From Air Jordans to Asics, Nike to New Balance, and every brand in between, countless upcoming sneaker releases have one thing in common: grey. While you might expect bright colors to be on the roadmap of releases for the summer months ahead (and there will undoubtedly be plenty), the most surprising trend in sneakers right now is how hard footwear brands are leaning into grey colorways for the summer. Here’s a look at 6 upcoming summer sneaker releases that utilize shades of grey as their palette.
United Arrows & Sons x New Balance 990v3
New Balance is known for its relentless use of grey tones, so much so that it landed them on the 10 Sneakers Every Sneakerhead Should Own list. While there are no shortages of grey general release New Balance releases this year, the upcoming United Arrows & Sons x New Balance 990v3 adds a stunning new option for those that love a good “Made In The USA” sneaker. If the name United Arrows & Sons sounds familiar, it should. The Japanese brand has been a longtime sneaker collaborator, most notably with their triple-branded collabs with Kith and New Balance
Air Jordan 1 Low Craft “Cement Grey”
If tonal colorways aren’t your thing, Yankee Kicks recently gave us a preview of the Air Jordan 1 Low Craft in a new “Cement” colorway that might be a better option for you. This release takes on the color theme of one of Jordan Brands' most popular releases and gives it new life with a fresh new take on a timeless sneaker. Not only is the colorway new, but the details and materials on these AJ1s look incredible.
Packer x adidas FYW Intimidation
The adidas partnership with Kanye West may have come to a grinding halt last year but that doesn’t mean The Three Stripes doesn’t have some heat up their sleeves. The FYW Intimidation is just one of a handful of retro-inspired silhouettes from adidas that use similar tooling and tones that made Yeezys popular. FYW, aka Feet You Wear, is a tooling and cushioning system that is both a nostalgia trip for the OGs and comfy as can be. While not entirely grey, these upcoming Packer x adidas FYW Intimidation releases keep the grey tones company with tasteful accent colors.
Nike Dunk Low Women’s “Light Smoke Grey”
With as popular as it has become in recent years, it would be a shame if we couldn’t find a Nike Dunk to include in this list. Thankfully, Nike is on top of things and has recently unveiled the “Light Smoke Grey” Dunk Low. This women’s only release not only uses shades of grey in the classic Dunk color blocking but the materials planned for this one replace traditional leather with more breathable synthetics, which make it perfect for summer.
Air Jordan 1 Low “Atmosphere Grey”
Just a few days before the official end of summer on September 18th, Jordan Brand will be dropping one of the cleanest “new” colorways on the iconic Air Jordan 1. The “Atmosphere Grey” Air Jordan 1 Low combines shades of grey with the ever-popular “Sail” colorway that will be perfect for those heading back to school and looking for something fresh to wear.
Air Jordan 1 Low KO “Shadow”
The “Shadow” colorway made famous by the Air Jordan 1 High OG might lean more into black but since it’s releasing on the AJ1KO Low for the first time ever, we had to include it on this list. Expected to drop this summer, the AJKO Low uses a canvas upper and traditional AJ1 color blocking to create one of the most everyday wearable lowkey releases of the summer.
BONUS: Air Jordan 2 “Cool Grey” and Air Jordan 2 “Cement”
With all the new Air Jordan 2 colorways dropping this year, is it safe to say that the most underappreciated early Jordan model is having a moment? Thanks to familiar colorways like “Cool Grey” and “Cement” releasing in the coming weeks, it sure seems like it.
With all of these easy-to-wear sneaker releases for summer, be sure to check out our 5 Tips For Keeping Your Sneakers Clean, so when you’re done rockin’ them, your sneakers are ready to go back on display in your Sneaker Throne.
