August’s best sneaker drops: Your guide to this month’s must-have releases

Our monthly series looks at the top releases from the best brands in athletic footwear. Whether you’re an avid sneakerhead or simply seeking 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 is here, which means we’ve almost reached the end of summer, and kids are headed back to school. While many people look forward to September and the cooler temperatures, there is plenty in the sneaker world to match the weather outside. There’s a bit of something from everyone, whether it’s finding the perfect complement for constructing the illest outfit or just searching for a comfortable pair to slip on for errands.

Asics goes Above the Clouds

Last month, we featured JJJJound’s take on Asics’ Quantum 360. This time, it’s Australian retailer Above the Clouds delivering a unique take as part of its 15th anniversary celebration. This version features a neutral cream base upper with a heavy dose of color. From the Gel-cushioning to the back heel and shoe laces, a deep wine red is the star of the shoe. Staying true to its running roots, a reflective toe cap completes the package.

Release date: Aug. 2

SKU: A16460C

Retail: $210

The Jordan 10 returns

Released during Michael Jordan’s first retirement from basketball, the Air Jordan 10 holds a unique place in the hearts of many. A simple design, Jordan’s accolades on the shoe’s sole, Jumpman logos facing different ways; the Jordan 10 forced you to feel something. The “Steel” colorway is back to reignite those feelings. Here’s one thing that’s not up for discussion: They’re a key piece in Jordan Brand history. They’re worth the purchase, even if Jordan didn’t love them.

Release date: Aug. 2

SKU: HJ6779-104

Retail: $215

The Whitaker Group teams with New Balance

The Whitaker Group’s latest three-pack builds on 2024’s New Balance 1906U collection, which first introduced the “Wilful Bias” concept as an exploration of life lessons learned beyond the traditional classroom. This time, TWG reimagines two New Balance silhouettes—the 998 and the 990v4—available in both adult and children’s sizes. Each pair features a mix of materials, including hairy suede and a soft “Jade Green” hue, nodding to the retailer’s newest women-centered boutique, Jaide. The 990v4 stands out as the hero of the pack, blending the running heritage of the 990 line with a sleek, modern design.

Release Date: Aug. 7

SKU: U990WK4

Retail: $220

Converse continues to celebrate animation

Earlier this year, we featured the Tom and Jerry x Converse anniversary collection. Now, Converse is back with another animated favorite, Bluey. Everybody’s favorite Australian heeler takes center stage across the Chuck Taylor in four different designs. They’re releasing in full family sizing, which means parents and kids can bond with matching footwear.

Release date: Aug. 8

SKU: A16460C

Retail: $80 (Adults), $45 (Kids)

The Air Max 95 gets the blues

Another month, another Big Bubble Air Max 95 to adore. The “Blue Spark” colorway has been on the hit list for months and ranks second only to the OG “Neon” pair as a must-have for 2025 Air Max 95 anniversary releases. We’ve seen the color scheme before – the 2010 “Photo Blue” and 2011’s “Blue Spark” both come to mind – and it’s still refreshing to see it again as a true blue works well with the gray gradient paneling and black soles for which the model is best known.

Release date: Aug. 8

SKU: IM7410-100

Retail: $190

The A’One stays hot

A’ja Wilson’s Nike A’One sneaker was one of the most anticipated debut signature sneakers in a long time. After a barrage of colorways during the shoe’s first month of launch, Wilson and Nike aren’t slowing down with the colorways. The latest, dubbed “Birthday Cake,” follows the color blocking that we’ve come to expect, featuring various shades of pink across the upper, paired with a white midsole to complete the package. Expect to see these everywhere, from the classroom to the court.

Release date: Aug. 8

SKU: FZ8605-101

Retail: $115

JJJJound and Solomon join forces

JJJJound usually lands on this list by adding life to neutral tones. This time around, the creative studio opts for lots of pop to drive their second offering with performance brand Salomon. Both versions of the XT-6 model work with blue, yellow, red and black for vibrant looks that take the trail shoe beyond the dirt and onto the city streets.

Release date: Aug. 8

SKU: L49130400 (Nautical Blue), L49130300 (Ebony)

Retail: $190

Mita and Asics celebrate the Gel-Lyte

Tokyo-based retailer Mita is back with another Asics collab to help celebrate the anniversary of the Gel-Lyte model. For the shoe’s 35th anniversary, Mita has decided to combine the Lyte 3 and the Lyte 5 to create a hybrid pair, incorporating design elements from both. For two models that have always been staples in Asics’ collaborations, this creation from Mita is the perfect next step for the brand and future collaborators.

