Whether you’re an athlete built for the tracks or a fashion maven trying to keep up with your fitness goals, we’ve picked out the latest kicks to help you go the extra mile.
It’s been a year of exciting sneaker launches, from trendy designer releases to highly anticipated collaborations. Judging by the teasers we’ve seen for the upcoming Fall 2020 season, there’s only going to be more to come.
As the demand for sneakers continues to grow and attract new consumers, the previously niche category of performance shoes is also gradually making its way into the mainstream market. Not only do recent launches incorporate impressive technologies, they also feature eye-catching designs that play to the sporty streetwear style that’s on-trend right now.
Whether you’re an athlete built for the tracks or a fashion maven trying to keep up with your fitness goals, we’ve picked out some of the latest, most innovative performance shoes to go the extra mile in. Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds?
Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT%
Engineered to help athletes measure performance, the Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% is Nike’s latest addition to the NEXT% family of innovative footwear. Complementing the Alphafly running shoe, the Tempo is made for training and more specifically, tempo runs – as its name suggests. To accommodate the higher mileage and more rigorous daily use, it features four key elements: composite plates for stability and comfort over daily use; Nike Air Zoom Pods for responsive cushioning and enhanced propulsion; Nike React Foam, which adds mileage while providing durability and protection; and Nike ZoomX foam, which is used in the forefoot and midfoot to maximise energy return. It’s also made with thicker rubber on the outsole and Nike Flyknit technology for the upper construction to improve support and comfort. W nike.com
Adidas Ultraboost 20
There’s a pair of Adidas shoes for every kind of performance you’re looking for, but the Ultraboost 20 is arguably the brand’s most popular. Builiding on the success of the first Ultraboost launched in 2015, the latest release features 20% more Boost in the midsole for added cushioning and energy return. Touted for its supreme cushioning, this responsive cushioning technology is constructed from thousands of expanded foam particles. It is completed with a breathable, sock-like Primeknit upper for support, as well as a structured heel frame and precision stitching in the forefoot for stability and control with every landing. Available in a range of cool colourways, the Ultraboost 20 appeals not only to serious runners, but also streetwear fans with a penchant for sporty sneakers. W adidas.com
Puma Calibrate Runner
In order to bring its proprietary cushioning technology to life, Puma collaborated with MIT Design Lab to create XETIC – a combination of mechanical technology and foam. Designed to provide calculated cushioning for all wearing cushions, this unique technology makes its debut in the brand’s new street-ready sneaker, Calibrate Runner. The sneakers come in a futuristic design to match the advanced innovation, offering a fashion statement to avid sneaker collectors whilst meeting the athlete’s demand for optimal support and comfort. W puma.com
Moschino Teddy Bubble Shoes
Moschino’s newest kicks aren’t just a product of jumping on the chunky sneakers bandwagon. The Teddy Bubble trainers actually come with a few innovations you won’t find in street-only sneakers. Don’t get us wrong, these sneakers can’t rival the running performance of the others mentioned on this page, but the memory foam sole, maxi transparent bubble at the back of the sole and breathable mesh upper combine to take the average runner from the streets to the gym or running route seamlessly – and in style. W moschino.com
Asics GEL-Kayano 27
Since 1993, the Asics GEL-Kayano line has been widely acclaimed by runners the world over. This year, the Japanese athletic apparel brand launched the 27th edition of the series, which comes with a few upgrades to the outgoing model. New to the latest release is the Space Trusstic Technology, which adapts to gender-specific biomechanical needs – supporting the arch of the foot in the men’s version and providing stability and a forward push in the women’s. The signature ASICS FlyteFoam Propel technology remains unchanged in the midsole, except for slightly different off-sets in the gender-specific variants. For improved breathability, the Kayano 27 features an upper made from jacquard woven mesh with diagonal ventilation holes. W asics.com
Photos courtesy of respective brands
