June’s best sneaker drops: Your guide to this month’s must-have releases
Adidas demonstrates the power of collaboration, while Jordan and New Balance fight for dominance in daily rotation
Our monthly series highlights the top releases from leading athletic footwear brands. Whether you’re an avid sneakerhead or just looking for the perfect pair to complement your style, navigating the vast world of sneakers can be overwhelming. From understanding where to buy to decoding the latest trends, consider this your road map to finding the perfect pair.
If May was all about having options for mom and the graduates in your life, then June is all about getting you ready for the World Cup and making sure you have plenty of options to wear while rooting for your country. If soccer isn’t your thing, then don’t worry. A lot of this month’s offerings are perfect for date night, activities in the park or whatever else may come your way. Nike looks to its past and its future with releases that speak to multiple groups, while Adidas fully embraces collaboration through three unique offerings and collections. New Balance and Jordan look to become your go-to summer shoes, while Under Armour offers something unique.
Nike Mind 001 Flyknit
Nike
Over the past few years, Nike has found a way to enter and dominate the clog/mule/slide game. Last year, it was the React Rejuvn8. This year, it’s the “mental clarity boosting” Mind series. The Nike Mind 001 wraps the upper in Flyknit to make things softer and easier on your feet as you look to achieve clarity while running that quick errand or relaxing at home.
Release date: June 1
Retail: $95
SKU: HQ4307-302
Caitlin Clark x Nike Kobe 5 Protro
Nike
While we await Clark’s debut signature shoe, Nike has no plans to slow down the release of her player editions to the public. The latest sees the Kobe 5 dressed in a simple color-blocking of cream and spruce green with hits of red. Expect to see these everywhere this summer — from gyms to cookouts to Clark’s feet as she looks to lead the Indiana Fever to a playoff run.
Release date: June 2
Retail: $190
SKU: IZ1852-100
Stone Island x New Balance 1890
Stone Island, the premium Italian label, and New Balance are back with a new joint effort: the 1890. Drawing inspiration from soccer, the design keeps things simple, with both the black and olive pairs relying on hairy suede to mimic grass on the pitch. At the same time, synthetics and leather represent the ball, completing the inspiration. Even if soccer doesn’t inspire you, this well-crafted pair of shoes is worth checking out.
Release date: June 4
Retail: $180
SKU:IR1983-100
Salehe Bembury x Puma Velum Nitro
Puma
Salehe Bembury and Puma have proven to be a highly successful pairing. While many are focused on Bembury’s design of the World Cup kits for various countries, he also has a fresh take on the Velum Nitro. Dressed in various shades of sand to represent the Sahara Desert, this sneaker pays homage to the African countries for which Bembury has designed kits. Expect to see these long after the World Cup, as a good neutral shoe is hard to beat.
Release date: June 4
Retail: $160
SKU:409419-01
A Ma Maniere x Nike Pegasus Premium
With James Whittaker’s A Ma Maniere brand, we know to expect premium craftsmanship, quality, and high-level storytelling. The latest Nike Pegasus Premium SP continues the trend, featuring a black and burgundy crush colorway that has become a staple for A Ma Maniere. If the black colorway isn’t your speed, the white/silver pair delivers the same expected quality.
Release date: June 5
Retail: $210
SKU: IM0701-100 (White) IM0701-001 (Black)
Asics Gel-Lyte III Remastered
Asics
The Asics Gel Lyte III has been a fan favorite throughout its 35-year run, thanks to multiple collaborations and general releases. The latest sees the brand pay homage to the silhouette’s creator, Shigeyuki Mitsui, on his retirement. Coral highlights are the star of the show, as the color plays an important role in Japanese culture and anniversaries. Add in blues and grays, and we have the perfect summer shoe.
Release date: June 5
Retail: $160
SKU: 1203B185.800
Coca-Cola x Adidas Samba OG
Adidas
One of the more unexpected collabs we’ve seen this year comes from Coca-Cola and Adidas, who are teaming up to release a massive collection of apparel and footwear. Among the footwear options, the highlight is the Samba OG. Dressed in a white upper with Adidas’ three-stripe logo in Coca-Cola’s trademark red, the co-branding across the tongue and upper completes the presentation. Consider this a must-have for Coca-Cola memorabilia collectors.
