We’re deep into summer, and the Hypebeast team has come together again to reflect on which new shoes have excited us the most this year. Eight brands appear across the diverse range of kicks, but PUMA claims the top spot as the most represented brand. At the same time, fashion-forward offerings from Allen Edmonds and Rick Owens join footwear giants like Nike and adidas. Dive into our staff’s passionate takes and standout stories below, and let us know which pair you’d add to our lineup.
ROMBAUT x PUMA Levitation “Medic Green”
Logan Fairbrother/Hypebeast
Discovery is a driving force within my life. Whether it’s finding a new restaurant, an emerging brand, or a whimsical product that I decide I need, the introductory moment with something great and novel is beautiful. One of my favorite examples of this experience came just over a year ago, when I saw ROMBAUT’s PUMA Levitation sneakers on the runway at Paris Fashion Week. The “floating heel” and sleek shape struck me with love at first sight. This excitement not only prompted me to keep an eye out for its eventual launch but also to conduct a deep dive into ROMBAUT, which culminated in an interview with founder Mats Rombaut ahead of the collaboration’s debut.
When I finally got my hands on the ROMBAUT x PUMA Levitation in its “Medic Green” colorway, it lived up to the hype. Slipping over my foot, the design’s tactile interior structure lets me stand tall with an elevated heel to emphasize my stature. It felt like I had just upgraded my character’s build in a video game, bolstering its strength and agility. This newfound confidence has guided me on several adventures since, with the shoe not only elevating my height but also my outfits. – Logan Fairbrother, Associate Editor
Rick Owens Beatle Bogun
Paul Heavener/Hypebeast
In the past two years, my rotation of footwear has become increasingly boot-heavy, and the Rick Owens Beatle Bogun has ascended the ranks to become my most-worn pair. Beyond being a big chunky blacked-out boot, which suits my color-deficient wardrobe, they’re surprisingly versatile. With loose pants, they’re lowkey, but with shorts or cropped pants, they become an aggressive visual statement. On the wearability front, although they’re heavy, I’ve found them to be super comfortable and forgiving to stand around in. The added few inches to my height also help my self-esteem. – Paul Heavener, Executive Creative Director
FENTY x PUMA Avanti “Team Royal/Creamy Vanilla”
Elaina Bernstein/Hypebeast
Throughout this year, FENTY’s PUMA Avanti sneaker has spawned a sizable lineage of colorways and variants, serving as the pinnacle of Rihanna’s partnership with the footwear imprint.
In January, the seasoned duo reinvented the Avanti model, delivering the slimmer Avanti LS sneaker. Drawing design influence from the heritage PUMA silhouette, the Riri-reimagined version is refined for the modern day, fitted with a lighter-weight body than its predecessor. For an actual cleat-like structure, the statement foldover tongue punctuates the upper while natural rubber soles and gum studding on the heels round out the sneaker.
Though the sleek, soccer-coded shape was a huge allure, what ultimately sold me was the colorway. The vibrant “Team Royal” blue is striking, contrasted cleanly with its complementary “Creamy Vanilla.” Boots-only summer is even better when the boots come in a bright blue colorway. – Elaina Bernstein, Editor
Salomon XT-Whisper “White/Lunar Rock”
Courtney Kenefick/Hypebeast
I’ve always been a fan of Salomon’s ability to manipulate color, but the XT-Whisper in “White/Lunar Rock” is proof that the brand executes monochromatic looks just as well. As the current workhorse of my wardrobe, I reach for these sneakers for almost every facet of my life. They’re my most traveled shoe, worn on nearly every flight I board and to every destination I reach, easy to slip on and off when I head to yoga or pilates, and they’re heavy in my rotation of on-set or office fits. In general, I find the silhouette versatile and easy to style — like a white sneaker should be — but with the signature design details that make Salomon sneakers so distinct. – Courtney Kenefick, Creative Director
Nike Shox R4 “Metallic Silver/Picante Red”
Keith Estiler/Hypebeast
