From advanced training sneakers to some handsome suede derbies
Published
August 15, 2025
Published
August 15, 2025
Photography
Courtesy
Note
Items featured in this story are independently selected by the editorial team. Purchasing via our links may earn Valet. a portion of the sale, which helps fund our editorial mission.
Summer’s winding down, but there’s no reason your footwear rotation has to. There are so many great styles dropping these days, we thought we would pull a few of our current favorites to showcase. From a pair of advanced training sneakers and a monochromatic take on the Nike Dunk to some handsome suede derbies, these are the kicks our team can’t stop talking about.
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JJJJound’s latest link-up with Salomon is a lesson in how to make a technical trail shoe feel effortlessly refined. This round offers two distinct colorways—one in a bold blue with contrast hits of yellow and black, the other in a moody charcoal and black combo. Both are finished with a pop of red branding for just the right amount of flash. The XT-6 is built for serious outdoor performance, but JJJJound’s eye for clean, considered palettes makes these just as comfortable navigating city streets as muddy trails.
If you’re looking for a shoe that nails the desk-to-dinner transition, this is it. Handmade in Italy, the Artflex Derby is built from vegetable-tanned leather that’s soft right out of the box but will only get better the more you wear it. The robust rubber sole adds a rugged touch and all-day comfort, while the timeless derby silhouette keeps things looking sharp. It’s the kind of understated, well-made shoe that works just as well with tailored trousers as it does with your favorite jeans and a crocheted shirt.
The Megablast builds on Asics’s beloved Superblast model, but upgrades the ride with a fresh, springy midsole foam that delivers more bounce without the bulk. It’s impressively lightweight, with a generous stack height for plush cushioning mile after mile (after mile, after mile). Whether you’re training for a race or just want something that makes your everyday runs more fun, these deliver that effortless, propulsive feel that turns workouts into something you look forward to.
Now here’s a fresh spin on a skate-era classic. This new Dunk Low Pro B (introduced by Nike just before the turn of the new millennium) comes wrapped in rich Sequoia nubuck, contrasted with pale green panels and a matching outsole. The padded tongue and collar give it that unmistakable Pro B comfort, while the muted, earthy tones make it easier to work into your everyday wardrobe. They’ve got the durability for the skatepark, but they’ll look just as good paired with relaxed chinos and a denim shirt.
Part of New Balance’s ongoing revival of early-2000s runners, this 2002R gets a luxe makeover courtesy of premium suede and breathable mesh in soft, neutral tones. Underfoot, you still get all the modern cushioning and stability tech the brand’s known for, so they’re as comfortable as they are easy on the eyes. The palette makes them endlessly versatile, and the subtle retro vibes are a nice nod to the era that inspired them—without feeling like a straight-up throwback.
