Here Are the Best Sneakers Dropping in Europe This Weekend

There’s no shortage of sneakers being released at any one time, and whether that seems like a good or bad thing probably depends on your viewpoint of the culture right now. What is guaranteed, however, is that every week will have at least one drop to pique someone’s interest. And, in that vein — as always — we’ve scoured Europe’s best sneaker stores and whittled down all the choices to find the best of the best of what’s available.

And the theme for this week’s sneaker drops? Back to the future. While modern basketball styles are struggling to sell, the retro category is booming. As NPD’s Matt Powell points out in his Sneakernomics column, retro basketball shoes have been popular for more than a decade now, while classic runners and tennis styles (hello, Stan Smith) have been gaining pace. So, with this in mind, it’s no surprise to see Jordan Brand bring back the Air Jordan XIII back, Nike SB continue to tweak the Dunk High, or a new colorway of the iconic Foamposites. The big shoe comeback this week, however, is the return of the first ever Nike Flyknit — originally released back in 2012.

And, while collaborations have long moved on from across-the-board big deal status to being part of the regular sneaker game, a new cache of brands have come together this week with link-ups ranging from high fashion/sportswear mashups to the triple company hook-up. The former comes in the form of an ALYX x Vans collab, while the latter finds adidas Consortium uniting with Alife and Starcow. And, of course, we’d be remiss to leave out CLOT’s take on Nike’s VaporMax — finally be appearing on European shores. Read on to see just where to get your hands on the best shoes out this week.

Nike Flyknit OG “White/Black”

Release Price: £129.95 from Nike

It’s easy to forget just how groundbreaking Nike’s first flyknit shoe was. Back in 2012, the idea of knitting a sneaker was near unheard of and now we’ve all grown so accustomed to the idea that people expect every shoe to receive the flyknit treatment. Now fans of the original shoe can get their hands on the model once again, with Nike making the decision to re-introduce the silhouette. Whether you couldn’t get a pair when they first dropped or your original pair have been worn to death, now’s your chance.

Nike SB Dunk High Pro “Gino”

Release Price: £94.95 from Nike

Nike SB continues to tinker with its favorite silhouette – the Dunk High — this time celebrating the 15th anniversary of this model, bringing back the 2002 edition chosen by Nike SB-sponsored Gino Iannucci. The shoe is as no-frills and functional as ever, mixing a perforated leather upper with black suede panels for that sleek signature look.

Nike SF AF-1 Mid “Dark Hazel”

Release Date: July 28
Release Price: £119.95 from Nike

As ever, Nike pushes on with the release of new iterations of the SF AF-1 shoe, this time keeping things as subtle and as minimal as possible with the new “Dark Hazel” edition. Using a blend of materials on the upper, there’s ripstop nylon and two types of grain leather on top of a dark gum outsole making for a versatile yet distinct look.

CLOT x Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit

Release Date: July 28
Release Price: N/A, pairs are purchasable via raffle at Sneakersnstuff

This one is finally out in Europe after dropping in the US last week to much excitement. For its part, Nike has been slowly releasing new colorways of the VaporMax and has now taken the step of teaming up with CLOT for this super limited-edition number. Edison Chen’s label is one of the select few who’ve been able to use this silhouette, with the brand seizing the opportunity and giving the shoe a bold all-red makeover.

Pharrell Williams x adidas Originals Tennis Hu “Multicolor” Pack

Release Date: July 28
Release Price: £94.95 from adidas

adidas’s market growth has often been linked to the sheer wealth of sneakers available from the company right now. The company was riding the wave of sales for the Superstar and Stan Smith for some time but, now that sales for the two shapes are slowing down, the brand has begun to introduce a selection of new silhouettes that — we can presume — will eventually take their place. One such shoe is the Tennis Hu, which the brand has given its official introduction via collaboration with Pharrell Williams. The latest drop is the “statement release” pack, which sees the shoes made available in a variety of brightly colored and distinctly summery hues.

ALYX x Vans Collection

Release Date: July 29
Release Price: £89-£155 from Hanon

OG skate brand Vans has teamed up with ALYX for a wide-ranging new collaboration, based around the shoes that label founder Matthew Williams was personally into during his youth. Utilising the OG Style 138, 29 and 43 respectively, the color-blocked result is a surprisingly easygoing collaboration that’ll work for you whether you’re into ALYX’s more statement mainline wear or not.

Nike Dunk Low “BSMNT”

Release Date: July 29
Release Price: N/A, available from London-based pop-up shop, location to be revealed on The Basement Instagram

In a surprise move, Nike has teamed up with London-based online community The Basement for a pair of Dunk Low’s. The choice of shoe is a leftfield one but it works, with the group — led in the design phase by 18-year old Daniel Pacitti — creating a collab that manages the rare feat of using nine different types of material on the upper and still looking cohesive.

adidas Consortium x Alife x Starcow “Sneaker Exchange” Pack

Release Date: July 29
Release Price: €150 for Stan Smith (OVERKILL), €150 for Gazelle (OVERKILL)

For the latest instalment of its sneaker exchange program, adidas Consortium has teamed up with both Alife and Starcow. Together, the trio chose a pair of Stan Smiths and adidas Gazelles respectively, embossing the Smith while giving the Gazelle a clean beige look. While the latter is a shoe that’s never quite taken hold elsewhere, it remains a firm European favorite — we advise keeping a close eye on this one.

Air Jordan XIII Retro “History of Flight”

Release Date: July 29
Release Price: £169.95 from Nike

The latest retro release from Jordan brand comes in the form of the XII. The “History of Flight” pack was originally released for the company’s 25th anniversary back in 2009 and, like most commemorative Jordan’s, the shoe includes some design features that act as nods to the person behind the brand – this time coming in Jordan’s famed Chicago colors. We’re expecting this one to sell out fast, so keep your online trigger fingers at the ready.