September’s best sneaker drops: Your guide to this month’s must-have releases
Manga-inspired collaborations by Adidas and Nike, everyday staples from New Balance and Saucony, a new PE and more
Our monthly buying guide 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.
August brought us plenty of collabs and vault classics. September keeps that momentum going with pop culture anniversaries, major retros and plenty of options for the start of fall. Whether you’re tailgating or watching your favorite football team, Nike and Jordan have you covered. If hitting up the local fall festival is more your speed, Saucony and New Balance offer plenty of casual options. Manga and anime fans, there’s even something here for you this month.
New Balance 990v4 “Grey Violet”
New Balance
The New Balance 990v4 frequently finds itself on this list, and it’s for good reason. High-quality materials and craftsmanship are paired with the perfect color palette. The latest version sees the 990 arrive in a grey violet that, at first glance, seems made for spring but actually complements fall’s neutral tones perfectly.
Release date: Sept. 3
Retail: $185
SKU: U990LV4
New Balance 993 “Morel”
New Balance
If the aforementioned 990v4 is too much of a color pop — or simply not the right hue for the season — consider the 993. Dressed in a muted mustard yellow atop an aged midsole, it’s the perfect tonal fall sneaker. Pair it with neutral tones for date night or keep it simple with a T-shirt and joggers.
Release date: Sept. 3
Retail: $190
SKU: U993MO
Under Armour Fox 3 “Gamer”
Under Armour
Under Armour continues to reestablish itself as a go-to brand for shoes that make a statement. The debut colorway of the Fox 3 is a prime example. Following the established “Gamer” colorway pattern, we get a largely black upper, paired with sections of blue and pink to create a perfect contrast that will make people double-take no matter where these are worn.
Release date: Sept. 4
Retail: $125
SKU: TBD
Air Jordan 4 “Tour Yellow”
Jordan Brand
Jordan Brand continues to dig into its vaults, giving us second chances to collect. Returning for the first time in more than two decades is the “Tour Yellow” Air Jordan 4. The white upper, speckled yellow midsole, and interchangeable Velcro tongue labels are all here, just like the original. Grab them if you can — or pay nearly $1,000 on the resale market.
Release date: Sept. 5
Retail: $220
SKU: IO2463-102
Nike Air Max 95 Big Bubble “Greedy”
Nike
Nike revisits its “Greedy” formula, this time mashing together Air Max 95 classics like Neon, Grape, Solar Red and Bright Mandarin into one obnoxiously good shoe.
Release date: Sept. 8
Retail: $200
SKU: IM2211-001
Larry June x Adidas Adistar Control 5
Adidas
While rapper Larry June has already released two albums this year, he has another project to celebrate. His “Watermelon Smoothie” Adistar Control 5 arrives in a gradient pattern of orange, red, and green mesh that immediately brings to mind summertime fun and sunsets. Paired with Adidas forefoot cushioning, these are the perfect shoes to carry us through the dog days of summer into early fall.
Release date: Sept. 9
Retail: $160
SKU: KZ7294
Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 “Penny Hardaway”
Nike
The Huarache 2K4 is having a comeback year, with the All-Star version and Sue Bird PE (player exclusive) already making appearances. We can now add Penny Hardaway’s New York Knicks PE to the list. A black upper with pops of orange and blue, paired with Hardaway’s logo, makes these a perfect gift for any Knicks or Hardaway fan.
Release date: Sept. 10
Retail: $200
SKU: IV0345-001
Stan Birch x Saucony ProGrid Guide 7
Saucony
French artist Stan Birch, fka Flou Customs, has established himself over the years as one of the world’s best sneaker customizers, and his first official shoe collab stays true to his early roots. Bright, rich colors, double-mesh uppers, and interchangeable logos help this pair “Stand Out,” just as Birch has always aimed to do.
Release date: Sept. 10
Retail: $165
SKU: TBD
Nike A’Two “DS”
Nike
With South Carolina now a Nike-sponsored school, we all wondered when A’ja Wilson and her college coach, Dawn Staley, would connect on a shoe release. The answer is finally here as the latest A’Two pays homage to Staley’s own signature shoe, the Zoom S5. Dressed just like the OG colorway of the S5, expect to see these on Coach Staley’s feet in front of the Gamecocks bench come college hoops season.
Release date: Sept. 18
Retail: $145
SKU: IX1923-100
Adidas AE 3 “Cold Blooded”
Adidas
Adidas and Anthony Edwards have delivered two of the best-looking and fitting basketball shoes we’ve seen in a long time with the first two editions of his signature shoe. Now comes the chance for a three-peat. Deviating from the usual peach-inspired debut colorway, the AE3 debuts in a light blue and gray colorway that’s perfect for both on- and off-court activities as we head into the fall.
Release date: Sept. 18
Retail: $130
SKU: KH8537
Nike Ja 4 “Jaws”
nike
The Ja 4 is one of the best-looking basketball shoes on the market right now, making it an easy choice for casual wear. Following the momentum of the “Nightmare” Ja 4 — and our look at the Ja 3’s success — the latest Ja 4 pays homage to Jaws. Ocean blue, shark teeth and a shark rising from the tongue bring the classic movie poster to life.
Release date: Sept. 18
Retail: $140
SKU: JA9742-400
Air Jordan 9 “Chicago”
Jordan Brand
Jordan Brand goes back into the vault to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Space Jam with a special edition of the Jordan 9. The “Chicago” 9s are back in OG form just like you remember. The real highlight is the special-edition packaging that features full Space Jam branding, including the Toon Squad logo.
Release date: Sept. 19
Retail: $215
SKU: IX6179-100
Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Mambacurial”
Nike
The “Mambacurial” colorway has always been a fan favorite. Inspired by Bryant’s love for soccer and Nike’s “Mercurial” boots, we get the perfect crossover pair. Gradient pink and purple uppers, a volt outsole, a “misplaced” swoosh and bold Nike branding on the lateral side make this a statement shoe and an easy buy for fans of Kobe Bryant.
Release date: Sept. 19
Retail: $200
SKU: IO6253-500
Pokemon x Adidas ZX 8000 “Mewtwo”
Adidas
From trading cards and movies to video games, TV shows and shoes, few franchises have the reach and staying power of Pokémon over the past 30 years. Adidas celebrates that legacy with releases across multiple models featuring Pikachu, Charizard, Mewtwo and other notable Pokémon. Our personal picks? The black-and-white Pikachu Superstar and light purple Mewtwo ZX 8000.
Release date: Sept. 22
Retail: $110, TBD
SKU: KI2857 (Superstar) KI5326 (Mew Two)
Puma MB.06 “Shooting Star”
Puma
With LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards now teammates in Minnesota, Ball wants everyone to know that his sneaker game is just as good as Ant’s. The MB.06 arrives as a low-top dressed in purple, with pops of bluish teal for contrast. Ball’s logo and “Not from Here” branding are featured across the shoe. Expect to see these on Ball’s feet, on high school courts and in stands everywhere.
Release date: Sept. 25
Retail: $130
SKU: 313624-01
One Piece x Nike Air Max Plus
Nike
The manga and anime series One Piece has had a legendary run, and now, after a Netflix live-action adaptation and other mainstream crossovers, it’s partnering with Nike. The Air Max Plus features vibrant colors representing various Devil Fruits that give characters in the series their powers. Like the show, collecting every pair may be a never-ending journey, as they’re region-specific releases. Even nonfans will notice.
Release date: Sept. 25
Retail: $180
SKU: IR0968-500 (Gomu Gomu), IW1282-600 (Ope Ope), IW1283-800 (Mera Mera)