I don’t wear a lot of sneakers. You’ll typically catch me in a beat-up pair of restaurant Crocs or some old Docs, but the Nike Shox R4 surprised me. They feel sporty, like something you could jog in, but they’re super comfortable for just walking around or running errands. The bounce from the Shox columns makes them feel light on your feet, and the fit is snug without being too tight. The colorway stands out just enough without being loud. I’ve worn them through the city, airport, gallery shows, even just hanging out, and they’ve held up. As a retro, it’s got a timeless look with some futuristic nods, so I’m thinking they’ll always be in style. Well, at least for me. – Keith Estiler, Managing Editor, Hypeart
JJJJound x ASICS GEL-QUANTUM 360 I AMP
David White/Hypebeast
The JJJJound x ASICS GEL-QUANTUM 360 I AMP is this summer’s standout sneaker. Released first during Paris Fashion Week, it blends clean design with peak comfort, combining a crisp white mesh upper with subtle off-white cushioning and sleek reflective detailing. Its full-length GEL midsole and updated FF BLAST+ foam offer all-day support, while the understated branding maintains a refined design language. With its effortless style and tech-driven build, it’s my perfect go-to for everything from city days to weekend getaways. – David White, Brand Partnerships
adidas Evo SL “Cloud White/Royal Blue”
Nick Llanton/Hypebeast
As I continue to get older, what I look for in footwear is not just aesthetics and comfort, but versatility. Whether I’m going for a quick run or need to hit the grocery store, the lightweight and functional Evo SL does it all. I find it most convenient as a travel shoe, especially when it comes to packing light, as I end up having one less shoe to pack. – Nick Llanton, Senior Social Producer
New Balance 1906R “Year of the Snake”
Julius Oppenheimer/Hypebeast
The New Balance 1906R “Year of the Snake” wasn’t supposed to be my shoe of the summer. I knew I wanted a runner, and probably a New Balance or ASICS, but I wasn’t in a rush. It had to be directional, yet neutral enough to blend in, without making a statement. With a summer built around constant motion — commuting to the office, escaping the city, early morning drives to golf tournaments — I wanted a shoe that would help me maintain my composure through all of it: misplaced keys, spontaneous hikes, and unexpected summer showers included. Then, I found myself in a New Balance outlet in Clinton, Connecticut, staring at a pair of “Year of the Snake” 1906Rs. Maybe that says something about my priorities: I didn’t need the trendiest pair, I needed something that worked. Since that early June weekend, they’ve become such a cornerstone to my rotation that I’ve even considered picking up a fresh pair to stash away, which feels like the ultimate sign of trust. Sure, it’s not exactly the most neutral pair in the NB catalog, but in a smaller, sharper wardrobe built around versatile pieces, a simple footwear change can shift an outfit’s entire tone. And the 1906R always says what I need it to say: I’m on the go, but I’m not in a hurry. – Julius Oppenheimer, Senior Editor, Hypegolf
FENTY x PUMA Cat Cleat Jelly “Pumpkin Pie”
Manni Arango/Hypebeast
The FENTY x PUMA Cat Cleat Jelly is a standout summer sandal from Rihanna’s iconic collaboration with PUMA, blending playful fashion with sporty edge. Featuring a bold jelly cleat design and a cushioned leather sole, these sandals are as comfortable as they are eye-catching. Super versatile, I’ve reached for them on beach vacations and to elevate my summer streetwear looks as they’re the perfect mix of fun and function. – Manni Arango, Creative Project Manager
Willy Chavarria x Allen Edmonds Jalisco
Dylan Kelly/Hypebeast
The minute I heard Willy Chavarria’s Allen Edmonds derby shoes clicking down the designer’s debut Paris Fashion Week runway this January, I knew I needed their sophistication in my rotation. Much like that catwalk — titled “Tarantula,” driven by the Mexican-American fashioner’s tantalizing commitment to platforming his own historically disadvantaged signifiers — these derby shoes are exceptionally resilient. (Case in point: the slight wear you see above is the result of gallivanting New York City’s treacherous streets over the last several weeks.) Formally titled “The Jalisco,” the design features a sleek, split-toe silhouette with a strong Cuban heel. My favorite details, however, are located just above the chunky platform: two little golden “W” and “C” letters reside on the quarter, winking at those behind you with an IYKYK glare. – Dylan Kelly, Senior Editor
