy, and features a sporty yellow racing stripe that spans from toe to heel. This a 1-1 remake of the original pair with retro colors on a classic ’90s construction. This shoe was originally designed for sport, so now as a casual sneaker, it’ll give you that added comfort. You may still be able to grab a pair at Livestock, Off the Hook, and Capsule.
PUMA x TMC 'Hussle Way' Suede
Price: $100
Where to buy: puma.ca
This year also marks the first collection between The Marathon Continues and PUMA. Created to honour the vision and legacy of Nipsey Hussle, the two brands collaborated on PUMA’s Suede silhouette. With this collab, the brands went with a clean and simple, easy-to-rock colourway featuring charcoal grey uppers, a white rubber sole, and small gold highlights. Although the release had a large amount of hype behind it, you may still be able to find yourself a pair on the PUMA site.
Nike PG 5 ‘PlayStation 5’
Price: $120
Where to buy: Nike.com, or find the best prices on the Sole Collector app
Nike and PlayStation have collaborated once more on the Nike Paul George 5. The sneaker mimics the design of the PlayStation 5 in a colourway that looks great on foot whether you’re on the court or rocking them casually. The iconic PlayStation shapes can be found on the uppers of the sneakers along with Paul George’s logo and PlayStation’s on the tongue. Nike and PlayStation have already rolled out a few releases in different regions across North America. They have announced that there will be another release on June 17 on the Nike website. If you still strike out, you can find the best prices on the aftermarket with the Sole Collector app.
New Balance 550 'Varsity Gold'
Price: $150
Where to buy: newbalance.ca
New Balance BB550, originally a basketball sneaker, is now essentially a classic lifestyle model. It’s still found under the basketball section of the brand’s website, but we’re definitely not seeing any of these on the court. The shape and design of the sneaker pay tribute to ’90s pro ballers and the streetwear that defined a hoops generation. In the last month we’ve had a number of really nice clean colourways drop. As it was originally designed as a basketball sneaker, you will have more padding for extra comfort. If you’re looking for a stylish yet durable pair that you can add to your daily rotation, you may still be able to grab select colourways at Newbalance.ca.
adidas x Overkill ZX 8500 'Graffiti'
Price: $180
Where to buy: Livestock, Off the Hook
All of the picks that we’ve gone through so far have featured very easy-to-rock color ways. Next up is a pair that features bold, in-your-face styling and colours: the adidas ZX 8500 x Overkill collaboration. This model is a hybrid of the adidas ZX 8000 and ZX 9000, styled by German sportswear retailer Overkill. With a nod to graffiti culture, one of the coolest features of this sneaker is that it comes with a protective overshoe. This piece is essentially a cover for the entire uppers of the pair, so if you’re tagging a wall, you won’t get spray paint on your kicks. If you missed out on the release, you might still be able to secure a pair at Livestock and Off the Hook.
Air Jordan 1 High 'Court Purple' (W)
Price: $230
Where to buy: Find the best prices off the Sole Collector app
The AJ Jordan 1 High “Court Purple” is going to be a must-have for many sneaker heads. Having dropped June 3, this pair came in women’s sizing, but we all know everyone tried to get their hands on this hot colourway. The fact that it is a white sneaker with a touch of purple in all the right places will make it a lot easier for men to wear. Like almost every Jordan 1 OG High to release of late, this pair sold out instantly. This sneaker released in women’s, preschool, and toddler sizes. You can grab one at the best prices through the Sole Collector app.
PUMA Suede x KidSuper VTG
Price: $160.00
Where to buy: puma.ca
Back again for a second time, KidSuper Studios and PUMA have collaborated on the PUMA Suede VTG. Challenging the traditional ideas of streetwear, this splash of colour and design on the PUMA Suede was made to be a standout pair for your collection. One very interesting design element of this sneaker are the stitched leather pieces on sides made to hold pencils. If you missed out on the release, you might still be able to secure a pair at puma.ca.
New Balance 574 and 57/40
Price: $110 (574) | $130 (57/40)
Where to buy: newbalance.ca
Every year, New Balance has a fictitious holiday called “Grey Day” where they celebrate over a century of independence with the colour that proudly represents its history and has since been associated with the brand: grey. This year’s New Balance “Grey Day” celebration saw a limited-edition release of the brand’s classic New Balance 574 and New Balance 57/40. Although both pairs sport a vintage look, the 57/40 was made to be more aligned with modern day footwear and the New Balance 574 pair is a re-release of the original. Whichever one you hope to pick up, you can’t go wrong with these two models. They’re the perfect fashion-forward addition to your casual wardrobe. You might still be able to secure a pair at newbalance.ca.
Air Jordan OG ‘Coconut Milk’ (W)
Price: $170
Where to buy: Find the best prices off the Sole Collector app
The Air Jordan OG was the first Jordan Brand sneaker designed exclusively for women back in 1998. May 24th marked the 2021 debut of the Air Jordan OG in a beautiful “Coconut Milk” colourway. The details on the sneaker like the orange basketball leather accents really stand out and give this hot pair a special look and feel. You can see hints of inspiration taken from the brand’s Air Jordan 13 with the pockmarks on the leather. Unfortunately with this release, if you missed it, you’ll likely have to look on the resell market as the Air Jordan OG “Coconut Milk” was an instant sellout. You can look to grab a pair at the best prices through the Sole Collector app.