Release date: Aug. 12

SKU: 1201A939-400

Retail: $171

The Jordan Retro with a “French” twist

While the “French Blue” colorway of the Jordan 12 isn’t an original colorway, it is one of the most loved pairs. Worn initially during Michael Jordan’s run on the Washington Wizards and later by Kobe Bryant during his sneaker free agency, the French Blue immediately shot toward the top of many people’s favorite Jordan 12s. Returning for the first time since 2016, these will likely sell out quickly, just as they have every time before.

Release date: Aug. 16

SKU: CT8013-114

Retail: $210

The Air Max 95 goes skating

Nike Skateboarding has a proven knack for retooling retro models and modifying them for a more modern approach. On the Air Max ’95, reworking the shoe involved adding tread to the outsole and utilizing a smaller Air unit, both of which contribute to improved board grip and feel. Not only is the pliable suede on the upper better for performance, but it also makes the shoes more comfortable overall. Everything associated with the shoe turned out well, minus leaving out the skater who’s most synonymous with it in the first place.

Release date: Aug. 22

SKU: HF7545-100

Retail: $185

Nigel’s Jordan run gets even “Better”

BMX rider Nigel Sylvester returns with another Jordan collaboration after making headlines with his “Brick by Brick” Air Jordan 4. His latest, a Jordan 1 low dubbed “Better With Time,” tells the story of wearing your shoes. Featuring an already-aged look via the midsole and sole. “Scuff” marks across the shoe mimic the wear from pedaling your bike. As we’ve come to expect, “Bike Air” branding appears on the shoe and the packaging.

Release date: Aug. 16

SKU: IB8958-001

Retail: $165

Adidas finds its mule

Make no mistake, the Adidas Mule is intended to be a challenger to the Birkenstock’s popular Boston clog. Adidas keeps things simple with a solid suede upper, a cork midsole, and a gum bottom, featuring the Adidas trefoil logo stamped on both the upper and the footbed. Available in beige, pink, and navy, and priced at only $100, expect to see these shoes everywhere on college campuses, and even a casual Friday appearance at work isn’t out of the picture.

Release date: Aug. 22

SKU: JP8731 (Tan), JP8730 (Pink), JP8729 (Blue)

Retail: $100

The return of another Jordan grail

Jordan Brand continues to celebrate its 40th anniversary by bringing back several fan favorites. One of the most anticipated pairs is the return of the Shattered Backboard 1s. Loved for their premium use of materials such as soft tumbled leather and orange and black color blocking, everything from the original release is here again. Shattered box design included. 

Release date: Aug. 23

SKU: IB1519-200

Retail: $185

Undefeated unarchives a gem

The original version of this collaboration was released more than 20 years ago, but never reached retail. Only friends and family of the San Francisco boutique were able to land a pair. Anyone else was forced to pay exorbitant prices on the secondary market. Now, 20 years later, they’re getting a proper retail release. Undefeated hosted a drop earlier this month, and another is set via Nike.com at the end of the month. If you snooze, you may have to wait a few decades, so make wise choices.

Release date: Aug. 28

SKU: IB1519-200

Retail: $225

Pharrell’s next big sneaker design is here

Pharrell Williams is having one of those years that serves as a potent reminder of his creative force. Earlier this year, he delivered a bulky take on the classic Superstar as part of the shoe’s anniversary celebration. He’s also the sole producer on Clipse’s comeback album, which many consider the album of the year, and now he has his new silhouette with Adidas. Much like the aforementioned Superstar, the elements are exaggerated and oversized to emphasize design features, such as the overlays across the upper. If they look slightly familiar, it could be because the design borrows inspiration from the Adistar Cushion 3.

Release date: Aug. 15

SKU: JP9261

Retail: $300

Tyrese Maxey’s superhero moment

Philadelphia 76ers player Tyrese Maxey has steadily emerged as one of the bright young stars in the NBA, thanks to his impressive on-court performance. Now, New Balance looks to capitalize on his budding stardom by giving Maxey his first official collab that’s meant to be worn off the court. The 1906R sports an icy white upper with gold, teal and purple accents, while the Hesi Low features an iridescent purple-to-blue look. Taking inspiration from the All-Star guard’s love of comics, the shoes feature comic book styling on the insoles, along with Maxey’s signature.

Release date: July 31

SKU: BBHSLMM2 (Hesi Low), U1906RTM (1906R)

Retail: $120 (Hesi Low), $160 (1906R)