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Like it or love it, Summer 2017 is here. As the year flies by and the temperatures rise, the shoe selection typically tends to cool down during the hotter months as big brands bulk up for back to school and holiday season.
This summer, much like summers before, classics and runners are dominating our realm with wearers more interested in putting together a fire fit from top to bottom than ankle oriented neck breaking like years prior. So, rather than box stacking and kick collecting the market is moving back to our original mantra: Just Wear ‘Em.
So, what are the best kicks to wear this summer? Focusing on upcoming releases and topical trends, get the picks from the Nice Kicks staff in the writeups below and let us know what you’re on in the comments section.
Nike Air VaporMax
Plain and simple, the Nike Air VaporMax is the ‘new’ shoe of 2017. In a market moving away from retro but burning out new builds on an annual rate, the VaporMax has claimed the now space with little to no competition. Providing a chase without gassing consumers, the shoe is just challenging enough to both pull in and pull off. Will these still be the move a year from now? Silos seem to come and go like the bus, but the VaporMax is the shoe of the moment. Check out these other colorways: Platinum, Deep Red, Women’s Violet, City Tribes
Vans Old Skool
Even in a market with rapid turnover and an appetite for innovation, the Vans Old Skool is on damn near its fourth summer. Living up to its name, the classic style has proven the most steeze worthy shoe to both Tumblr talent and rap turned rockstars by simply not trying. Cool in collabs and a bargain in inline, these go good on guys and gals alike whether or not you’ve ever visited California or stepped on a skateboard.
Nike Cortez
The Stan Smith has been the it style shoe for making sophisticated street and laid back lux. While the shoe still goes, it looks like the Cortez will fill that space. Appearing hot and chill in everything from Compton colors to ’70s swag BETRUE makeups to the pop culture toting Gump getups, these will look nice on all and easy to rock. We’re pushing for more nylon, but leather looks, velour variations and perforated pairs provide plenty of range.
Available at: Nike & Foot Locker
Air Jordan 1
Even after every OG has been back for at least the second time around, the Air Jordan 1 still goes. Oddly enough, its not the un-vaulted “Metallic” makeups that are moving the needle but rather left field lifestyle looks. The surprising “Sail” scheme is turning heads thanks to its “Shattered Backboard” level leather while the less literal Off-White wear will be the most talked about and debated shoe of the summer.
Available at: Nike & Flight Club
Gucci Ace
Over the last ten years, Prada, Balenciaga and Margiela have all claimed the top spot for designer sneakers. This summer, Gucci’s got it and oddly enough its not the ’84 Tennis. Similar in styling but pulling more from their embroidered incarnation, the Ace is both easy and elevated. Beat ’em up like Frank or flex like Quavo, these are a solid shoe to both dress down and floss up.
Available at: Gucci & Nordstrom
Nike Air Max 97
Air Max Day was more of a moment in 2017 than anyone expected. While atmos AM1s brought together sneakerheads of different generations, it was the grime claimed Nike Air Max 97 that’s still making a ruckus. Though the most known OGs have already came back and flown fast, this shoe will continue to wear well in new iterations thanks to its wavy design, nostalgic tech and 3M flash.
Available at: Nike & Flight Club
adidas Ultra Boost
When it comes to comfort, Boost still stands tall at the top of the mountain. While NMD and EQT have lost a little momentum, the Ultra Boost is still the pinnacle pair for performance and more attainable than Kanye’s kicks. The “Multicolor” motif may be the last big Boost before the brand introduces a new silo, though the second shipment from Parley should also make waves.
Available at: adidas & Finish Line
Nike KDX
In an offseason that will be dominated by Big Baller Brand brashness, a hot summer league and lots of movement, Kevin Durant still holds the title of most heroic hooper. While the world waits for Under Armour to release the Curry 4 and Nike REACT technology to release at retail, the low top look of the KDX attached to the endorser’s play and placement in store will make it the most sough after summer hoops shoe.
Available at: Nike & Foot Locker