Release date: June 6
Retail: $110
SKU: KH6879
Air Jordan 15 23RE “Black Muslin”
Jordan Brand
Air Jordans past the Air Jordan 14 have a love-hate relationship with most sneakerheads. Make it a collab, and it’s likely to sell out instantly. Without hype, it sits. However, the latest Air Jordan 15 is likely to sell out. Going with a two-toned, light-to-dark approach and giving the shoe a slightly higher ankle collar helps gives it a cleaner, straighter-line look. My advice? Grab these now and stash them for that first true fall day.
Release date: June 6
Retail: $255
SKU: IV7637-100
Adidas Adistar Control 5 “Buzz Lightyear”
Disney’s Toy Story holds a special place in both millennials’ hearts and pop culture. With Toy Story 5 right around the corner, Disney and Adidas teamed up on a collection highlighting Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the rest of the crew. My personal pick is the Adistar Control 5, which pays homage to the world’s greatest superhero, Buzz Lightyear. Additionally, all the pairs are available in smaller sizes, so millennials with kids can get matching pairs for a family affair.
Release date: June 6
Retail: $110-$130 (Adult sizes)
SKU: LA3965
Vans Old Skool 36 “Souvenir”
Vans
Vans has always had a cult following as both a skate shoe and a streetwear staple. Now the brand has made waves in pop culture with the “Souvenir” edition of its classic Old Skool 36. Embracing streetwear and skate culture, the shoes arrive with a pre-worn, graffiti-inspired look and feature additional upper buttons that immediately catch the eye. With three more colorways coming this month, expect these to continue their hot streak well into summer.
Release date: June 25
Retail: $125
SKU: VN000E8VE4A(Asphalt), VN000E8VNVY (Navy), VN000E8VEMV (Black)
Bape x Adidas EVO SL
Adidas
Bape and Adidas are among the few collaborators that consistently deliver and find new ways to approach things. Their latest offering sees the EVO SL take on a mismatch approach, with the right shoe dressed in Bape’s iconic blue and camo insoles, while the left shoe dons the brand’s trademark pink. Add in hits of gold on the heel and more branding throughout, and you have a shoe that is eye-catching yet clean and simple.
Release date: June 26
Retail: $120
SKU: KJ5751
Nike Shox BB4 “Olympics”
Nike
Remember when Vince Carter dunked over a 7-foot human being? These shoes were on Carter’s feet. Back for the first time in more than a decade, this piece of history lets you tap into your inner Vinsanity during rec league runs.
Release date: June 26
Retail: $180
SKU:IR1983-100
New Balance 991v2 “Mahogany Rose”
New Balance
The New Balance 991v2 is a versatile, everyday sneaker. It features a faded pastel rose and peach colorway that easily transitions from summer into early fall. The next time you head to a park or outdoor festival, lace these up and enjoy the day and the looks they get.
Release date: June
Retail: $270
SKU: U991RB2
Air Jordan 1 Low “Sail”
Jordan Brand
Simply put, everyone needs an all-white shoe for the summer. The latest Jordan 1 Low, dressed in sail, checks every box. It pairs perfectly with gym shorts and a T-shirt, yet easily completes a cookout outfit or a date-night look. Buy two pairs if you can; you will get plenty of wear out of them.
Release date: June
Retail: $145
SKU: HQ6998-100
Kith x Messi x Adidas Ultraboost
With the World Cup heading to North America this summer, Adidas reunites with Inter Miami and Argentina star Lionel Messi and Kith, a premier lifestyle brand, for a new collection. If there is only one pair to hunt down, it is the Copa 17 Ultraboost. The mashup of soccer and casual wear works flawlessly, as the Copa 17’s upper feels right at home on the Ultraboost sole. Finished with a primary white upper and hits of Argentina’s blue from its flag, these sneakers are designed to be worn anywhere, with anything.
Release date: May 29
Retail: $200
SKU: AAKK2875
Under Armour Spotlight “Bayou Kings”
Under Armour
While this list focuses on the best shoes to buy, every so often a cleat earns a spot purely on looks. This is one of those cases. As the new face of Under Armour, NFL star Justin Jefferson brings serious style to his Spotlight Low PE, a vibrant mix of colors and patterns that nod to the Bayou and reflect his personality. Expect to see these everywhere, from intramurals and 7-on-7 circuits to the standout on your local rec league.
Release date: May 15
Retail: $150
SKU:6019083